USA Today via Reuters
Jan 18, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets shooting guard James Harden (13) and power forward Kevin Durant (7) high five during the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Barclays Center. The Nets defeated the Bucks 125-123. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 18, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets shooting guard James Harden (13) and power forward Kevin Durant (7) high five during the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Barclays Center. The Nets defeated the Bucks 125-123. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
When talking about the biggest contenders to come out of the Eastern Conference, one cannot leave out the Brooklyn Nets. Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden have helped the team in achieving the super team status in the league.
Although the three superstars took some time to gel together, they are now an unstoppable force. Furthermore, the team recently added another star caliber to the roster in Blake Griffin. Griffin will at least solve some of the issues for the team on the defensive end of the floor.
Considering their roster right now, there is hardly any team that might stop them from making it to the NBA Finals, besides the 76ers. The 76ers’ duo of Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid are playing sensationally this season.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
As a result, Philly holds the first seed in the Eastern Conference. But if these teams were to face in the ECF this season, the Nets might have a slight edge over Philly.
76ers president Daryl Morey talks about the Brooklyn Nets
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 13, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) and forward Kevin Durant (7) rest near the team bench during a timeout against the Golden State Warriors in the fourth quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
The 76ers hired Morey this season, and that decision has done wonders for them. Morey has built an excellent squad to compete in the postseason. Despite that, Morey believes it’s annoying that the Nets have a super team. He said:
“I mean, it’s annoying. I would rather have all the good players in the West. So that’s probably annoying. But you know, everything else will get me fined, I think.”
“I mean, it's annoying. I would rather have all the good players in the West. So that’s probably annoying. But you know, everything else will get me fined, I think.”
Daryl Morey on the Nets’ superteamhttps://t.co/oyT0fh4aCH pic.twitter.com/M3JZaBBU6I
— The Crossover (@TheCrossover) March 8, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Facing against a super team is a nightmare for any organization. Moreover, the Nets have three of the best offensive stars that fans have seen in this generation. But if there is a silver lining for the conference leaders, it is the fact that they are a defensive juggernaut.
ALSO READ | Kevin Durant’s Championship Resume: How many Rings does the NBA Superstar Have Under his Belt?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Simmons and Embiid duo are capable of holding their own against offensive powerhouses. So, if the two sides matchup in the playoffs, it will be a battle of offense vs defense.
Which side will emerge victorious? Will it be the Nets or the 76ers? Let us know your views on this potential matchup in the comments section down below.
