Brooklyn Nets: The Joy of Sixth

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

WEDNESDAY

Hawks  100

NETS   116

FINAL

Brooklyn Nets: Flatbush Playing .764 Ball Since Snapping Eight Game Skid Back on Dec. 7 Against Toronto.

Brooklyn's hard work is going under-spoken.  Very simply, the local media is generally ignoring what is presently the better story in town.

But I'll save that for another day ...

In my humble opinion, Kenny's Kids have earned enough credibility this season to at least have last Monday's lopsided loss at Boston expunged from of our collective short-term memories.  Both teams entered that game tied for the the best record against Atlantic Division opponents.

The Nets season was off to an 8-10 start when on Nov. 13 Caris Levert sustained a foot injury.  Yet, the players remained committed to each other, exhibiting commendable resiliency throughout their ensuing eight-game losing streak.  After which, their continuing perseverance in the face of more recent and mounting injuries should likewise be applauded.  Already playing minus Caris LeVert, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, and Allen Crabbe, the Nets now lose Jared Dudley during Wednesday night's 116-100 victory over the Atlanta Hawks at Barclays.

Their victory over the Hawks gives them 21 for the season (21-22), to date, which presently ranks them sixth in the Eastern Conference standings ahead of the Heat and Hornets.  This season in particular has been an education in finishing and closing out games.  That being said, the Nets are now closer to the end of the season than its start.  In the aftermath of LeVert's injury and their ensuing eight-game slide, the Nets are 13-4 over their last 17 games.

In Kenny Atkinson's first ever season (2016-2017) as a head coach, the Nets finished with a 20-62 record.  Last season, the Nets did not win their 21st game until Mar. 8 (against 45 losses), en route to a 28-52 season.  This season, the Nets win their 21st game on Jan. 9, which by the way evens the Nets record (11-11) at home, finally.

However, they're still -0.4 in point differential.

They've nevertheless set themselves up for what should be a interesting, if not very entertaining second-half of the season (trade deadline, included).

I'll simply leave off by reaffirming my belief that Flatbush is absolutely going about this the right way.