BK Nets: A Team Grows In Brooklyn

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

Game Three Final

Heat      90

NETS  104

BROOKLYN NETS: Someone Please Advise George Carl The Nets Play On Flatbush Avenue Now, But That We Appreciate His Minimalist Comments Anyway.

For his part, Jason Kidd again proved adept at making adjustments.  Just ask the 12 Nets players who touched the floor in Game Three.  It was evident in the Nets reaction to double-teams, and their overall ball movement.  It was evident in Kidd's decision to reinsert Andrei Kirilenko, who, after a DNP in Game Two, played brilliant defense over 19 minutes.

It should not go under spoken how hard it is to get teams tp buy into playing defense.  Yet Coach Kidd got his guys to reinvest themselves.  After allowing 52 points in the paint in Game One, the Nets allowed 34 in Game Two, then allowed just 26 in Game Three.  The Nets additionally held the Heat under 20 points in both the 2nd and 3rd quarters.

The Nets also wound up limiting the Heat to just 13 assists for the game, and out-rebounded them 43-27, with Andray Blatche leading all players with 10 boards off the bench.

Six of Jason Kidd's payers scored in double-digits - all dropping near 20 points each.  While the bench, led by Mirza Teletovic, Andrei Kirilenko, and Andray Blatche, inspired the still learning Brooklyn fans how to finally host a raucous playoff game.

Teletovic made particular impact with 12 points in 19 minutes.  All 7 of his shots from the field came from beyond the arch, and he connected on 4 of them.  He also pulled down 6 rebounds.  But, it was Andray Blatche who blistered the Heat with a personal career playoff high 15 points (and 10 rebounds).  He was 5 for 10 from the field, and damn near broke Chris Bosh's ankles with a devastating cross over move in the paint.

The Brooklyn crowd was on its game Friday, their best performance by far.  So were the Nets, who shot 52.8% from the field.  When the Nets shoot with that kind of accuracy, they most often win games.  It's when they fall to the 33%-35% range when things seemingly go awry.

Deron Williams was not among the team's double-digit scorers, but his did issue a game high 11 assists, and led the floor with a +18 rating in 40 minutes.  It was Joe Johnson who once again led the Nets with 19 points, on 7/10 shooting from the field.  Kevin Garnett contributed 10 points and 7 rebounds.

Another way of saying all this is, the Nets handed the Heat their first defeat of the 2013-14 playoffs, while another raucous night at Barclays Center awaits.




Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: Flatbush Taking Their Talents To South Beach

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

!Nos Vamos a Miami ~ We're Going To Miami!

Brooklyn Wins Series Over Toronto 4-3

I - BKN 94; TOR 87

II - TOR 100; BKN 95

III - BKN 102; TOR 98

IV - TOR 87; BKN 79

V - TOR 115; BKN 113

VI - BKN 97; TOR 83

VII - BKN 104; TOR 103

2013-2014

NBA PLAYOFFS

ROUND TWO

GAME ONE

BROOKLYN NETS

vs.

Miami Heat

FROM

The Rony Seikaly Green House

BROOKLYN NETS: If Paul Pierce is The Truth, then Kevin Garnett was The Difference.

In seven games against the Raptors, Garnett averaged 20 minutes, 8.4 points, and 5.4 rebounds.  The real story however, was told in games Six and Seven.

In the first five games of the series, KG averaged 17.8 minutes, 6.8 points, and 4.4 rebounds.  Those averages include a deflating Game Five, in which he was relegated (along with Paul Pierce) to the bench in the 4th quarter after playing only 12 minutes, and scoring 4 points with 2 rebounds.  Those five game averages are similar, if not quite up to par with KG's regular season averages of 20.5 minutes, 6.5 points, and 6.6 rebounds in 54 games played.

However, in games Six and Seven, KG averaged 26 minutes, 12.5 points, and 8 rebounds.  He posted double-digit points in each game, and in the series finale, posted a double-double (11 rebounds) for the only time in 7 games.  That's called showing up when it counts.

You also have to give him credit for his work at the other end of the floor.  Kevin Garnett was a defensive presence throughout the series, and helped neutralize Jonas Valanciunas, after the Raptors center went wild in Game One.  Garnett kept the overall battle of the boards honest.

Now we're really going to find out how much The Big Ticket has left in his tank.  He will turn 38-years old this month.  He missed 30 games in March with a cranky back, but, one month later, he appears free of discomfort.  Tuesday will technically only be his 62nd game of the year, and so Kevin Garnett might be fresher than he might otherwise have been.

In fact, his last two games more resemble his November production, than some old guy struggling to hold on. Last November he averaged 22.6 minutes, 6.4 points, and 8.4 rebounds a night.  It's the month when Garnett scored his season high 16 points, and brought down a season high 14 rebounds.  So maybe Garnett is indeed feeling fresher than anticipated.

Thanks to Garnett, and Paul Pierce, and Alan Anderson, Marcus Thornton, Shaun Livingston, Andray Blatche, Mirza Teletovic, Mason Plumlee, Andrei Kirilenko, and yes, Deron Williams, this year's Nets did what last year's version could not.  Billy King's team advanced to the second round.  And make no mistake, this is Billy King's team.  But, I don't think he's breathing a huge sigh of relief having escaped the f***ing Raptors alive.  There is still a mandate in place.

However, I small measure of congratulations are still in order.  Brooklyn has their first ever NBA Game Seven playoff victory.  For the Borough, and the brief story that is Brooklyn basketball, that's significant.

I know.  But, what of Joe Johnson?  Yes, where on earth would Flatbush be without Joe Johnson, who's contract was widely criticized upon his acquisition?  While he was already noted for hitting big shots since his Atlanta days, whether fairly or not, he also developed a reputation for disappearing for stretches, if not games at a time, which was not easily shaken upon his initial arrival in Brooklyn.

Last season, he was hobbled by a foot ailment, that sometimes was mistakenly viewed as recurring withdrawal on his part.  But this season, ever since Brook Lopez went down, Joe Johnson has been the undisputed leader, and the team's primary offensive weapon.  He basically had his way with Toronto, and is the primary reason why Brooklyn's 2nd NBA season will continue deeper into Spring.

Joe Cool, 32, ended the regular season averaging 32 minutes, 15.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and shot 45% from the field.  His numbers were actually slightly down from his first season in Brooklyn.

With perhaps the exception of Game Four, when Toronto threw double, and triple teams at Joe, the Raptors had no real answer, and could not stop Joe Johnson in 6 of the 7 games.  For the series, Johnson averaged 40 minutes, 21.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and shot 52% from the field.   By comparison, DeMar DeRozan shot 38%, and Kyle Lowry shot 40% from the field.

In Game Seven, Joe led the Nets with 26 points.  After getting limited to just 7 points in Game Four, he roared back in Game Five with a Nets high 32 points, albeit in a 115-113 losing effort.  In all, he scored 24+ points 4 times in the series.  He figures to draw Dwayne Wade in the next series, and should enjoy another size advantage.

For Joe Johnson's beleaguered back court mate, it's time for Deron Williams to regroup, address some issues, an prepare for LeBron James and the Miami Heat.

Moving forward, he needs to limit his turnovers, which at 2.7 for the series doesn't seem like much, it's just they came at the absolute worst times.  Ideally, he needs to stay aggressive and continue driving the lane.  It's getting him to the free throw line just fine, but, that's where a preponderance of his 18 turnovers have occurred.

No one is questioning his effort, but when his shooting from the field plummets to 30% levels, his game seemingly unravels, and the Nets correspondingly suffer.  He was only 3/8 (37%) from the field in Game Seven, but 7/10 from the line, and tied with Joe Johnson with (only) 4 assists.

In games One, Three and Six victories, Deron combined to shoot 23/50 (46%) from the field, averaging 23 points, and 5 assists.  In three Nets losses, Deron was 12/34 (35%) from the field, averaging 12 points, and a slightly higher 6.6 assists, mostly due to his 9 assist performance in Game Five's loss.

My last word involves the last shot of Game Seven.  Upon receiving the in-bounds pass, Kyle Lowry had three Nets players blanketing him where ever he attempted to go.  When detoured, Garnett cause him to mishandle, and Paul Pierce ultimately closed out the game with a blocked shot.

That said, how about Jason Kidd getting a bunch of very veteran players collectively buying into playing defense, throughout the season, and through Round One no less?

The additions of Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett indeed made a difference this season, and we're about to find out how much farther all these Nets can go.

With regards to 4 regular season meetings against Miami, the Nets swept the series, but, 3 of the 4 games were only decided by a single point - (just like Game Seven against the Raptors.....)

Nets Swept Season Series 4-0

I - BKN 101; MIA 100

II - BKN 104; MIA 95

III - BKN 96; MIA 95

IV - BKN 88; MIA 87

You know what I say - once is an event, twice is a coincidence, and three times starts a trend.

Defense indeed.

It's time to trade in Toronto's sweater weather, for the Heat of South Beach.

Flatbush, meet Collins Avenue - Collins Avenue, meet Flatbush.




Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: Will The Real Flatbush Five Please Stand Up

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

The Phantom of 2013 Strike Again!

Raptors lead Series 3-2

GAME FIVE FINAL:

Nets        113

Raptors  115

BROOKLYN NETS: They Almost Pushed The Rock All The Way Up The Mountain, But Ultimately Watched It Roll Back Into The Valley.  No One Cares How Close They Came. They Just Want The Freakin' Rock On Top Of The Mountain.

BROOKLYN FACING ELIMINATION ON HOME COURT

GAME SIX

Toronto Raptors

vs.

Brooklyn Nets

FROM

Barclays Center

Flatbush Avenue at Atlantic Avenue

Starting at 101-101, the score in the 4th quarter was tied several times.  This came with Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett on the bench.  After the Nets came back the way they did, you can't really knock Jason Kidd for putting them there.  But, just as I said after Game One....

....more than anything, he (KG) combined with Paul Pierce in handling the ball with very sure hands in the closing three minutes of the game. His ability to gain the high elbow, and pass back and forth with Paul Pierce on the wing, without panic, exemplified their respective playoff experience at its finest.

Too bad much of the blame for Sunday's loss went to Andray Blatche for misplaying the ball in the closing seconds. I'll just say that in the closing moments, Jason Kidd had less sure players on the floor.  But, please point to an otherwise miserable team performance before everyone piles on Blatche.

The Brooklyn Nets must now win two in a row, or get bounced from the post-season.  They get to play at home tonight, but must travel back to Toronto and win there as well, should they prevail in Barclays Center first.

Now we'll get to see if investing in all this experience will pay off.  Billy King took a a major gamble and spent a lot of dollars assembling this team.  For them to get bounced in the first round would be a colossal failure.

The GM of the Raptors hasn't said too many bright things, but, among his more rational musings was, be careful what you ask for - in reference to the Nets positioning themselves for a first round match-up with Toronto.  That plan is now only 60 minutes away from backfiring.

We know what needs to be done.  No use beating Deron Williams over the head.  He'll have enough to deal with regardless whether the Nets win or lose this series.  His criticisms have piled high since Game One.

Keep the team of 2013 in the closet, and unleash the team we saw between January and April.




Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: Game Three - Jason's Kidds Narrowly Avoid Accident On Flatbush Avenue

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

Flatbush Leads Series 2-1

I - BKN 94; TOR 87

II - TOR 100; BKN 95

III - BKN 102; TOR 98

IV - SUNDAY @ BKN

V - BKN @ TOR

VI - TOR @ BKN

VII - BKN @ TOR

Game Three Final:

Raptors  98

NETS   102

BROOKLYN NETS: Flatbush Hoops Blow 15 Point Lead To Make Things Uncomfortable Down The Stretch.

Everything almost went according to plan.  The crowd was good enough, and the Nets similarly played good enough to win.  To be honest though, the crowd could have been better, at least in the first quarter, and the Nets could have played better, after all, they let a 15 point lead dwindle down to one with less than a minute left in the game.  Truth be told, Toronto screwed themselves in the closing minute by hoisting a series of bricks from the free throw line.

Now, because I live here, there's every chance I might be over critical of last night's game, but, when I see guys like Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett buying into their Brooklyn experience more than perhaps some of the ticket holders, well..........  there's something about last night that wreaks to me of underachievement, or lacking killer instinct.

This is a resilient borough, but I warned you apathy runs deep here.  The Brooklyn Dodgers were not called The Bums for nuthin'.  Either that, or this place still has a lot to re-learn about being a major league town again.

Be better this Sunday!

The Brooklyn Nets took a 2-1 lead in their best of seven series against the Atlantic Division winning Toronto Raptors.  Joe Johnson continued leading Brooklyn's way with 29-points, which was only one behind DeMar DeRozan's game high 30-points.  Joe was 11/17 (65%) from the field, and 6/9 from the line.  He led all players with 40 minutes.

The Nets won Game Three's points in the paint by a 42-32 spread, largely thanks to Joe Johnson, who is getting to pick his spots on the floor.  Kevin Garnett and Mason Plumlee combined on 30 minutes and could only muster 6 points, on 3/7 from the floor, and 0-2 from the line.  They only pulled down 6 rebounds and blocked one shot.

Deron Williams was 3rd on the scoring list, with 22 points, and issued a game high 8 assists.  He was 50% from the field on 7/14 shooting.  There was a point we saw the angry Deron again, which is a good thing.  He glared at a few Raptors when the game started getting physical.  That was a look missing since Deron torched Phoenix for 28 points, in the first game after John Wall lit him up for 33 points on March 15th in Washington.

Shaun Livingston's contributions however remain minimal.  Be it because of Toronto's effort, a compromised toe, or feeling ill, Livingston has yet to give Brooklyn a true back court edge the three provided together during the regular season.  Yet, he led the Nets with 6 rebounds Friday.

Brooklyn closed the rebounding gap considerably over Game Two.  This time they only got out done by a 35-29 margin.  Defensive rebounds were almost even, but Toronto pulled down 5 more offensive rebounds than did Brooklyn.

However, the Nets defensive effort is still causing an abundance of Raptors turnovers.  They also continue to keep Kyle Lowry somewhat bottled up, and finally came up with a measurable defense against Jonas Valanciunas.

Andray Blatche fueled Brooklyn off the bench with 18 minutes, 12 points and 4 rebounds.  He was 2/3 from the floor and a perfect 8/8 from the line.

The Nets must continue holding court in Flatbush.  Sunday's Game Four at Barclays Center is set up for them to take a 3-1 strangle hold on the series.  Let's see what kind of killer instinct they play with then.




Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: Game One - Raptors Foiled By THE TRUTH

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

2013-2014

NBA PLAYOFFS ~ ROUND ONE

GAME ONE FINAL:

NETS     94

Raptors  87

BROOKLYN NETS: "The Truth" - Paul Pierce Offers Up A Lesson In The Fine Art Of Closing Out Playoff Games.

Nine of Paul Pierce's Fifteen Points Came In The Final 3:30 Of The Game.

Paul Pierce finished unlike any Brooklyn Nets player ever has prior to his arrival.  Game One in Toronto demonstrated exactly why Billy King rolled his dice on Pierce, as well as Kevin Garnett. In the final 2 minutes of the game, the ball was in their hands, and they delivered Brooklyn to victory on the road against a tenacious Raptors team.

From the onset, the Toronto crowd heckled Kevin Garnett - KG SUCKS! - and he did.  Garnett couldn't buy a shot.  The Nets opted to get him the ball early, but he missed the Nets first three attempts of the game.  He was only 1/5 for the game, and 3/6 from the line.  But, his 1st basket came in the 3rd quarter, a free throw, which tied the game 51-51 at the 9:02 mark.  Then, his first field goal of the game was nothing short of clutch.  He gave the Nets a 79-76 lead with 3:30 left. Looking back, they were two of the several stabilizing moments in the game.

Kevin Garnett led the team with 8 rebounds, 7 defensive.  But more than anything, he combined with Paul Pierce in handling the ball with very sure hands in the closing three minutes of the game. His ability to gain the high elbow, and pass back and forth with Paul Pierce on the wing, without panic, exemplified their respective playoff experience at its finest.

For all Kyle Lowry's and Deron Williams' efforts, the respective back courts were still playing to a stalemate with less than 5:00 left in the game - 32 points each.  That's exactly when Paul Pierce started taking over.

Nine of Paul Pierce's 15 points came in the last 3:00 of the game.  With 2:57 to go, Paul Pierce's three-pointer opened up an 82-76 lead.  He followed on his next possession with a layup to make it 84-78 Nets.  At 1:30, he jumper made it 86-78 Nets.  After Greivis Vasquez responded with a three, Paul Pierce answer back with another jumper to give the Nets an 88-81 lead, with just 51.5 seconds left.

Once the Raptors resorted to fouling and stopping the clock, Brooklyn ensured the ball was in Joe Johnson's hands.  Mr.Big Shot nailed 4 free throws in the closing seconds to secure a 94-87 Brooklyn victory.

While Pual Pierce provided the finishing touches in Game One, it was Deron Williams and Joe Johnson who spent Saturday's opening game in the trenches.

Joe Johnson led all players with 45 minutes, while Kyle Lowry was a close second with 44 minutes. Johnson tied for the game lead with 24 points.  Joe also pulled down 8 rebounds, and distributed 8 assists.  He was 62% from the field on 8/13 shooting, and a perfect 8/8 from the line.

Deron Williams issued his opening statement with conviction, and won small victory over Kyle Lowry, who finished with 22 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds.  Deron Williams tied Joe Johnson with a game high 24 points.  He also had 3 assists and a rebound.  Deron was 40% from the field on 8/20 shooting, and 6/6 from the line.

The Nets got out-rebounded again.  Mason Plumlee put himself into foul trouble, and through three quarters, the rebounding disparity was considerable.  Garnett, Joe Johnson and Andray Blatche closed the gap somewhat, but Toronto won the battle by a 45-37 margin.  The Nets had absolutely no answer for Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas, who dominated the glass with 18 rebounds, and also added 17 points, and 2 blocks.

The Raptors also distributed six more (22-16) assists than Brooklyn.

Brooklyn suffered from poor shooting from several members: Garnett 1/5; Blatche 2/5; Mirza Teletovic 1/6; Marcus Thornton 0/4.  That equates to 20% FG average.

Toronto may want to limit their turnovers (17) in Game Two, but at the same token, several Nets just need to improve their accuracy.



Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: The Borough's 2nd NBA Regular Season Is In The Books

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

Season One; 49-33

Season Two; 44-38

BROOKLYN NETS: That's A Wrap On The Second NBA Regular Season In Kings County.

The second NBA regular season of Kings County basketball is complete.  The Brooklyn Nets ended up with a 44-38 regular season record, which, considering their awful start, was quite an impressive achievement.

The early season Nets hardly lived up to the pre-season hype.  They lost their first game of the season to the Cleveland Cavaliers, and things just got worse from there.  In the month of November, the club posted a 5-11 record, and endured a pair of losing streaks, three and five games long.

Another poor 5-9 record in December seemed to be the least of the club's troubles.  Inner turmoil threatened to sabotage Jason Kidd's inaugural season as head coach.  He and assistant coach Lawrence Frank engaged in a heated exchange over philosophy, roles, and matters of control.  In effect, Coach Kidd was forced to seize his own team, and stripped Lawrence Frank of his bench role, and relieved him of his overall coaching duties.  Kidd then reassigned Frank to crunching numbers behind the scenes, and compiling scouting reports.

Compounding problems, on December 20th, center Brook Lopez played his final game of the season.  He first rolled his ankle in November.  Then, after a total of just 17 games, Lopez was ultimately felled by yet another season ending foot/ankle injury.  At the time, he was the team's leading scorer, averaging 20.7 points per game, with 6.0 rebounds.

Deron Williams also missed considerable time early in the season, as ankle issues continued to dog the point guard.  He missed 19 calender days from late November through early December, and another 2 weeks in January.  Once Deron Williams returned, he was back for good.

After Coach Kidd adjusted the starting line-up by shifting Paul Pierce to the four, and inserting Shaun Livingston into the starting line-up, the Nets started turning their season around.

Flatbush posted a 10-3 record in January, highlighted by a pair of five-game winning streaks.  In February, they came down to earth somewhat, but still posted a strong 7-5 record.  In their final game of the month, they closed within two games of .500, with a victory over Denver.

In March, they finally busted through.  On the 3rd of the month, they achieved .500 for the first time of the season with a victory over the Bulls.  In their very next game, they went over .500, with victory over the Timberwolves.  Brooklyn went on to post a pair of three game winning streaks, and one four game streak, and finished the month with a stellar 12-5 record.

Between January and March, the club posted a 29-12 record, and improved their season record to 39-33, which was a 17 game swing from their record at the end of December.

Flatbush ended the April portion of the regular season with a 5-5 record - their worst mark of the new year.  They wound up losing four of their last five games, and their last two in a row.  They additionally finished five victories shy of last year's mark.  However, most would agree, this team is far better equipped for a playoff run than last year's edition.  While many in the media accused Jason Kidd and the team of tanking their last 5 games, in order to align a first round series against Toronto, Jason Kidd merely says he was resting players, and trying to get them healthy for a playoff run.

Just be careful of the soda on the court please.

When the NBA playoffs begin this weekend, the Brooklyn Nets will be the only local team representing New York City.  Their opponent will be the Atlantic Division champs, Toronto Raptors.  Back in October, no one would have thought that.   The Knicks and Nets were pre-season favorites to win the division.  Of course, with a losing record, the Knicks failed to even qualify for the playoffs, while the Nets finished 2nd in the division standings.

At 15.8 points per game, Joe Johnson posted his lowest scoring average since his rookie season. However, his .454 shooting percentage was his 4th best mark.  Make no mistake, Joe Johnson was money this season.  He did not take those confounding nights off, that pockmark his career.  He's been present, and nothing short of clutch this season.

Deron Williams was limited to 64 games this season.  He averaged 14.3 points, and 6.1 assists per game.  Like Joe Johnson, those were Deron Williams' worst averages since his rookie season.  In his final 23 games however, Williams averaged 16 points per game, and 7 rebounds.

Shaun Livingston's play this season presents one of Billy King's largest off-season dilemmas. Somehow, the GM must find a way to retain Livingston, who, after signing for the veterans minimum, will become an unrestricted free agent.  Any player debate regarding team MVP must include him.  He played 76 games, but after Coach Kidd inserted him into the line-up, Shaun started 54 games.  In his 36-minutes per, he averaged 11.5 points, and 4.5 assists.

Paul Pierce averaged less than 30-minutes for the first time in his career.  In fact, he averaged a full 8-minutes below his career 36-minute average.  At 36-years of age, he still impacts games.  Per his 36-minute averages, he gave the Nets 17.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game.  This season, he became only the 18th player in NBA history, to achieve 25,000 points in a career.  Paul is presently the 4th leading active scorer in the league.

Heading into the post-season, the Nets are well positioned at center with the emergence of Mason Plumlee, the return of Kevin Garnett, and with Andray Blatche leading a very strong cast off the bench, which also features Mirza Teletovic and Alan Anderson.

Billy King's 2013-14 acquisitions should not go under spoken.  As noted, Shaun Livingston became invaluable to the Nets this season.  The signing of Andrei Kirilenko, who has played steady minutes lately, is showing how effectively smart he is on the floor.  Marcus Thornton has been flat-out huge since his trade deadline acquisition, and will be coming off the bench launching back-breakers.

Perhaps more so this season than last, the Nets enjoyed a distinct home court advantage.  Arena attendance was strong, and the crowds were Brooklyn loyal and loud.  Barclays Center averaged over 17,000 per home game.   The Nets rewarded their fans with a 28-13 record, and at one point, won 15 consecutive games at home.

With a 44-38 record for the season, that means the Nets struggled on the road.  Indeed, they posted a troublesome 16-25 record away from Flatbush.

Brooklyn's second ever NBA post-season starts Saturday.





Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: Welcome To (Billy) King's County

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

SUNDAY NIGHT FINAL:

Magic   88

NETS   97

Flatbush Improves Season Record To 44-36,

and 28-12 At Barclays Center.

BROOKLYN NETS: Mirza Teletovic and Mason Plumlee Lead Bench Assault Over Magic; Deron Williams Returns With 16 Points.

At present, the overriding sense of the Nets seems considerably better than it did this time last season.  That's somewhat odd considering the team will not match last year's 49 victory total, and Brook Lopez has missed most of another season, yet technically remains the team's leading average scorer.

Despite Sunday's 97-88 victory over the Magic, the next two games against the Knicks, and Cleveland should change little in the Eastern Conference standings.  Brooklyn appears settled into the 5th seed behind the Toronto Raptors, and ahead of the Washington Wizards.

The fact last year's team lost the opening round of the playoffs in seven games to the depleted Chicago Bulls escapes no one.  It was a disappointing ending to say the least.  Gerald Wallace didn't even know what his role was.

This season, Jason Kidd placed everyone exactly where they needed to be.  Except maybe for LeBron James, the Nets have certainly gained league wide attention this season with the way they've surged since January.  But on April 19th, the Nets odyssey to justify all Billy King's off-season maneuverings truly begins.  The general manager has made no secret of where he believes this team should finish.  The owner still has one year left on his championship mandate, but Billy King wants to win now.

In my more pragmatic view, this team must advance to the second round, and still perhaps may need to advance into the conference finals in order for the season to be deemed successful.

BILLY KING'S SUCCESS IS CONNECTED TO THE FOOT BONE

While the Nets are a somewhat versatile, and very deep team when healthy, if Deron Williams doesn't lead them, the Nets won't get far.

According to his 36-minute averages, Deron is averaging 16.0 points, and 7.0 assists this season. But when you start any argument with a cushion, it means you're hiding something.  As such, his regular per-game averages are not as forgiving - 14.3 points, and only 6.2 assists per game.

Observant eyes have watched Williams' game devolve over the last three seasons.  He has yet to recapture his level of play of just two seasons ago, and, his days in Utah are but a dot in the rear view mirror now.  At 29-years old, the burst in his first step is seemingly all but gone.  Ankle problems have no doubt had their effects during his time with the Nets, and he just missed another two games with a sore foot.  All told, he will have missed roughly 20 games this season.

Things may be looking up though.  Over his last 22 games, Deron Williams has averaged 33.6 minutes, 15.1 points, and 5.7 assists.  Over that stretch, he scored 20 points or more 6 times.  He had only done that 7 times in his previous 40 games spanning October through February.  While his numbers still aren't on par with his Utah days, he is nonetheless making modest improvement at the right time.

Sunday evening was Deron's first game back after missing the previous two.  He played 35 minutes against the Orlando Magic, scored 16 points, and had 5 assists.  So, at least there's been a level of consistency about him.

Out of anyone associated with the team, Deron Williams' and Billy King's reputations seem poised to suffer the most.  Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Jason Kidd all have rings, and should be able to walk away from any potential defeat untarnished, and with relative peace of mind.

Billy King, however, failed to achieve a championship with Allen Iverson in Philadelphia, and four years ago, decided to invest max money, and make another run with Deron Williams, who in turn committed to staying in Brooklyn.

After years spent building up to this moment, failing again in Brooklyn, may be harder for him to compartmentalize.  Deron Williams is equally under the microscope, and is expected to perform like the franchise player Billy King thought he traded for.

They both bound themselves to the Borough of Brooklyn, and now both bear the majority of responsibility for winning Flatbush their first NBA title.

THIS IS NO ORDINARY FLATBUSH AVENUE BENCH

While the pressure is certainly on Deron Williams to perform, the weight of the world actually is not.  Shaun Williams is expected back in time for the playoffs, and together with Joe Johnson, Flatbush still boasts one of the more potentially formidable back courts in the league.

Mirza Teletovic led all scorers Sunday night with 20 points off the bench, and pulled down 6 rebounds.  With Teletovic and Mason Plumlee at the forwards, and Andray Blatche at center, there are very few teams in the league that can sub-in entire front courts quite like Brooklyn can.  One of the best things these guys do is get to the line.

Throw Andrei Kirilenko into the mix, while still having a quality two-threat like Marcus Thornton, and the Nets bench almost suffers from an embarrassment of riches.

Kevin Garnett is back, and played extended minutes against the Magic.  Since his return, the battle of the boards has turned back in the Nets favor.  Kevin pulled down 7 rebounds (5 defensive) in 19 minutes.  The Nets out-rebounded the Magic by a 43-31 margin.

Mason Plumlee held down the fort well in Garnett's absence, and continues to be the big man on campus.  His work along the offensive baseline has been highly productive, and his confidence is soaring.  Against the Magic, there were two instances where he was a little lackadaisical with the ball, and turned it over, but that's correctable.  Paying more attention to detail should rectify that. Otherwise, Mason pulled down a game high 11 boards with 5 coming on the offensive end, and completed another double-double with 17 points in 26 minutes off the bench.  The rookie will enter into his first NBA playoffs on the heels of playing his best ball of the season.

Two Games Left In Regular Season:

Tuesday - vs. N.Y. Knicks

Wednesday - @ Cleveland

Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: Look What The Wizards Did To Flatbush, Again

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

Nets Fall Flat Against Washington

FINAL

Flatbush   94

Wizards  101

BROOKLYN NETS: Wizards Complete Three Game Sweep Of Jason's Kids.  Flatbush Gets Bumped Down To 6th In Eastern Conference Standings.

Atlantic Division:
1) - Toronto......37-27
2) - Brooklyn....33-31  4GB
3) - New York...27-40  11.5

Look what John Wall and the Wizards did to the Nets..., again.  This was only Brooklyn's second loss of the month, but to a team they have failed to defeat this season.  John Wall scored 33 points, as the Wizards completed a series sweep.  Their victory also snapped a tie with the Nets for 5th place in the Eastern Conference standings.

At no time throughout the three games, did Brooklyn ever find an answer for Washington's point guard.  In the first meeting, with 17 points, John Wall outscored every Nets player, save Brook Lopez.  In game two, he led Washington with 21 points, on a night 7 Wizards scored in double digits.

Saturday's result - the Wizards overcame a 9 point halftime deficit, and a 10 point deficit inside the 4th, to defeat the Nets by a 101-94 final.

With Kevin Garnett missing his 8th straight game, the Nets continue to get out-rebounded.  But, despite missing Garnett's defense, what the Nets allowed Drew Gooden to do was a bit inexcusable. Playing on a 10-day contract, Gooden was 2nd on the Wizards with 21 points, and pulled down a game high 9 rebounds.  He scored 11 of those points in the 4th quarter.

Brooklyn's free throw shooting was also inefficient.  The Nets missed 7 of 22 attempts, for a 68.2% mark.

For the game, the Nets shot 47.9% from the field.  But, as John Wall and Drew Gooden were taking over in the 4th, the Nets all went cold midway through, at the same damn time.  Once the Wizards captured the lead (for the first time all game) they never looked back.

Although Deron Williams tied for team high with 7 rebounds, and distributed a game high 7 assists, he was the chilliest of them all.  He played a team high 35 minutes, and led the team with 21 shots from the field, but struggled mightily, shooting 2/7 from beyond the arch, and 4/14 from the rest of the floor.

Marcus Thornton had another big game, scoring 19 points to lead the team off the bench.  Deron Williams, Joe Johnson and Paul Pierce were the only starters in double digits.  Mason Plumlee got the start, and added 8 points.  In 31 minutes, Shaun Livingston was very inconsequential, attempting just 5 shots from the field, and 4 free throws.

Andray Blatche has played with mixed results against his former team this season.  In 25 minutes off the bench, he contributed 9 points and 4 rebounds Saturday night.  In game one of the series, he scored 10 and pulled down 13 rebounds.  In game two, he scored 12 points, but managed just 1 board.

Where do the Nets go from here?  The answer is home, for three games at Barclays Center, where they will host Phoenix, Charlotte and Boston.  For the moment, the Suns are on the outside looking in, currently 9th in the Western standings.  Charlotte is biting at the Nets heels, only 2 games behind in the 7th spot of the Eastern standings.  Boston has no doubt struggled this season, but the Nets better be prepared nonetheless.

Back in the Atlantic Division race, after closing to within three games, the Toronto Raptors lead Brooklyn by four again.  The Nets have 18 games left on their schedule.



Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: South Beach Showdown

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

BROOKLYN NETS: The Heat Is On Visiting Brooklyn.

It's time to play in their house now.  The Nets two victories over the Heat this season came at Barclays Center.  Tonight is the first showdown in South Beach.  The two will stage their last regular season meeting in April.

This evening's match-up features the current #2 and #6 teams in the Eastern Conference.  With just 20 games left in the regular season, these teams could very well be heading towards a first or second round encounter.

In their previous meetings, Brooklyn took the Heat down to the final seconds of regulation, and needed overtime in their second meeting, in order to snatch a pair of victories away from Miami.  Therefore, there is much to read into tonight's game.

Kevin Garnett remains out of action with a cranky back.  He has yet to play in March, in which the Nets have posted a 5-1 record.  Among several key reasons, Paul Pierce has been paramount to Brooklyn's success lately, but he enters the game still nursing a sore shoulder.  Some of this should not have come unexpected.  Upon the acquisition, we sensed any nagging injuries at Garnett's and Pierce's age would potentially pose late season problems.

But back then, we also felt bench depth would prevail.  Well, here we are, and so far, Andray Blatche and Mason Plumlee are performing well in place of Garnett.  They'll need to keep it up.  Working against Kevin Garnett's ability to help the team down the stretch, are a series of back-to-back games.  Brooklyn only has one set in March, so this is the time for KG to get healthy.  But in April, Brooklyn faces four back-to-back sets before the regular season ends on the 16th.

LeBron James will no doubt get his points, especially at home, but Mr. Big Shot, Joe Johnson, will need to score his share of points as well.  Minus Brook Lopez, he has been Brooklyn's top scorer, averaging 15.2 points per game this season.  He's had a hot touch of late, shooting 53% from the floor over his last five games.  Joe is a 44% shooter for the season.

The Nets closed to within three games of the Atlantic Division lead, with a victory over Toronto on Monday The Raptors host the substandard Pistons tonight.



Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: Flatbush Is Generating Their Own Heat

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

BROOKLYN NETS: Paul Pierce's 3-Pointer At 1:14 Sticks A Claw Into Raptors.  Now It's Off To South Beach To Combat The Heat.

Toronto's Atlantic Division Lead Cut Down To Three Games

MONDAY FINAL

Toronto  97

NETS   101

I still don't know how the Spurs let that game get away, but I digress...

For as long as the Miami Heat are defending NBA champions, they are the measure of all teams.  The South Beach Cagers are next on the schedule, and perhaps the match up couldn't have come at a better time for the Hoops of Flatbush.

By gaining victory in Monday night's thriller over the division leading Toronto Raptors, the Nets improved to 5-1 in March, 22-9 in 2014, and are now two games over .500 with a 32-30 record - their best mark of the season.  More importantly, they closed to within three games of the Atlantic lead.

With Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, Mason Plumlee, Andray Blatche, and Shaun Livingston on the floor, the Nets completed a 14-0 run, staking them to a 73-60 lead with 4:28 left in the 3rd quarter.  Brooklyn then went cold, while Toronto went on their own three minute long 11-0 run.  The Raptors had closed to with 73-69 with 1:17 left in the quarter.

Kevin Garnett did not play, but Paul Pierce played despite a sore shoulder, and nailed a HUGE clutch 3-pointer to give the Nets a 97-94 lead with 1:14 left in the 4th quarter.  Then following a Deron Williams turnover, the Nets flexed their defense and came up with their own turnover in the defensive end.  Toronto fouled with 0:24 left.  Livingston converted a pair of free throws to give Flatbush a 99-96 lead.  They would eventually secure a 101-97 final over Toronto.

Deron Williams and Shaun Livingston led the team with 18 points each.  Toronto's Kyle Lowry led all scorers with 21 points.  Brooklyn had five players score in double-digits.  Paul Pierce was next in with 15 points, while Joe Johnson dropped 14 points.

Kyle Lowry also led all players with 7 assists, while Deron Williams registered 5 assists to lead the Nets.

Overall, Toronto out-rebounded Brooklyn, but Mason Plumlee tied for game high with 8 boards.

The home team buried the Raptors from 3-point land.  Toronto was 49.3% shooting from the field, and only 6/23 from beyond the arch.  Brooklyn shot 48.6% from the field, and a mighty 11/20, or 55% from 3-point land.

Toronto led by one point at the half, and outscored Brooklyn in the 4th quarter by a 24-23 margin.  The Nets 3rd quarter play was the difference, in which they overcame their halftime deficit, and outscored Toronto by a 28-22 clip.

The Miami heat lead the Southeast Division with a 44-17 record, and are currently 2nd in the Eastern Conference behind Indiana.  The Nets remained in the 6th spot.  The Heat are 3-3 in March, and just ended a 3 game skid with a victory over Washington.  Prior to that, they had won 8 straight games.

The Miami Heat and Brooklyn Nets have two more regular season meetings, the first of which comes Wednesday night.




Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets Get Tenderized On Boards; Hit Another Wall In Loss To Wizards

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

 

WEDNESDAY FINAL:

Wizards   113

NETS       107

BROOKLYN NETS: Washington Conducts Board Meeting In Barclays Center.  John Wall Wraps Up His Business In NYC.

Look what John Wall did to you..., again.

Were the Washington Wizards supposed to be a better team than Brooklyn this season?  Or, in Vegas speak, a five point prohibitive favorite?  In two meetings this season, the Wizards have outdone the Nets by a combined 225-215 score.  The first meeting went into overtime, while this most recent game wreaked of garbage time.

No, really.  The Nets got outrebounded by a woeful 32-5 margin on the offensive boards.  At the other end, the Nets pulled down 26 defensive rebounds, but allowed Washington 19 offensive rebounds.  As a result, the Wizards took 14 more shots from the field than Brooklyn, and had seven players score in double digits.  The Nets were outrebounded 51-31 in all.

Otherwise, each team inflicted relative equal damage from behind the arch and from the free throw line.  The Nets even shot 52.7% from the field, and still lost.  Deron Williams notched another double-double with 13 assists and 15 points, in 42 minutes.  Joe Johnson scored 20, and Brook Lopez, back after missing a pair of games, dropped in 22 points.  Paul Pierce even led all scorers with 27 points in 35 minutes off the bench.  But when Joe Johnson of all people, leads the Nets with 7 rebounds, you know they did something wrong.  Rebounding was supposed to be this team's forte - just not against the Wizards.

The guys charged with cleaning up on the boards, totaled ten rebounds - Brook Lopez had 5, Kevin Garnett had 4, and Andray Blatche had one!  Pierce and Johnson combined on 13 boards.

John Wall concluded his feast on New York City teams.  He scored 21 points to lead the Wizards, while center Marcin Gortat led all players with 10 rebounds.  Trevor Booker tied Deron Williams with 13 assists.  In the first encounter of the season, John Wall dished a game high 14 assists, and scored 17 points.  Marcin Gortat pulled down 12 rebounds and scored 15 points.  That's a trend folks.  And on Monday night, Wall dropped 20 points and 8 assists against the Knicks at the Garden.

The Nets dropped to 9-16 on the season, but are still 4-2 in the last six.  Next, Brooklyn will visit Philadelphia on Friday night.



Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: Joe Johnson Rains On Sixers; Flatbush Wins In A Rout

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

 

Double-Double Man Returns!

 

MONDAY FINAL:

Philadelphia    94

Brooklyn        130

BROOKLYN NETS: Team Sets Franchise Mark For Shooting Pct., While Joe Johnson Rains Down 10-Three Pointers, And Scores 37-Points Against Sixers.

Nothin' but net - no really, Joe Johnson hit nothing but net.  The man was spot on Monday night, burying 13/20 shots from the field, and nailed a thrilling 10/14 from three point range, with nary a clank of rim.  He scored a game high 37 points in all, and for good measure, added 7 rebounds and 5 assists.  Twenty-nine of his points came the third quarter.

The Barclays Center also saw the triumphant return of Double-Double Man, Deron Williams, who finished the night with 13 points and 13 assists.  He gave many in attendance and watching on TV quite a scare, when he pulled up lame after what appeared to be another misstep, and winced in a measure of pain.  But he walked it off, and shortly, was running the floor once again.

Six Nets scored in double-digits during a 130-94 destruction of the Philadelphia 76ers.  Mirza Teletovic made a rare start, and dropped 11 points in 27 minutes, and pulled down 5 rebounds.  Alan Anderson matched Deron Williams with 13 points.

Off the bench, Paul Pierce added 14 points, while Andray Blatche continued his strong play with 20 points in 25 minutes, and 5 rebounds.  In his last three games, Blatche is averaging 28 minutes, 20.3 points, and 8.6 rebounds.

The Nets shot a franchise record, 60.3% from the field, on 47/48 shooting.  They were equally deadly from three point range, shooting 21/35, for an even 60%.

The Nets have now won 4 of their last 5 games, and improved to 9-15 overall.

Still hobbled by his latest ankle injury suffered against the Clippers, Brook Lopez sat out his second straight game.




Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets Win Third Straight, But Lose Brook Lopez Again

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

 

FINAL

L.A. Clippers     93

Brooklyn Nets  102

BROOKLYN NETS: Down Goes Lopez!  Rolls Ankle In 3rd Quarter And Leaves Game.

The other night against the Boston Celtics, the Nets, and Deron Williams in particular, all showed who they can be when they're all healthy, and on the floor together.  Jason Kidd rearranged the game plan, the rotation has been shortened, Paul Pierce has been coming off the bench, now the ball moves through Brook Lopez, and Joe Johnson benefits again from a return to isolation sets.

But it's always something.  Damn these ballerina ankles!

Brook Lopez left in the third quarter of Thursday night's game against the L.A. Clippers at Barclays after rolling his ankle while performing a post move.  He limped back up court, and briefly came out of the game, then re-entered, only to walk off the floor again, and this time, off towards the locker room.  He did not return.

As luck would have it, the Nets were leading the Clippers 83-62 after three quarters, cruising with a twenty-one point lead.  Andray Blatche entered the game as Lopez' replacement, and immediately caught fire, scoring six points over the last 1:22 of the third.

Into the fourth quarter they went.  By the 7:00 minute mark, Mason Plumlee two free throws put the Nets up 91-71, and by the 4:00 mark, Allan Anderson's jumper made the score 99-79, keeping Brooklyn's 20-point lead in tact.

The Clippers never could manage to close the gap, despite outscoring Brooklyn 31-19 in the fourth quarter.  Brooklyn won their third straight game by a 102-93 final score.

In the battle of the point guards, Chris Paul scored twenty to lead the Clippers, but only issued a pair of assists.  Deron Williams had four assists, and scored 15 points.

Five Nets scored in double digits.  Brook Lopez scored 16 points before leaving the game in the third quarter.  Joe Johnson led the Nets starters with 21 points, and Andray Blatche matched him with 21 points off the bench.  Blatche also led the team with 9 rebounds.

The Clippers were 15-7 prior to earning their 8th loss against Brooklyn.  So, this is definitely a game the Nets can write home about.

The severity of Brook Lopez' ankle injury is now of paramount concern to the Nets.




Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: Mason Plumlee Announces His Presence With Authority

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

 

...only this kid isn't Nuke Laloosh.

BROOKLYN NETS: Mason Plumlee Plays Leading Role In Hollywood Against Clippers, As Pierce, Garnett, Lopez and Williams All Miss The Audition.

I said I needed more Plumlee!  Saturday night, we fans got a bunch.

At Duke, Plumlee played largely with his back to the basket.  Saturday night, the rookie played above the rim, converting on a pair of alley-oops, a slam, and a two-handed jam.

Mason played 27 minutes against the L.A. Clippers, and scored a team high 19 points, both were early career highs.  He was 7/10 from the floor, but struggled from the line, missing 7 of 12 shots.  He also pulled down six rebounds, four on the defensive glass, and had a block and a steal.

It is not a stretch to say with him on the floor, the Nets do not look as old.  But that says nothing of Saturday night.  With Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Brook Lopez and Deron Williams all out of commission, Mason Plumlee joined forces with Andre Blatche, Shaun Livingston, Joe Johnson and Alan Anderson to go toe to toe with the Clippers, albeit in a losing effort.

Mason Plumlee drew Blake Griffin last night, and matched him slam for ferocious dunk.  In the end however, Blake Griffin prevailed with 30 points and 12 rebounds - a lesson learned for the youngster.



Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: Drama And Intrigue Await In Hollywood Tonight Versus Clippers

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

 

TONIGHT

 

FLATBUSH HOOPS

vs.

Los Angeles Clippers

FROM

The Office Supply Store Chain Arena

Hollywood

BROOKLYN NETS: I Need More Mason Plumlee!

Tonight, Kevin Garnett will be conflicted between Jason Kidd's plan to manage KG's minutes during back-to-back games, and wanting to play with former coach Doc Rivers pacing the other sideline.

The plan discussed prior to the start of the season was to curtail Kevin Garnett's playing time in the second game of back to back nights.

The last time the Nets played on consecutive dates, they went into overtime on the front end, and lost to Washington.  Garnett played 24 minutes, scored four, and pulled down six rebounds.  On the back end loss to Indiana, Jason Kidd increased Garnett's minutes to 27, who scored six points and pulled down eight rebounds.  That was followed by three full days off on the schedule.

Last night against the Suns, Kevin put in 28 minutes to include overtime, scored four points, and pulled down a game high 14 rebounds.  After tonight's game against the L.A. Clippers, the Nets will travel back to Flatbush Avenue to face the Trail Blazers on Monday.  That's a quick turn-around.  So the question which begs to be asked is, how many minutes will Garnett play tonight, A) - against a serious contender, B) - against his (Pierce and Terry) former coach from Boston, and C) - considering the Nets are without Deron Williams?

Against the Clippers, you'd think it would be - all hands on deck.  On that note, Mason Plumlee is proving early on, he's bright, and can be trusted with handling increased minutes.  Tonight, he'll get thrown into the melee again, similar to the Pacers game, when he played 19 minutes.  He has  demonstrated increased comfort on the floor since then.  The Nets could stand to benefit from is youth and athleticism this evening.  If Jason Kidd limits Garnett to 17 minutes or so, I'll like to see Plumlee given an extended opportunity at establishing himself inside, and running the floor with Livingston.

Otherwise, Andray Blatche played 18 minutes against the Suns, scored seven and pulled down seven rebounds.  He'll clearly need to play a role in trying to minimize both Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan in the paint.  Reggie Evans might even see an increase over his four minutes against Phoenix.

With no disrespect towards Joe Johnson, the big deal is of course, Brook Lopez.  As he was last night, Lopez must once again be the focal point of the offense tonight.  With Deron Williams down, Lopez needs to lead his team like its second best player should.  He needs to take Paul Pierce's and Garnett's lead, and carry his team - not the other way around.  Shaun Livingston will get him the ball, but the big guy must finish strong.  I know - old argument.  But since I mentioned Joe Johnson, an improved shooting percentage could take the Nets a long way.

In place of Deron Williams, Shaun Livingston faces a supreme test this evening.  The Nets well-travelled back-up to Deron Williams now finds himself in a primary role.  The L.A. Clippers lead the NBA in points scored per game, and are facilitated by Livingston's opponent this evening, guard Chris Paul, who leads the NBA with 12.8 assists per game.    Both are 28-years old.  So far this season, Livingston's Per-36 Minutes averages read: 14.3 points on 59% shooting, and 5.3 assists per. Chris Paul is averaging 20.2 points per 36-minutes.

Blake Griffin leads the Clippers with 22.1 points per game.  On the muscle end of things, DeAndre Jordan leads the Clippers with 12.9 rebounds, and nearly two blocks per game.  This team won 56 games last season, and is looking for new Head Coach Doc Rivers to guide them through the final mile this season.

The Nets are led by Brook Lopez, with 20.5 points, and 2.8 blocked shots per game.  Kevin Garnett leads with 7.8 rebounds, and before he sprained his good ankle last night, Deron Williams averaged 6.5 assists.

This is surely another early season barometer game for the 3-5 Nets, who additionally now face the adversity of being without Deron Williams.  A victory tonight would certainly ensure a heroes welcome in Barclays Center Monday evening.




Mike.BTB

BK Nets: Orlando Magic Too Much For Cold Shooting Brooklyn

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

 

There Is No Joy For Jason's Kids, As His Team Falls Flat In His Coaching Debut.

BROOKLYN NETS: After Turning Down The Heat, Flatbush Suffers A Classic Let-Down Against The Orlando Magic.

Sunday Night Final:

NETS   86

Magic 108

The Nets have played twelve quarters of basketball now, and defensively, early indications say the second half just isn't their gig - yet.  In three games, they allowed the Cavs 30-points in the 3rd quarter, allowed Miami 31-points in the 3rd quarter, and Sunday night allowed the Orlando Magic 33-points in both the 3rd and 4th quarters.  Over their other eight quarters of basketball, the Nets have limited their first three opponents to an average of 22.3 points, and kept them all under 50-points in the first half.

Astonishing to me regarding Sunday night, the Magic crushed the Nets on the boards, outrebounding them by a 54-42 margin, and outscored the Nets in the paint 42-points versus 26-points for the Nets.  So much for Brooklyn's strengths.

Six Orlando players scored in double-digits versus just two for the Nets.  Thirty-something shooting percentages reared their ugly heads again to spook Brooklyn's night.  Both teams took 89 shots from the field, both made 7 three-point attempts, and Orlando only made two more free throws than the Nets.  But the Magic wound up shooting 47.2% from the field, while Flatbush struggled to shoot 38.2%, and were particularly cold in the first half. 

The roll-call of errant shooters is long.  Kevin Garnett was 3/11 from the field, Deron Williams was 4/12, and Joe Johnson was 1/5.  Off the bench, Mirza Teletovic was 1/6, Andrei Kirilenko was 1/5 and Andray Blatche was 1/7 from the field.

Brook Lopez led all scorers with 21-points, but as you see got little in the way of help.  In a stellar individual performance, he also pulled down 6 rebounds and blocked 5 shots.  Paul Pierce was the only other Nets players in double-digits with 16-points.  The Nets got good ball distribution from Deron Williams and Shaun Livingston, who combined on 14 assists - issuing 7 each.

To be fair, the Nets are not the only team Orlando will get the best of.  Many opponents will continue mistaking them for a lottery team, and fall to them miserably, just like the Nets did, by a depressing 107-86 final score.

Center Nikola Vucevic had his way with the Nets inside.  He tied for the team high with 19-points and led all players with 12 rebounds.  Orlando's hot draft selection, Victor Oladipo tied for the team lead with 19-points, and issued four assist.   Andrew Nicholson came off the bench to oppress the Nets with 17-points and another 11 rebounds, with eight coming on the defensive glass.  Arron Afflalo led all players with 8 assists.

The latest Jason Kidd era begins with a loss - the team's second of the season.  The sour taste of this defeat will linger until they get back to Flatbush Avenue and host the Utah Jazz at Barclays Center on Tuesday night.




Mike.BTB

BK Nets: Cleveland Hands Flatbush Their First Loss

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

GAME ONE FINAL

NETS  94

Cavs    98

BROOKLYN NETS: Flatbush Hoops Stumble Out Of The Gate And Get Crushed On The Boards.

The Nets 2013-2014 regular season starts with a loss.  The Cleveland Cavaliers won the overall battle of the glass handily by a 48-37 margin, seemed to be just a little faster than their opponent, and gained their first victory of the season over Brooklyn Wednesday night.

A one point half-time deficit for Brooklyn turned into a nine point deficit after three quarters.  That eight point lapse came back to haunt them, as the Nets clamped down defensively and outscored the Cavaliers 24-19 in the final quarter.  In the end however, the Cavs had six players in double-digit scoring versus four players for Brooklyn.

Brook Lopez tied the score at 91-91 off a Garnett feed with 1:04 left.  But Cleveland's Anderson Varejao dropped five points down the stretch and Kyrie Irvin made four free-throws in the final 0:13 to keep Cleveland on pace for a 98-94 final.  Although Paul Pierce hit a 3-pointer with :03 left to make it a 97-94 game, a previously missed jumper by Pierce at 0:16, and misses Joe Johnson by Jason Terry failed to close the gap.

On the bright side, Nets fans got to find out how adept Kevin Garnett is at passing the rock.  Three assists for the game didn't exactly tell the whole story.  Garnett also pulled down 10 rebounds, with 8 coming on the defensive glass.  In fact, he led all players in rebounds, yet, as previously mentioned, the Nets were beaten on the glass, which, entering the season is supposed to be a major strength of the club.

Brook Lopez led the Nets with thirty-five minutes, led all scorers with 21 points and had a game high 4 blocks.  But I'd like to see him get to the line more than 5 times.  If Garnett is going to feed him the way he did Wednesday, and with Brook's size (yes, an old argument), the time has come then for him to exert himself more.  He should be drawing fouls at a prolific rate.

Paul Pierce scored the Nets first field goal of the season.  He was second behind Brook Lopez with  30 minutes and 17 points.  He was 4/4 from the line, pulled down 4 rebounds and issued 2 assists.  He hit a 3-pointer with 1:35 left to make it a 89-91 game, then dropped another in the final seconds to no avail.

Deron Williams played the least minutes out of the Nets starting five, and tied with Kyrie Irvin with a game high 9 assists.  But he also committed a game high 4 turnovers.  He was 2/2 from the line, made one 3-pointer, and scored 7 points overall.  His last points of the evening came on a pair of free throws with 5:26 left in the third quarter.

Jason Terry scored 14 points off the bench, and dropped consecutive 3-pointers in the fourth quarter.

Something happened to Andray Blatche on the way to the forum though.  In twenty minutes, he posted a (+/-) minus-10, was 0/5 from the field, never got to the line, and committed three turnovers.

The Nets will have Thursday to get over Wednesday's first loss of the season.  Friday night, the Miami Heat are coming to Barclays Center for Brooklyn's home opener.  The Heat are coming off a resounding victory over the Chicago Bulls.



Mike.BTB

BK Nets: Billy King Resets The Bar For 2013-2014; Preview

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

 

2013-2014

BROOKLYN NETS

THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH: Some three years ago during the NBA draft lottery show, Mikhail Prokhorov kiddingly suggested he'd have to kill the reporter if he revealed to her his five year plan for winning a championship.

No One Was Harmed In The Writing Of This Post.

Three Years Down - Year Four of a five year mission to boldly go where the owner said they'd go, begins this Wednesday night in Cleveland.

It is becoming evidently clear what the five year plan was all along.  Most paramount of all Prokhorov's requirements, one needed to operate with a huge pair of basketballs - as in nothing ventured, nothing gained.  Being calculatingly crazy is another way to go.  Additionally included within the latest standard operating procedure, pissing off people outside the organization, albeit tactfully, seems also to be encouraged.  The owner exercises this policy when referencing his local competitor.  But until Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett arrived, Nets players usually refrained from such liberties.

The owner also seems particularly enamored with his general manager's whirlwind off-seasons.  He's thrown money at Billy King's inspirations like a drunken sailor on shore leave........

The final 2013-2014 roster cuts are now in, and Jason Plumlee, the #22 overall pick of the Draft made the final fifteen.  Good for him.  Earlier in the month, GM Billy King speculated rookie Mason Plumlee could conceivably start the season in the D-League.  Plumlee then went about playing well enough to change some minds.

Coming from Coach K's program in Duke, I'm confident he will prove fundamentally sound in the NBA.  But at first glance, I admit, I didn't think he had any size to give.  He comes in at 6'11" and 235 lbs.  Comparatively, Andray Blatche is 6'11" and 260 lbs., while KG is also 6'11" and weighs 250 lbs.  While I'm at it, all three are behind Brook Lopez who comes in at 7'0" and 275 pounds.  But there are good reasons why Plumlee made the team.  Most recently, he got in a nice block on a  Gerald Wallace attempt against the Celts and two more blocks versus Miami.  He also pulled down ten rebounds in twenty-three minutes against the Heat.  Plumlee will be the lone rookie on this heavily veteran laden team and will have good teachers around him.

Guard Tyshawn Taylor, the popular Mirza Teletovic and forward Tomike Shengelia return as one year players.  The next least experienced player on this squad is a misnomer who has a passport stamped with international jerseys.  Guard/forward Alan Anderson has four years of NBA service.  Anderson's last two seasons were spent with Toronto.  During the four seasons prior to that, he played in Italy, Russia-Croatia, Israel, Spain and the D-League.  He played for Charlotte his first two NBA seasons.  He is fresh off a team leading 17-point performance in the Nets final pre-season game against the Heat.  At twenty-eight years old, Shaun Livingston has also made his way around the league.  Since entering the league at age nineteen, the Brooklyn Nets will be the guard's ninth club in ten years.

The Hoops of Flatbush main bench components rival those of any in the league.  They will feature Jason Terry this season, who underwent off-season knee surgery, to go along with returning Reggie Evans, Andray Blatche and yet another key acquisition, Andrei Kirilenko.  Brooklyn stands to benefit handsomely from this cast of reliable vets, who potentially will provide Jason Kidd a large measure of floor sustainability.  The age of several key players on this team should dictate that minutes get spread around generously.  There should be enough wear and tear to go around for everyone to enjoy.

The shackles of isolation basketball might be off Deron Williams, but I'm interested to see who exactly he, and Coach Kidd plan on running with.  There is no doubt as to who the preeminent five players on this team are, but in order to run the floor (more), Coach will need to select a creative mix.  Of course age is an issue.  It's a long season.

Job Two would be for Deron Williams to weave together last year's Nets and last year's Celtics, into this year's Brooklyn team.  Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett have already brought several needed  characteristics to the Nets.  However, one thing remains the same.  This is still Deron Williams' team. He finally participated in his first pre-season game against Miami, albeit the last game on the schedule before the season tips-off.  In ten minutes played, he was 4/5 from the field, and 3/4 from beyond the three for eleven points.  He added two assists, but most importantly, looked smooth on his feet.  His troublesome ankle did not appear to hinder him.

In the Nets final tune-up, Paul Pierce, who turned thirty-six earlier this month, dropped 16-points in twenty minutes, pulled down six defensive rebounds (seven overall), and led Brooklyn in getting to the line.  Since age thirty-two, Pierce has consistently averaged 18-points over the last four seasons.  There is every reason to expect another.  He averaged thirty-three minutes last season, and for the most part, should not average nearly that many here.

The same goes for Kevin Garnett.  He averaged twenty-nine minutes last season, but should only see a few minutes shaved off his time.  Twenty to twenty-five minutes a night can serve the power forward well over the course of the season, whether he likes it or not.  I wouldn't listen to the noise regarding playing back to back games.  You want combative players who are protective of their time.  You just do not want an insubordinate player, and that's not KG.  The man is here to serve and protect.  He is the gate keeper.  No one punches in and out of the Nets locker room without having put in hard work.  The Nets needed a mood manager and an attitude adjuster on the floor.  Garnett is just the guy to do it.  Leadership doesn't come across well with some, and with others it doesn't resonate at all.  Kevin Garnett will not have that problem.  Everyone knows he is fiercely loyal and all-in.  Attitude will not be a problem on his watch.  I expect a marked difference this season over last year's admittedly bland product.  On the floor, KG is still good for twelve to fifteen points a night, and eight boards, but any knowledge that rubs off on players like Brook Lopez and Mason Plumlee may prove invaluable.

I wonder how Nets fans (and Knicks fans) feel about Cheerios now?  I digress.

Is Dwight Howard the former "top" center in basketball?  Despite what transpired against the Chicago Bulls in the playoffs last year, and if Brook Lopez continues along his steady rate of improvement, then, yes.  Both image wise and on the court, Dwight Howard has an uphill battle, and will get a fresh start in Houston.  Brook is only beginning to understand what his big body should be doing, lest we forget last year was his first time back on the floor after missing practically a whole season to foot surgery.  But he still became the league's top scoring center.  Lopez averaged 8.2 rebounds per 36-minutes, and 6.9 rebounds otherwise.  That's off slightly from his 8.3 overall average from his first two seasons in the league.  On this team, that's fine.  The Nets have no shortage of players who can crash the boards.

That leaves Joe Johnson for discussion.  He's a good guy - hard guy to knock.  He played hurt last season, and still averaged 16.3 points per game, admirable, although it was his lowest output since the 2003-2004 season.  We've seen him come up huge, with big shots in big moments, but we also watched him ring true the rumors that followed him, and spoke of his sudden disappearances.

These are the fifteen players charged with winning Mr. Prokhorov a championship within the next two years, if indeed the owner is to keep his stated declaration of winning a title within five years of taking over.  After two initial years of stripping down, rebuilding, and moving, last year was the first credible Nets regular season effort towards that end.  Billy King then shipped out Gerald Wallace, Kris Humphries and a bag of bagels to Boston in return for Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Jason Terry.  Collectively, Billy King's reloading effort has made Mikhail Prokhorov's luxury tax bill skyrocket.  Billy King in turn put the onus on the players to win this year.

That's a bold man.  That's two bold men.

Jason Kidd last played for the Nets during the 2007-2008 season.  While in the midst of purchasing the Nets and having his plans of relocating them to Brooklyn falling apart like wet toilet paper, Bruce Ratner admitted years later in hindsight he committed a huge mistake by not resigning Kenyon Martin back in 2004.  At the time, Mikhail Prokhorov was not yet in the picture, while ground-breaking of Barclays Center was still an uncertainty, if not years away.  The Nets signed Vince Carter to fill the void left behind by Martin.  But by the 2008-2009 season, VINCEanity also ended, as the Nets stumbled to a 34-48 record under coach Lawrence Frank.  Brook Lopez was a rookie.

In 2009-2010 Lawrence Frank's team went 0-16, causing his dismissal.  The Nets hit rock bottom with a 12-70 record, as Rod Thorn set out to rebuild the Nets again.  He hired Avery Johnson as their next head coach, which I thought was a very good move.  But in June of 2010, former President of Basketball Operations, Rod Thorn, in my opinion, inexplicably resigned from the club.  I say he was made to feel unwelcome by the new incoming owner, Mikhail Prokhorov, for Thorn quickly reappeared in Philadelphia with the 76ers.  Enter Billy King who was ironically shown the door by Philadelphia.

In Avery Johnson's first season, the Nets doubled their victories to twenty-four.  In Avery's second season, the dismantling continued, as the team slipped to a 22-44 record, but not before engaging in a contentious battle against the Knicks for the services of Carmelo Anthony.  Mikhail Prokhorov himself took to the press and declared the Nets were pulling out of the bidding.  Then under the cover of night, GM Billy King traded for Utah Jazz point guard Deron Williams.  Many argued at the time, trading for a point guard was the better deal.  Billy King sent a large package of players and draft picks to Utah, with no guarantees Deron Williams, a soon to be free agent, would extend with the Nets.

King's gamble eventually paid off, literally, as Deron Williams finally opted to stay and signed a long term deal with the Nets.  Committed, he then led the charge into Brooklyn.  The club achieved a 49-33 record in their inaugural season, an achievement in itself, and participated in the post-season only to get dumped by the Bulls.  The season came at a price however.  Avery Johnson was fired just before 2012 ended, and P.J. Carlesimo, who led them the rest of the way, was likewise not retained.

This past off-season, Billy King went off the reservation.  He hired Jason Kidd to coach his now twice revamped Nets, and brought back Lawrence Frank to help him.  Bold indeed, if not bodacious of Billy King. 

The GM inherited Brook Lopez.  Otherwise, he's shake and baked for the three seasons, and has now cooked up a starting five which includes Deron Williams and Joe Johnson.  Gerald Wallace came in, and was then parlayed into Pierce and Garnett.  That's five players, backed-up by a deep bench, that can potentially give the Atlantic Division a collective headache, both physically and on the scoreboard.

In just under a year's time, Avery Johnson's finger prints have been effectively removed from this team, while Rod Thorn's efforts have likewise been purged.  Only two players remain from the 2011-2012 New Jersey Nets.  And before that, only Brook Lopez was there to see the death of the old empire, and survive the great purge in order to witness Billy King strike back.

Bold moves initiated by the general manager were ultimately approved by an equally audacious owner, who, a few months ago was "advised" by the commissioner to stop taking cheap shots at James Dolan.

Fugheddaboudit....

Let the games of Brooklyn's second NBA season begin.



Mike.BTB