USA Today via Reuters
Dec 13, 2020; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets head coach Steve Nash yells out instructions in the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 13, 2020; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets head coach Steve Nash yells out instructions in the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
At this moment, the Brooklyn Nets are looking like championship contenders. This is no surprise given how much hype was behind their team ahead of the start of the NBA season.
The dynamic tandem of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant were all set to debut on the opening night of the new NBA season. To make things better, Durant’s first official game back was against the Golden State Warriors.
At this point, the Nets have trounced the Golden State Warriors, and have put on a show. Kyrie Irving put on a show, getting 24 points and 2 assist in the first half alone. Kyrie did not look like he was capable of missing shots, going 9 for 13.
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USA Today via Reuters
Dec 18, 2020; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) controls the ball away from Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
While Kevin Durant has looked a little reserved, he still posted an impressive 12 points in the first half. One can only imagine how dangerous KD will be once he gets into his full groove.
But so far, the one thing that has stood out for the Brooklyn Nets is their depth. Despite having two of the most naturally gifted scorers in the league, there are several scoring options available for the Nets, and players who can fulfill other roles on the team.
Brooklyn Nets have great depth
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Spencer Dinwiddie, Caris LeVert, Jarrett Allen, Joe Harris, and DeAndre Jordan have been putting away many of their opportunities and forcing the Warriors’ offense into several uncomfortable positions.
USA Today via Reuters
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) drives to the basket past Brooklyn Nets center DeAndre Jordan (6) during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
The one thing that stood out in the Nets’ performances was how well they defended. The Nets kept Steph Curry quiet for most of the game. Historically, that has proven a challenge for many teams in the NBA. Curry did not get the usual looks he gets from beyond the arc.
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While it is very early days, the Nets’ performance needs to be applauded. It can be easy to become complacent when you have two of the best players in the NBA on your team. But the other players have stepped up big time and put away most of their chances.
If the Nets can continue their opening night momentum across the NBA season, they may be favorites to reach the NBA Finals from the Eastern Conference.
