Brooklyn Nets: Flatbush Waves Victory Flag at Motor City

From the desk: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

YEAR TEN

FRIDAY

Nets     96

PISTONS  90

FINAL

Much of what transpired Friday night at Detroit effectively described the first nine games of the Brooklyn Nets 2021-2022 season.

For just the second time in nine games, the Nets held their opponent to under 90 shots.  Conversely, Flatbush was outshot by their opponent for the ninth time in as many games to start the season.  But for as long as the competition continues with a poor (or poorer) shooting percentage, the Nets continue to get away with it, winning two of every three games played.

The Pistons put up seven more attempts than Brooklyn, all from beyond the arc.  But whereas the Nets converted 11/27 (40.7%) for 33 points, Detroits was 11/34 (32.4%) to forge a draw.  The Pistons also had four more attempts from the line to no avail, as both teams converted and equal 13 times.  Detroit was 22/53 (41.5%) from the rest of the field, while the Nets were only slightly more efficient with 25/53 (47.1%) for a six-point advantage and the final margin of victory.

The Nets barely won the battle of the boards but allowed the Pistons seven offensive rebounds and only secured four of their own.  Detroit was also plus-three in points off turnovers and plus-four in points in the paint.

All of which discussed here have been recurring characteristics.

Kevin Durant led the floor with 29 points and tied for a game-high with ten rebounds.  He accounted for 27 (50.9%) of Brooklyn's 80 total shot attempts.  The rest of the Nets accounted for 53 shots.  James Harden finished 3/5 from beyond the arc and was 4/4 from the line for 13 points along with ten rebounds and a game-high ten assists to complete the triple-double.  

Blake Griffin also "broke out" for 13 points on 5/8 from the field but only 1/4 from three.  Blake's starting mate Bruce Brown chipped in ten points in 26 minutes.  After an 18 point performance against the Hawks, Joe Harris scored a quiet seven points to round out the starters.  

LaMarcus Aldridge led the bench effort with 16 points, five boards, and a block in 21 minutes.