Brooklyn Nets Generosity at the Line Belies Their Efforts

From the desk of: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
2019   PLAYOFFS   2020

GAME ONE

Nets      115

Raptors 134

FINAL

THE SCORE   ~   THE ARC   ~   THE STRIPE   ~   THE LOSS

During the first 64 regular season games prior to the Covid intermission Flatbush averages 111.8-points for and 112-points against.  Once in the bubble they close out the regular season with a 5-3 record, averaging an elevated 119.8-points per game and an identical 119.8-points against.

Versus Toronto the Nets stay true by scoring their obligatory 115 points.  However, they lose by a 24-point decrepancy.  Where this differential exists is easily identifiable.  I keep looking from the score, to the free throw line, then the arc, then back to the score, to the free throw line, to the arc and repeat.

When the clock is frozen the Nets get in trouble.  They continually issue their opponent anywhere from 24 to 29 free throw attempts per game.  Meanwhile, Brooklyn does not get to the stripe nearly as many times, and when there they oft times perform poorly - Monday's game is the latest example (68% from the line).  Toronto becomes Brooklyn's second opponent since entering the bubble to attempt upwards of thirty shots from the line.  The last time Brooklyn whistled away thirty-plus attempts (35) came during a 149-115 blowout against the Celtics - Point Differential: +34 in favor of the Celtics.

The teams are near even on the boards, 47-45, in favor of the Raptors, but Brooklyn does a better job of distribution with 33 assists versus 26 for Toronto.  And the field goal exchange against Toronto is negligible and here's why: Coach Vaughn's mid-range game is working.


3-Point Point Differential: +27 points in favor of TORONTO

• Nets: 32% on 13/42 from the arc for 39 points.
• Raptors: 50% on 22/44 from the arc for 66 points.

All Other FG Point Differential: +24 points in favor of NETS

• Nets shoot 60% on 30/50 from everywhere else for 60 points.
• Raptors shoot 43.9% on 18/41 from everywhere else for 36 points.

Total FG/Points Differential: + 3 in favor of TORONTO

• Nets: 99 points
• Raptors: 102 points

The Free Throw Files

I - vs. FINAL EIGHT

• Nets last eight regular opponents shoot 81.4% on 171/210 from the line, averaging per game 80% on 21/26 from the line.

• Meanwhile, the Nets shoot just 75.9% on 142/187 from the line, averaging per game 73% on 17/23 from the line.

• Point Differential: +23 points in favor of opponents

II - vs. TORONTO RAPTORS

Toronto's Frank VanFleet leads game one with 30 points.  Of all people he is the lone Toronto Raptor all game to miss a free throw:

Free Throw Point Differential: +21 points in favor of the RAPTORS.

• Nets are 68.8% on 11/16 from the stripe, for eleven points.
• Raptors are 97% on 32/33 from the stripe, for 32 points.  

Thirty-five attempts by Boston leads to a 34-point loss, and now thirty-three attempts by Toronto lead to a 24-point loss.

We know Flatbush made it this far minus many of their starters and key members off the bench.  They deserve credit for being as consistent as they've been, including Monday's opening match against the Raptors.  The Nets were not blown out.  I still expect an extended series.

That said, I've been telling myself the Nets will get nowhere without substantial contributions from everyone not named Joe Harris, Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert.  In major need of one of Timothe Luwawu Cabarrot's patented "24-point" efforts, on Monday he scores a team leading and personal season high 26-points in 33 minutes off the bench.  Jarrett Allen goes double-double with fifteen points and a game high eleven rebounds.  Joe Harris puts in a standard night with 19 points and 3/5 from the arc.  Caris LeVert only converts on 5/14 attempts from the field, and goes 0/3 from the arc for 15 points, but easily leads the floor in ball distribution with 15 assists.

Hello, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, good to see you again.