Brooklyn Nets Finish Strong In Opening Victory Over Boston Celtics

From the desk: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION

PLAYOFFS

ROUND ONE

SATURDAY
BOSTON CELTICS  93

BROOKLYN NETS  104

FINAL

Here we go!

The spotlight is squarely on Nets general manager Sean Marks.  His construction of this so-called super team comes with weighted expectations.  A championship is in order.  Anything less runs the risk of being labeled a failure.  

But nothing ventured, nothing gained, and Sean Marks should be applauded for putting himself out there and having the chutzpah for executing such bold and controversial maneuverings.  This is about his vision, and to date, he's proven to have the eyes on an eagle.  Marks has repeatedly plucked talented complementary players from seemingly private stock.  This is about rebuilding the Nets despite former general manager Billy King gift-wrapping so many high-round drafts picks to the Celtics in exchange for Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett.  This has everything to do with D'Angelo Russell, and Caris LeVert, Spencer Dinwiddie, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Jarrett Allen, and even Kenny Atkinson.

Whatever we make of this, payback against the Celtics for all those years of draft picks, or even Kyrie Irving versus his former team, or the fact that the Big Three have still played less than ten games together, this all ultimately goes back to Sean Marks.  His brilliance will either be confirmed or denied.

🏀

The first half of game one is a discombobulated hodge-podge of disjointed isolation and otherwise erratic offensive interplay.

If you were suffering a conniption in the first quarter or found yourself in a second-quarter stupor, then you haven't been watching this season.  

Big Three or not, Brooklyn's slow and sluggish first quarter start had a very familiar look, which should have caught no one off-guard.  Ponderous, maybe, because, after all, this was game one of the playoffs.  But we've seen this before: poor start, strong finish.

They played poorly, but if Boston's early performance qualifies as a best effort, well, then Brooklyn was still keeping within striking distance despite stumbling and fumbling out of the gate.

The Nets were down 13-8 until Kevin Durant dunked, making it 13-10 Celtics.  But Boston did lead 15-10 at the halfway mark.  In the first, the Nets go ice cold in the closing minutes, missing their initials, second and third attempts.  The possessions and misses keep coming.  At one point, Flatbush was 1 for 13 from behind the arc.  Boston ends up closing out the quarter hitting a long-distance buzzer-beater, giving them a 21-16 lead.

Flatbush still lacks accuracy midway through the second quarter.  They end the first half trailing by a 53-47 difference.

But then comes the third quarter.  The Nets tighten things up and finally take their first lead, but only for a brief moment as the Celtics take it right back.  However, by this time, Brooklyn is poised to make a move and mount a 65-59 lead midway through the third.

Halfway through the fourth quarter, Kevin Durant makes a steal and slams it home at the other end for his 32nd and 33rd points of the night.

Boston is fouled with the Nets leading by eleven and 1:40 left in the game and goes to the line.  But by this time, the Celtics know they're out of time and out of luck.  

Brooklyn wins 104-93, an eleven-point margin of victory.  Despite struggling in the first, the Nets stabilize in the second, recover in the third, and pull away in the fourth.  They've done that numerous times this season.

Did the Nets prove the pundits wrong and play representative defense?  They certainly made a few key stops.  Let us not understate that despite getting off to a quick start, the Celtics end the game with just 93 points.  That's partly due to the absence of Jason Tatum, who seemed to disappear in the second half.  Ask yourself why.  Joe Harris led the team with a +22, Kyrie Irving was next with a +16, and the bench netted a +6 despite Landry Shamet's -14 in 14 minutes.  But it's still worth mentioning this marks Boston's lowest point total against the Nets this season in the three regular-season games and now one in the playoffs.

• Dec 25, 1920 - Boston 95 points.
• Mar. 11, 2021 - Boston 109 points.
• Apr. 23, 2021 - Boston 104 points.
• May 22, 2021 - Boston 93 points.

Jason Tatum led the Celts with 22 points in a game-high 41 minutes, but as noted, failed to factor in over thirty minutes to finish the game.  The Nets outrebounded the Celts by ten, and after a dismal cold start, they recover to shoot 41.7% from the field over the same number of possessions.  Boston outscored Brooklyn by nine on points off turnovers and six points on the fast break, but shooting  36.7% failed to keep up.  Brooklyn was plus-six from the line and plus four in the paint.  Marcus Smart was next in for the Celtics with 17 points in 40 minutes.  Boston got 25 points from their bench.

No Brooklyn Net played upwards of 40 minutes.  Their bench contributed eleven points.  However, the starting lineup featured three players posting over 20 points for the game.  Kevin Durant led the Nets with 39 minutes and led all scorers with 32 points and a game-high twelve rebounds.  He was just 1/8 from behind the arc but 11/12 from the line.  Kyrie Irving took over this game for a stretch in the third. He was 11/20 from the field and 5/5 from the line for 29 points.  James Harden added 21 points with nine rebounds and a game-high eight assists.  All of which pretty much meets most pregame expectations.

Joe Harris adds ten points in 37 minutes.  He slotted in well with the fourth most shot attempts but lacked accuracy shooting 4/11 from the field.  

There was much curiosity and speculation about who Steve Nash would and should have included in the starting lineup.  Some pundits thought Harris should come off the bench.  But he took his normal spot in the rotation, joined by Blake Griffin, who finished with no field goal attempts and just one basket from the line in 20 minutes.  To that end, Jeff Green played 27 minutes off the bench.

 

Brooklyn Nets: Pair of Premium Free Agents Bum Rush Barclays

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

WELCOME TO BROOKLYN

Kyrie Irving  and  Kevin Durant

Were it not for the efforts of D'Angelo Russell perhaps this Nets off-season unfolds very differently.

I would be remiss if I didn't first thank D'Angelo Russell and express to him my utmost appreciation.  Were it not for his efforts perhaps this Nets off-season unfolds very differently.  As the story goes Russell is stigmatized as a clubhouse subversive by Magic Johnson and is banished from Tinsletown.  Unconcerned with Los Angeles scuttlebutt, Nets general manager Sean Marks sees in D'Angelo a talented 21-year old whom merely needs a second chance in a new environment.  Russell in his first season under Coach Atkinson receives far less playing time than he's previously accustomed to as a Laker.  I assume that's a hard pill to swallow for a 2nd overall 2015 draft pick, but he demonstrates exemplary maturity in gulping it down.  Russell in turn respectfully buys into Kenny's system, essentially relearning his position as Atkinson's pupil.

In his fourth season and second with the Nets D'Angelo Russell starts a career high 81 games.  Early in the season during fourth quarters D'Angelo is often regulated to the bench.  But that changes with a Caris LeVert injury in November.  Brooklyn ends calendar year 2018 with a sub-par 17-21 record.  But through continued coaching, confidence building, and growing proficiency, the Nets begin playing increasingly compelling basketball.  Brooklyn posts a 25-19 record the rest of the way for a 42-40 regular season finish which is not only a 14 win improvement over the previous season but qualifies them for the 2018-2019 NBA playoffs as the Eastern Conference sixth seed.  D'Angelo Russell plays a major role throughout.  Along the way he sets career highs with 30.2 minutes, 21.1 points, and seven assists per game.  He also establishes new career highs shooting 43.4% from the field and 36.9% from beyond the arc.  In fact, under Atkinson he becomes an NBA all-star.

Displaying on-court leadership qualities, he helps establish Brooklyn's emerging team culture and identity.  Moreover, he relocates to and embraces private life in Brooklyn.  How do we know?  Because he repeatedly tells us so.  In fact, Nets players have done a exemplary job integrating themselves into the Borough.  And for that I applaud them including of course the departing D'Angelo Russell.  He proves himself a great ambassador of Flatbush.

The 2012-2013 Nets previously strain to establish an emotional attachment with newly targeted locals.  Despite a few relatively competitive seasons with a playoff round victory to boot, the initial relationship nevertheless remains cool and somewhat distant.  Attendance figures prove that out.  The emotional attachment and unconditional love a fan base develops with its team and vise versa ignites in earnest this past season at Barclays with D'Angelo Russell, Jarrett Allen, and company spearheading the way.  D'Angelo Russell make a big impact in a short period of time, and I wish him well.

However, D'Angelo Russell was brought in as part of a much greater vision.  With very little to no resources at his disposal, the Nets quick rise to their present condition and emerging state of competitiveness can't go under-spoken.  With just a shade over three years spent rebuilding the franchise from the foundation, up, Marks enters this year's free agency period set on kicking Brooklyn's basketball operation up another notch.

D'Angelo Russell is only 23-years old, and it remains to be seen just how high he can elevate his level of play.  It's actually somewhat unsettling to ponder.  He no doubt caught the league's attention this past season.  Is Kyrie Irving better?  The short answer is yes.  He doesn't turn 28-years old until next March.  Entering his ninth year in the league, he's averaged at least 30-minutes in all eight seasons.  He's also averaged at least 20-points in six seasons of eight seasons.  However, I'm rather unimpressed with his 5.7 career assists.  The Nets were quite erratic and somewhat out of control when assaulting the rim.  Kyrie Irving brings that skill to both create and finish with polish.

We have a whole year to ponder the Kevin Durant signing.

In the meantime, the whole of the NBA's global influence is today focused on Brooklyn.

Moving forward, I'm hoping Sean Marks formulates a plan for locking up Caris Levert and Jarrett Allan.

Brooklyn Nets: The Start of a Wonderful Relationship

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

Last One Out Turn Off The Lights

Rest assured, all is well even though the Nets series against the Sixers didn't end well.  Like I say, you can't be disappointed with what you do not expect.  Which is what made this entire season so enjoyable.  Every one of their regular season victories along with their series opening victory over Philadelphia were all fun as hell.

More importantly, Brooklyn finally seems emotionally invested in their team.  I knew coming into this venture the Nets would be up against a very apathetic Borough, and that attendance would be an issue.  If you're familiar with Madison Square Garden, then you know how many tourists both the Knicks and Rangers attract.  That's what makes this a Brooklyn only issue.  Sure enough, Nets annual average attendance has indeed been problematic.  However, this team is a far cry from the costly collection of carpetbaggers assembled by former general manager Billy King.  That Nets team had the fleeting novelty of being new in town which wore off rather quickly.  As it turns out, Billy King's transactions of mass destruction were perhaps the best thing that ever happened to the Brooklyn Nets.  For without his general managerial malfeasance perhaps there is no Sean Marks, and in turn no Kenny Atkinson, or Jarrett Allen, or D'Angelo Russell, or Caris LeVert, or no genuine feel good story of the 2018-2019 season.

While the team on the other side of the river employed tank tactics in order to achieve their aim, the Nets hierarchy opted for the more grassroots approach, and in just three seasons are beginning to bear the fruits of their labors.  In turn, fans supported their team down the stretch unlike any time during  the preceding six years since their move to Brooklyn.

Just to be clear, I am not speaking of the New Jersey Nets fan.  Any fan making the trek into Brooklyn from New Jersey should be commended.  That speaks of tremendous passion and loyalty.  Instead I speak specifically of the Brooklyn fan - the basketball fans who positioned themselves on the fence upon the Nets arrival on Flatbush Avenue.  

In addition to being an apathetic population, Brooklynites are a guarded bunch as well.  Think Dodgers.  But once the Borough embraces you, you're forever part of the family.

Go Brooklyn.

Go Nets.

#GoingHardTogether

Brooklyn Nets: A Rivalry Breaks Out in Flatbush

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

THAT EMPTY FEELING

Sixers lead series 3-1

I - BKN 111; PHI 102

II - PHI 145; BKN 123

III - PHI 131; BKN 115

IV- PHI 112; BKN 108

Brooklyn Nets: Flatbush Takes One On The Chin After Jared Dudley Confronts Schoolyard Bully.

Nothing Kenny Atkinson tried in game two seemed to work.  Coach said that's why no Nets player exceeded 26 minutes.  That left some scratching their heads.

I left off wondering what adjustments Atkinson would make heading into game four.

Sadly, the results are in.

It took two games but Kenny finally relented.  Four starters exceeded thirty minutes each.  He also broke up the trio of Joe Harris/DeMarre Carroll/Rodions Kurucs whom all started games one through three.  In place of Carroll and Kurucs, Coach (finally) started Caris Levert, and inserted Jared Dudley.

Levert logged 42 minutes as the starting two, scoring 25 points, and tying for team high with six assists, versus 21 ppg in less than 24-minutes per game off the bench.

In game one, Jared Dudley was 0/2 from the field, and 4/4 from the line in 28 minutes off the bench.  He did not see action in game two, then played 17 rather inconsequential minutes - if you ask Philly - in game three, recording no points and one rebound.

Then came the game four fracas on Flatbush Avenue.

Say what you will about Dudley - the Sixers do - but there's something to be said for Atkinson's decision to start him.  Dudley brings defense and acumen to the floor.  And there he was leading the Nets with a plus/12 and a team high five assists (and eight points) until the moment of his ejection at 7:42 of the third quarter.  I absolutely respect Jared for confronting Joel Embiid.  And that's exactly what Dudley did: confront him.  He didn't punch, slap, kick, scratch, thumb him in the eye, or do anything of the kind.  But Jared most certainly grabbed Embiid's arm, and his attention, and added an extra shove for good luck.  Someone needed to do it, and a veteran stepped up.  It was a questionable play on Embiid's part that perhaps appeared to Dudley harder than it was.  Jared, like every fan in the building, clearly grew tired of watching Jarrett Allen get pushed around in the presence of increasing ref approval.  However, Joel's previous transgressions both on and off the court are what really ignited the moment.  The game and series had already been building up pressure and was primed to blow, and so I feel the eruption was rather unavoidable.  I agree with Dudley insofar that no player should have been ejected, but I do not begrudge the officials final determination.

The Sixers are guilty of playing nothing more - and certainly nothing less - than aggressive playoff basketball.  For instance, the Sixers have been kicking the Nets ass on the glass.

REBOUNDS

• GM1 - BKN 45; PHI 50
• GM2 - BKN 32; PHI 49
• GM3 - BKN 43; PHI 54
• GM4 - BKN 42; PHI 55
• Total - BKN 162; PHI 208

This has been quite a telling series.  I believe it's safe to assume Sean Marks has watched every second.  In fact, the more I think about it the more I believe the Sixers were the best possible match-up for this Nets team.  Philly demonstrates on both sides of the ball the importance of size and physical presence in the paint.  But I'm not about to gauge Marks' level of concern over what has transpired over the last four games where it concerns his future organizational considerations.  Truth is he and Kenny should be commended for getting the team this far this fast.  This is still a rebuilding year after all, and with both money and draft picks at his disposal Sean Marks is on the precipice of constructing something very special; something we hope above and beyond that which fans can presently imagine.

In the meantime, Marks is also staying busy bursting into refs locker rooms in search of those who put forth piss poor performances in playoff games.  I say this in jest, so you're better off reading the link for a clearer detail of events.

I say we all chip in to pay the fine levied by the NBA upon Sean Marks for entering ref locker room after game four. #WeGoHard

— B'klynTrolleyBlogger (@BTB_MikeII) April 21, 2019

I digress ...

Back to Saturday's game ... we pick up this story with the Nets leading by six at the time of Dudley's ejection.

Enter Joe Harris, who despite continued struggles started game four.  After the game Kenny Atkinson said he played a great game on Saturday.  Technically speaking ... I guess.  The bottom line is the Nets need him burying three's at an all-star rate, which he is clearly not.  The numbers speak for themselves:

• GM1 - 13 points; 3/4 from three; 30 minutes.
• GM2 - 4 points; 0/2 from three; 26 minutes.
• GM3 - 8 points; 0/4 from three; 29 minutes.
• GM4 - 10 points; 0/6 from three; 35 minutes.

On the eve of game one, I said this:

Through the Nets first three regular season games versus Philly, Joe Harris averaged just 11.3 ppg., but was a hawk-eye 6 for 12 (50%) from three point land.  The Nets fourth game against Philly is perhaps the first time Joe Harris exerts himself, posting a team high 22 points and shooting 4/6 from beyond the arc.  The problem is the Nets will require from him more than just four attempts (3-pointers) per game.  In fact "his here today gone tomorrow" act must end post haste if the Nets are to hang around through an extended series against the Sixers.  What I ask for is a little more consistency; playing up to his averages on a nightly basis.  Granted, he only averaged 13.7 ppg for the season.  Make no mistake; I'm not picking on Joe.  But we all know the impact a sharpshooting Harris can have on any given game.  In fact, when Joe Harris glows hot the rest of the Nets radiate brilliance.

On the eve of game four, I said this:

Joe Harris must impact these next several games.  So far he's done quite the opposite.  He played up to his career average with 13 points and shooting 3/4 form behind the arc in game one's opening win.  But he's been missing ever since.  Harris scored just four points and was 0/2 from three range in game two, and scored eight but was 0/4 from the arc in game three.  That's 0/6 from three range with just twelve points over his last two games.

Then game four happened - there goes that phrase again - and another 0/6 performance from three range.  Joe Harris is coming off easily his best season since joining the Nets three years ago.  In his first playoff series, he is now OH! for his last 12 from three range, and averaging a shade under eight ppg.  It pains me to see him go through this, because when Joe is on he draws defense away from Coach's high pick-and-roll and trilateral guard commission.

For one Nets guard in particular, this season and these playoffs are providing an invaluable education.  D'Angelo Russell is clearly a marvelous talent - that bounce pass to Joe Harris was just stupid!  But the 23-year old is still learning.  To a certain extent the Sixers have him bottled up.  Moving forward, this gained experience will teach him how to better fight through the trees.  If this season is indeed the genesis of a star, these last four games were difficult but necessary steps towards that future.

• GM1 - 26 points; 4 assists.
• GM2 - 16 points; 2 assists.
• GM3 - 26 points; 4 assists.
• GM4 - 21 points; 6 assists.

Russell averaged 21.1 ppg in the regular season.  But if you watched him over the second half of the season, you know what he really did.  He also averaged seven assists per game.  Through four playoff games, he's averaging 22.2 points but just four assists.  Looming in the near future a dilemma awaits Sean Marks: securing Russell to a max contract or spending his Nets money off campus.

Good problems ahead.

In the meantime, welcome to the birth of a legitimate rivalry manufactured here in Brooklyn, by Brooklyn, for Brooklyn.

Game Five is Tuesday at Philadelphia.

Brooklyn Nets: Sixers Let Game Four Play Do All Their Talking

From the desk of: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

Sixers lead series 2-1

I - BKN 111; PHI 102

II - PHI 145; BKN 123

III - PHI 131; BKN 115

GAME FOUR

Philadelphia 76ers

vs.

Brooklyn Nets

FROM

Flatbush Avenue

Brooklyn Nets: No Joel Embiid ... no problem.  With their second straight victory, the Sixers take back home court advantage, and gain control of the series.

Joel Embiid or not, we're starting to see the Philly team that won 51 regular season games and entered the playoffs as the Eastern Conference third seed.

It's that simple.

Ben Simmons made Jared Dudley eat his words, showing just how average he can be by leading the floor with 31 points and a game high nine assists.  Meanwhile, Dudley failed to score a single point in 17 minutes of play.  The Nets also had no answer for Tobias Harris whom scored 29 points and secured a game-high 16 rebounds, nor JJ Redick who added another 26 points.  All three Sixers exceeded thirty minutes of play.  In a curious distribution of playing time, only D'Angelo Russell managed thirty minutes of play for the Nets.

That said, Coach Atkinson is receiving some criticisms for the way he negotiated game three.  However, I'm not going there - not at all.  That would be completely taking this whole season and what he and the team have achieved to date completely out of context.

Everything else, though, is fair game.

For instance ...

GM3 #Nets put up 39 shots from three, missed 31 of them.

— B'klynTrolleyBlogger (@BTB_MikeII) April 19, 2019

For a team that largely predicates its game on rebounding, spreading the floor, pick-and-roll, and taking three-point shots, Thursday's game was about as confounding as it gets.

On the eve of game one, I said this:

Through the first three regular season games versus Philly, Joe Harris averaged just 11.3 ppg., but was a hawk-eye 6 for 12 (50%) from three point land.  The Nets fourth game against Philly is perhaps the first time Joe Harris exerts himself, posting a team high 22 points and shooting 4/6 from beyond the arc.  The problem is the Nets will require from him more than just four attempts (3-pointers) per game.  In fact "his here today gone tomorrow" act must end post haste if the Nets are to hang around through an extended series against the Sixers.  What I ask for is a little more consistency; playing up to his averages on a nightly basis.  Granted, he only averaged 13.7 ppg for the season.  Make no mistake; I'm not picking on Joe.  But we all know the impact a sharpshooting Harris can have on any given game.  In fact, when Joe Harris shines hot the rest of the Nets radiate brilliance.

Therefore I say again: Joe Harris must impact these next several games.  Because so far he's done  quite the opposite.  He played up to his career average with 13 points and shooting 3/4 form behind the arc in game one's opening win.  But he's been missing ever since.  Harris scored just four points and was 0/2 from three range in game two, and scored eight but was 0/4 from the arc in game three.  That's 0/6 from three range with just twelve points over his last two games.

Cycling back to my Tweet, Brooklyn shot 20.5% from beyond the arc, and just 41.1% from the field.  In game two, Philly shot a stellar 56.1% from the field, then followed up shooting 48.4% from the field, and 40.7% (11/27) from three range on Thursday.  None of this even begins to describe the damage they're causing in the paint.

And on the glass ...

REBOUNDS

• GM1 - Nets 45; Sixers 50 (-5)
• GM2 - Nets 32; Sixers 49 (-17)
• GM3 - Nets 43; Sixers 54 (-9)

Ball distribution has also been a major problem.  Sixers head coach Brett Brown seems to have pulled a fast one over Coach Atkinson as Philly has D'Angelo Russell and the rest of the Nets seemingly slogging through a bog.

ASSISTS

• GM1 - Nets 15; Sixers 20 (Russell four assists)
• GM2 - Nets 20; Sixers 29 (Russell two assists)
• GM3 - Nets 12; Sixers 26 (Russell three assists)

Despair not, folks.  The Nets are a resilient bunch.  They've given us many reasons over the course of the season, and within this series, to believe they can bounce back and win game four at Barclays Center.  I'm particularly interested to see what adjustments Coach Atkinson has in store.

But if game three proved anything, it's that Flatbush is behind him, and this team 100%.

Brooklyn Nets: Flatbush Takes Opening Game at Philadelphia

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

The Dismayed City of Brotherly Love

FINAL

Nets    111

76ers  102

Home Crowd Turns on Sixers as Brooklyn Nets Negate Home Court With Game One Victory at Philadelphia.

Philly is a tough sports town, and Saturday afternoon, they let their Sixers know exactly how they felt.  They appeared less distressed about getting outplayed by the Brooklyn Nets, and far more incensed with their team's own piss poor performance.  While Brooklyn was making it rain threes, the crowd spent the better part of their afternoon likewise raining boos down upon their team.

Oh, the glory of it all.

Joel Embiid, clearly hobbled by a bad knee, nonetheless contributed 22 points, 15 rebounds (11 on the defensive boards,) and five blocks, in 24-minutes.  However, more than half (12) of his points came from the free throw line, not to mention he shot a dismal 0 for 5 while loitering behind the arc.

Jimmy Butler showed up to play.  But the same can not be fully said of a Philly team well stocked with talent.

• Just three scorers in double digits.
• Tobias Harris led the Sixers with 41 minutes but only accounted for four points.
• Ben Simmons: nine points and just three assists.
• JJ Redick: just five points on 2/7 from the field.
• They hurt themselves at the line, converting just 29 of 42 (69%) free throws, but were even more pathetic shooting 3 of 25 (12%) from three range.

The Nets on the other hand, were 24 of 26 (92%) from the free throw line, and an efficient 11 of 26 (42%) from beyond the arc.

Jarrett Allen got into early foul trouble and only logged 10 minutes.  Enter Ed Davis, whom matched Joel Embiid with a double-double of his own, scoring 12 points off the bench and securing a game high 16 rebounds (13 on the defensive end).  Spencer Dinwiddie added another 18 points in 32 minutes off the bench.  Joe Harris played up to his average with 13 points and 3 of 4 form three point range.  D'Angelo Russell led the Nets with 26 points, but Caris LeVert's 23 points off the bench proved most lethal.  In fact, the Nets bench outscored the Philly bench by a 59-26 margin.

Brooklyn Nets: Flatbush at the Gates

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

Sean Marks Hired February 18, 2016

2016-2017;  20-62 (.243)

2017-2018;  28-54 (.341)

2018-2019;  42-40 (.512)

2018-2019

National Basketball Association Playoffs

ROUND ONE

(#6) BROOKLYN NETS

vs.

(#3) PHILADELPHIA 76'ERS

Are Hoops of Flatbush Poised For First Round Upset Over Philly?

You can't be disappointed with what you do no expect.  That's exactly what is making Brooklyn's odyssey so enthralling.

Therefore, in the spirit of Ralph Kramden let's get right to the $64,000 question: Can the Nets defeat the Philadelphia Sixers?

My answer: Damn right they can!

Philadelphia head coach Brett Brown admitted as much (paraphrasing) saying the Sixers do not defend pick-and-roll very well (if at all), and will be hard-pressed to thwart Brooklyn's predilection and adroitness for creating space, working from the outside in, and raining three's.

It's no great secret the Nets oft times have difficulty matching up inside against bigger specimens.  Although, since the Clippers game they seem to have stepped up their physicality - smartly I might add.  In this instance, Joel Embiid is of course the X-factor of the series.  Naturally, the longer he remains hobbled by a bum knee, the better off the Nets will be.  For the moment, he's listed as questionable for Saturday's series opener.

Embiid led the Sixers this season with an impressive 27.5 points and 13.6 rebounds per game.  That said, no one is certain how he'll perform until we actually see him in action.  Otherwise Jarrett Allen I believe is quite capable of handling a nonathletic Boban Marjanovic, and helping with any Ben Simmons attempts down the lane.  The onus for Philly will fall on the trio of Jimmy Butler, JJ Redick, and Tobias Harris(?).  That's a scenario I believe Brooklyn is equipped to handle.

Brooklyn and Philadelphia split their season series down the middle; two victories apiece.

Nov.4)  BKN 122; PHI  97 @ Brooklyn

• Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons each post double-doubles.  Embiid scores 16 points with a game high 15 rebounds.  Ben Simmons leads the Sixers with 20 points and 12 rebounds.  Six Nets score in double digits.  Both D'Angelo Russell and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson tied for team high with 21 points.  Caris LeVert added 20 points, and Jarrett Allen scored 15 points with a team high ten rebounds.

Nov. 25) PHI 127; BKN 125 @ Brooklyn

• Nets lose by two.  Jimmy Butler leads Philly with 34 points and tied for team high with 12 rebounds with Joel Embiid whom added 32 points.  However, it was D'Angelo Russell who led all scorers with 38 points; Spencer Dinwiddie dropped another 31 points.  The two joined to distribute 13 assists.

Dec. 12) BKN 127; PHI 124 @ Philadelphia

• Joel Embiid posts a typical 33 points and 17 rebounds.  Ben Simmons follows with 22 points and eight rebounds.  This time, Spencer Dinwiddie leads the floor with 39 points.  Allan Crabbe is next in with 20 points, while D'Angelo Russell is limited to 12 points but ties for game high with seven assists.

Mar. 28) PHI 123; BKN 110 @ Philadelphia

• Philly earns a season split with a 13-point margin of victory.  This time Embiid leads the floor with both 39 points and 13 rebounds.  This is perhaps the first time Joe Harris exerts himself against Philly, posting a team high 22 points and shooting 4/6 from beyond the arc.  Otherwise, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson adds a double-double with 19 points and ten rebounds.

Through the first three regular season games versus Philly, Joe Harris averaged just 11.3 ppg., but was a hawk-eye 6 for 12 (50%) from three point land.  The problem is the Nets will require more than just four attempts (3-pointers) per game from him.  In fact "his here today gone tomorrow" act must end post haste if the Nets are to hang around through an extended series against the Sixers.  What I ask for is a little more consistency; playing up to his averages on a nightly basis.  Granted, he only averaged 13.7 ppg for the season.  Make no mistake; I'm not picking on him.  But we all know the impact a sharpshooting Joe Harris can have in any given game.

No need getting into the triumvirate of Russell/LeVert/Dinwiddie.  And I have nothing but love for Jarrett Allen.  The veterans on this team have been and will continue playing indispensable roles in any potential playoff success.  It's just that when Joe Harris shines hot, the Nets radiate brilliance.

Brooklyn Nets: Flatbush Wins Thriller in Milwaukee

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

Biggest Victory of the Regular Season!

SATURDAY

Nets       133

Bucks    128

FINAL

Brooklyn Nets: Flatbush Takes Another Step Closer to Playoff Berth; One Giant Leap Forward for Nets Kind.

How big was Saturday's victory at Milwaukee?

Let us count the ways ...

Already facing the league's toughest rated schedule down the stretch, nine of Brooklyn's last thirteen games have been on the road, and almost exclusively against playoff contenders.  That's medieval torture in and of itself, much less having to negotiate another quick turnaround for Sunday afternoon's penultimate game at Indianapolis.

Milwaukee had won all three of their previous meetings against the Nets this season.  Meanwhile, Brooklyn entered Saturday a game under par (.500) upon losing four of their last five games.  Self determination of their playoff destiny was fast slipping from their grasp.  Now for a second time within the span of just four days they were tasked with playing the Eastern Conference top seeded Bucks whom already had clinched of the NBA's best overall regular season record.

However, on this day Brooklyn catches a break of sorts.  Giannis Antetokounmpo is a DNP for the game, reportedly resting a sore calf.  Milwaukee's depth nonetheless takes Brooklyn to task.  Despite the Nets maintaining a lead for most portions of the night, the more polished Bucks not surprisingly have the Nets reeling late.  Six Milwaukee players finish with double-digit points, led by Eric Bledsoe's game high 33-points, complimented by Khris Middleton's 24-points.

Enter Kenny Atkinson, the mastermind whom I think negotiates the Nets through this critical juncture in their season.  After all, this is a young team still learning how play meaningful games in April.  That said, a few key time outs, some targeted kicks in the proverbial posterior, along with Atkinson's insistence on attacking Milwaukee's size by going small in the closing minutes wins the day.  Led by their back court, eight Nets score in double-digits.  D'Angelo Russell posts team highs with 25-points and ten assists, with Caris LeVert adding another 24-points and six assists.  Veteran Jared Dudley added another 16-points and six very key rebounds off the bench, but contributed so much more through his veteran leadership on the floor and smart composed play in the closing minutes and seconds.  D'Angelo Russell's driving layup with less than a minute left ultimately put the game out of reach.

The Nets are now 40-40 for the season.  It's their first 40 win season since winning 44 games during the 2013-2014 season.  They've certainly come a long way since winning 21 and 20 games respectively from 2015 through 2017, and posting just 28 wins last season.

The Nets are presently tied for sixth with the Orlando Magic, with a half-game lead over number eight Detroit, and a 1.5 game lead over the (outside looking in) Miami Heat.  Brooklyn has two games left on their docket, perhaps needing to win either Sunday afternoon at Indianapolis, or against Miami at Barclays Center on Wednesday in order to help ensure a playoff berth.

Playing important games in April is downright fun.  This emerging Brooklyn team makes it more so.  For a night at least, Saturday's triumph is easily the greatest Nets win in the last four years or so.

But don't take your eyes off the scoreboard just yet.

Brooklyn Nets: Home Sweet Home

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

Road to the Playoffs

SATURDAY

CELTICS   96

NETS       110

FINAL

Brooklyn Nets: Tap your Nike sneakers together three times and repeat, "There's no place like Flatbush Avenue."

Just ask the Nets who've been away from home for nearly three weeks since hosting the Detroit Pistons.  They have the NBA schedule makers to thank for deciding it would be a good idea to dispatch Brooklyn on an uncommon seven game road journey through the league's wild Western Conference.

The Hoops of Flatbush fared just 2-5 on the trip, opening with loses at OKC, Utah, and the Clippers, but responding with winning efforts over the Sacramento Kings and the LeBron Angeles Lakers.  However, Brooklyn's run ended there as they'd endure a frustrating loss at Portland, then wrap up with a stinker in their first game back east at Philadelphia.  Their most recent loss in turn lowered their record to an even 38-38 with just six games left to play.

The Brooklyn Brigade weren't the only ones treating their team to a hero's welcome, as fans packed Barclays Center to the roof for the Nets first home game since Mar. 11.  And the team did not disappoint.  The Celtics jumped out to an early lead as the Nets appeared road worn and weary throughout the first half.  Yet they somehow sleepwalked to a one-point lead by halftime.  It should be noted the Celtics were undermanned and in the midst of a back-to-back games, having hosted the Pacers on Friday, then having to travel to Brooklyn for an early 6 p.m. start on Saturday.

With Boston's Kyrie Irving unavailable and looking on from the bench, Nets all-star D'Angelo Russell scored 20 of his game high 29-points in the third quarter, as the Nets outpaced Boston in the second half by a 61-48 margin en route to a commanding 14-point victory over the present Eastern Conference five seed.  Russell also distributed a game-high ten assists. 

Caris LeVert played a pivotal roll off the bench with 15 points and four steals in 29 minutes.  Joe Harris posted his season average 13-points, and led the floor with eight rebounds (all on the defensive end).  The Celtics put themselves in early foul trouble, and Ed Davis, Jarrett Allen, and Caris LeVert all made them pay, joining to shoot a combined 15/20 from the stripe.

With one more victory, the Nets can secure themselves a spot in the upcoming NBA playoffs.  However, next on their docket is three games against two of the league's best in the form of Milwaukee and Toronto.  In the meantime, the Nets presently occupy the Eastern Conference's seventh spot, one full game ahead of eighth place Miami, and 1.5 games ahead of ninth place Orlando.

Brooklyn Nets: Where Kings County Holds Sway

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

Brooklyn Nets: Kings County Lays Siege ...

Sacramento - The Nets trail by 25 points to start the fourth quarter.  Brooklyn regroups, then sacks their hosts by a 45-18 margin over the game's final twelve minutes en route to a glorious last second 123-121 victory.  D'Angelo Russell usurps the local Kings with 27 points in the fourth quarter and a career high 44 points overall.  Their triumph goes down as the greatest comeback in Nets franchise history.

The Nets then advance on Los Angeles.  Joe Harris leads the siege with 26 points.  Three Brooklyn players post double-doubles.  Jarrett Allen scores 13-points with 11 rebounds.  D'Angelo Russell scores 21 points against his former team and distributes a team high 13 assists.  Off the bench, Ed Davis secures a team high 15 rebounds to go along with 14 points, while Spencer Dinwiddie proves disruptive with nine of his 19 points coming from the stripe.  In defeating the Lakers, the Nets officially eliminate them from playoff contention.  Moreover, their liege, LeBron, King James, is denied a 14th straight appearance in the NBA playoffs.

For on this day, Kings County holds sway.

Onward to Portland.  With a 45-27 record, the Trailblazers are the Western Conference four seed, just four games behind number one Denver.

With a 38-36 record, the Nets now have ten more wins than all of last season, and match their entire win total from the 2014-2015 season with eight game still to play.  They remain in seventh place of the Eastern Conference standings, a precarious 1.5 games ahead of Miami.  Orlando is presently looking in from outside the playoff picture, one game behind the Heat.

All seven of the Nets remaining opponents are in playoff contention (Portland; Philadelphia; Boston; Milwaukee [2x]; Toronto; Indiana; and Miami), with a combined 320-190 (.627) overall record.

Brooklyn Nets: D'Angelo Russell and the Comeback Kings

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

#LinksNYC

Brooklyn Nets: D'Angelo Russell Seizes the Reigns, Rallies Team to Greatest Comeback in Franchise History.

Faced with playing the NBA's toughest schedule to close out the regular season, we knew heading in the gauntlet that lay ahead.  Thus, Flatbush opens this brutally uncommon seven game road trip with a loss at Oklahoma City, where they excel through three quarters before being undone by the hands of Russell Westbrook.  Next stop was Salt Lake City where they get routed by the Utah Jazz.  After which the Nets make the first of two stops at Los Angeles, where they fall to the Clippers in heart breaking fashion on a Lou Williams last second buzzer beater from long range.

Teetering at par (36-36) with only ten games left in the season, the Nets enter Tuesday's match at Sacramento in obvious need of a win.  However they open play with great lethargy, falling behind by upwards of 16-points before closing the gap to eight by halftime - if only because Coach Atkinson flips out midway through the second quarter.  The turnaround is short lived as the Kings open the third quarter with a 20-0 run.

And then, the remarkable happens.  Down by 25-points to open the fourth quarter, and Coach Atkinson fit to be tied, the Nets go on to achieve their greatest comeback in franchise history. D'Angelo Russell leads the way with 27 of his career high 44 points coming in the fourth quarter, as Brooklyn outscores the Kings 45-18 in the final session.  The Nets all-star guard also leads all players with 12 assists.  During their final possession with only seconds left to play, rather than have Rondae Hollis-Jefferson surrender the ball, Russell audibles commanding RHJ to drive the lane.  Rondae does just that en route to the game winning layup.

Road Ahead:

• 3/22 @ L.A. Lakers
• 3/25 @ Portland
• 3/28 @ Philadelphia

Return to Flatbush:

• 3/30 - BOSTON
• 4/1 - MILWAUKEE
• 4/3 - TORONTO

Back to Back:

• 4/6 - @ Milwaukee
• 4/7 - @ Indiana

Home Finale:

• 4/10 - MIAMI

A week ago, the Nets were defeating the Pistons for control of the sixth seed.  But they've since slipped to seventh in the Eastern Conference standings, a precarious 1.5 games ahead of eighth place Miami (and three games ahead of ninth place Orlando).  If they are to realize their playoff aspirations, the Nets will need to somehow manage at least a few more victories against the East's top ranked contenders before this race is through.  Easier said than done, I know. 

But Tuesday's comeback against Sacramento bears testament to this team's increasing confidence and resiliency.  And if we correctly keep the Nets within the context of a rebuilding team, then what a marvelous season it's been already.  Here we are late March talking meaningful basketball, with relevant games in April still yet to play.

The Nets remain easily the best story of the local cold weather sports scene.  The Giants, Rangers, and Knicks could all learn something from Sean Marks' business model.  Meanwhile, Kenny Atkinson seems to be extracting from D'Angelo Russell what Magic Johnson claims he could not.

See you in L.A.

Brooklyn Nets: Flatbush Creates Some Elbow Room

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

PUSH FOR THE PLAYOFFS BEGINS NOW!

SATURDAY

Nets       117

Hornets  115

FINAL

Brooklyn Nets: Caris LeVert Provides Flatbush With a Little Elbow Room.

A week after making his NBA All-Star Game debut at Charlotte, D'Angelo Russell returned to North Carolina where on Saturday the fourth year point guard celebrated his 23rd birthday by smoking the Hornets nest with a career tying 40-point, and game high seven assist effort.

However, it was Caris LeVert who in the end stepped in to create the requisite elbow room needed for nudging the Nets through to a much needed team victory over one of the Eastern Conference's top eight contenders.  To the Hornets dismay, LeVert's flailing elbow block of Kemba Walker's last second attempt at a three earned no whistle.  Walker tried selling an infraction, but the refs weren't buying.

Brooklyn entered Saturday's action with an even 30-30 record.  Their 117-115 victory at Charlotte helps stabilize their sixth place standing after going just 3-6 in their previous nine games.  Brooklyn is presently one of just six Eastern Conference teams playing above the .500 mark.  The Hornets loss drops them to eighth, while Detroit now slips into seventh just 1.5 games behind the Nets.

D'ANGELO RUSSELL CONTINUES NEW YEAR SURGE

With Spencer Dinwiddie out since Jan. 23, D'Angelo Russell continues elevating his game.  Saturday marks the second time this season D'Angelo Russell has hit the 40-point mark.  No coincidence both have occurred during the new year (he scored 40-points at Orlando, Jan. 8).  He has scored 25-points or better in 20 games this season; eight times from October through December:

• OCT: once.
• NOV: three times.
• DEC: four times.

So far, the new calendar year speaks for itself:

• JAN: eight times.
• FEB: four times.

This month, D'Angelo Russell has scored 25-points or better in three of his last four games, and four times over his last eight games.  Closer to the point, he's averaging 26.1 point in February, after averaging 23.8 points in January.

Brooklyn Nets: Look What Flatbush Did to the Denver Nuggets, Again

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

Nets win season series; 2-0

I - BKN 112; DEN 110

WEDNESDAY

Nuggets    130

NETS       135

FINAL

Brooklyn Nets 29th Victory Surpasses Last Season's Win Total.

Last Friday evening I was listening on sports radio to N.Y. Post's Brian Lewis crediting much of the Nets success this season on their defensive prioritization.  And while Kenny Atkinson maintains a grip on the greater issues at hand, Lewis says the greater impact upon the team's overall focus is most attributable to veterans DeMarre Carroll, Ed Davis, and Jared Dudley.

Although 130 points might suggest otherwise, defense was again front and center against the Denver Nuggets Wednesday night at Barclays.  Their efforts helped Brooklyn amass a lead upwards of 20-points.  Which in turn permitted them to withstand and outlast Nikola Jokic's triple double (25 points; 10 assists; 14 rebounds) and Denver's fourth quarter surge in which they outscored the Nets by 16-points.

With Spencer Dinwiddie out, D'Angelo Russell is being afforded time to prove his fourth quarter worth.  He led all scorers with 27-points and tied for game high with 11 assists, while playing in a game-high 35-minutes.  Joe Harris (... he's so good!) backed up Russell with 17 points in 32 minutes.

The Nets featured six players overall scoring double-digits against Denver.  Off the bench, DeMarre Carroll contributed a double-double (18 points; 10 rebounds), while Shabazz Napier posted the Nets third double-double of the game with ten points and 11 assists.  Also playing off the bench, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson effectively sticks the dagger through Denver's heart with a dunk making it 133-125 with 25 seconds left.  Throughout the game, RHJ and the refs never did see eye to eye.  And after being called for a foul on what appeared to be a clean block, he sort of blew his top to earn a technical.

The victory not only snaps the Nets three game skid.  It's their 29th victory of the season, which on Feb. 6 surpasses last year's entire win total.  It also comes against the Western Conference's second ranked team.

That should send a little tremor throughout the NBA this evening.

But insofar as the message Wednesday night's victory sends: don't mistake their injuries as their weakness.  Underestimate the Brooklyn Nets at your own risk.

Brooklyn Nets Bench Brigade Turn Away Hapless Knickerbockers

From the desks of:  

DUTCH PANTS CAN'T JUMP  and  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

BATTLE OF THE BOROUGHS-IV

Nets win season series 4-1

I - BKN 107; NYK 105

II - NYK 115; BKN 96

III - BKN 112; NYK 104

FRIDAY

Knicks  99

Nets    109

FINAL

Brooklyn Nets: Mounting Injuries Put Spotlight Squarely Upon D'Angelo Russell.

Make that six wins in a row, and 19 wins in their last 24 games.  The Nets are now 19-5 since snapping an eight-game losing streak back on Dec. 7, marked by noteworthy victories over Toronto, Philadelphia, Charlotte, Boston, Houston, Sacramento, and of course their crosstown rival Knickerbockers.  They've done all this while hurt.  The Nets were just 6-8 on Nov. 12 when Caris LeVert was lost to a foot injury.  After which Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Allan Crabbe, and Jared Dudly, also went down and remained out.  Only on Friday did Jefferson finally return to the lineup against the Knicks.  However, the Nets now lose Spencer Dinwiddie - arguably on pace to win the NBA's 6th man award - sidelined a torn ligament in his thumb.  Surgery is pending.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

6th) Nets        27-23 (.540)

14th) Knicks  10-37 (.213)

As injuries mount, all eyes now turn towards D'Angelo Russell.  This is his team now, and he'll have the fourth quarter all to himself.  Although he has played himself into the All-Star conversation, there's been many games this season where in much of the final session Coach Atkinson has kept him wrapped in sweats.  It's only recently that Russell's and Dinwiddie's games have begun to mesh on the floor together.  There was clearly an initial disconnect, of which Coach says the two have learned how to play together and the results bear that out.

It's been a happy new year for D'Angelo Russell indeed, who was named NBA Player of the Week.  Through 12 games in January, he's averaging 23.1 point and 7.4 assists per game.  On Jan.14, he scored 34-points in a winning effort over Boston.  Two games later, he dropped 40-points in a win over the Magic at Orlando, then followed that up with 31-points on Jan. 21 against Sacramento.  In their lead-up to Friday's game versus the Knicks, Russell posted a double-double (25-points; 10 assists) in Wednesday's rematch against the Magic.  For the season (49 games) he is averaging 19-points and six assists per game.

Against the Knicks, however, Russell was limited to just 12-points in 24-minutes.  Joe Harris was the only other starter to score in double digits with ten points in 28-minutes.  The real story of the game, and for the matter the continuing narrative of the Nets season, is the next guy in line stepping up and contributing effective play and productive minutes.  Brooklyn featured more four scorers in double digits all off the bench.  Theo Pinson led all Nets with 19 points.  With 29-minutes in Dinwiddie's absence, Shabazz Napier was next in with 18-points.  Ed Davis played big man on campus with 17-points and a game high 16-rebounds.

Friday's 109-99 victory over the cross-river Knicks gives the Nets a 27-23 record on the season, good for sixth place, 2.5 games ahead of the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference standings.  They also improve to 15-11 at home.  Lest we forget they started the season 3-10 at home.  They've since won  92% of their games (12-1) at Barclays Center.

And don't look now, but their season long negative point differential now reads +0.4 for the season; another benchmark; more evidence of sustained improvement.

Against the Nets, Noah Vonleh scored a double-double Friday with 22-points and 13 rebounds; Trey Burke led all scorers with 15-points off the bench.

New York Knicks: Unfortunately for Enes Kanter, this is what happens when you become enmeshed with the Bockers.

One the one hand, Enes Kanter knew he was opting into a rebuilding situation.  Therefore, part of his present calamity came by his own hand.  Money will do that.  Little did he know there would be a heavy price to pay for his (micro vs. macro) decision.  On the other hand, Friday's performance was a picture perfect demonstration of tank-a-thon in action.  This game was perfectly suited for Kanter.  Just take a look at his last three games against the Nets.  He's right to express displeasure, and for that matter demanding a trade.  A man of his talents riding the bench is hardly ideal for either party.  Kanter is actually my favorite Knick, but he obviously needs to go.  The Knicks just have no real leverage to work with, so what can they reasonably expect in return?  Where this tank-a-thon ultimately gets the Knicks, remains to be seen.  But for as long as Steve Mills remains a part of this organization's decision making process, I expect nothing good.

I'll say this much about Coach Fizdale: if the intention is indeed to tank the season, he's in the midst of masterminding something epic.  With Friday's loss, the Knicks fall to just 10-37 on the season.  They extend their losing streak to eight games, making them just 1-16 in their last 17 games.  With February just around the corner, 37 games remain in the season.

Brooklyn Nets: Celts Get Boot In This Episode of Home Improvement

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

TAKING BETTER CARE OF HOME COURT

Season series tied 1-1

I - BOS 116; BKN 95

II - BKN 109; BOS 102

III - January 28 @ BOS

IV - March 30 @ BKN

FINAL

Celtics   102

NETS    109

Brooklyn Nets: After 0-10 Stretch Versus Celtics, Brooks Finally Get Damn Leprechaun Off Their Backs.

After suffering a 21-point defeat just over a week ago at Boston, Flatbush gains a measure of payback with a 109-102 victory over the visiting Celts Monday night at Barclays Center.

With Boston playing minus the services of Kyrie Irving, D'Angelo Russell opens the scoring on Brooklyn's first possession with a three.  By night's end, Russell finishes with a game-high with 34-points during a floor leading 37-minute effort.  Opening the second half staked to a one-point lead, Russell explodes for 18-points in the third quarter.  However, the Nets would allow Boston to close a 24-point deficit at the start of the fourth quarter to within six points with just 31.8 seconds left to play.  But that's as close as the Celts would get, as the Nets learn another lesson in the art of closing out games with a seven point victory over their division rival.

This latest victory gives the Nets a 14-5 (.736) record since snapping a near ruinous eight-game slide.  Despite their season record (22-23) still being one game under par, their mid-season surge has earned them contention within the conference's top eight.  Their season point differential is an improved -0.6 as the Nets have been outscoring opponents (113.4 vs. 111.5 ppg) over this latest stretch to the tune of a +1.9 point differential.

The Nets also own a winning 6-4 record against the division, and a 16-12 record in Eastern Conference play.  More importantly, they finally sport a winning record (12-11) at home.  After starting just 3-10 at Barclays, Kenny's Kids are now 9-1 in their last ten at the Flatbush Avenue gym.

... all despite numerous injuries to the starting lineup.

Lastly, Monday's victory snaps a ten game losing streak against the Boston Celtics.

D'Angelo Russell also leads all players with seven assists.  Jarrett Allan posts a double-double with 19-points and 12-assists.  DeMarre Carroll adds another double-double, with 10-points and a game high 14 boars off the bench.

Brooklyn Nets: Spencer Dinwiddie Enjoys Manhattan Borough Experience

From the desks of:

DUTCH PANTS CAN'T JUMP  and  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

BATTLE OF THE BOROUGHS

Nets lead series 2-1

I - BKN 107; NYK 105

II - NYK 115; BKN 96

III - BKN 112; NYK 104

Brooklyn Nets: Escape From New York

Brooklyn Hoops took an eleven point lead into halftime, and led by as many as 17-points after three quarters.  However, the building blocks of victory stood poised to come tumbling down during yet another self-destructive fourth quarter.  The Knicks, who outscored the Nets 27-18 in the final session, pulled within five points of the Nets with under six minutes left in regulation.  But that's as close as they'd get.  Spencer Dinwiddie's six points in the final three minutes would seal the Knickerbockers fate.

Spencer Dinwiddie led all scorers with 25-points off the bench.  D'Angelo Russell, just 4/14 from the field, distributed a game high eleven assists.  And Jarrett Allen posts a double-double, leading the Nets with twelve rebounds to go with 14-points.  Rondae Hollis-Jefferson also hit the twenty point mark on 50% shooting.

Enes Kanter wins the battle of big men with his own double-double, leading the floor with 14 rebounds, and a Knicks high 23-points.  

For only the second time this season, the Nets have pieced together consecutive victories.  The first time occurred in early November, with Caris LeVert still on the floor.  While the Nets were just 6-8 at the time, their season since Nov. 12 has taken a precipitous turn for the worse, evidenced by their 4-10 record without him. 

The Nets finally snap an eight game losing streak against the team with the NBA's top record.  Flatbush defeats the Toronto Raptors in a 106-105 overtime thriller Friday night at Barclays Center.  On Saturday, they cross the East River into Manhattan, and defeat the Knickerbockers by eight at Madison Square Garden.

While the Knicks forever remain a freaking mystery to me, I have a far clearer understanding of the Nets present and future plans.  During their most recent slide, frustration and impatience not unexpectedly reared their ugly heads, inciting many a knee-jerk reaction.  Firing Kenny Atkinson and even Sean Marks very quickly became considerations for debate.

I say that's folly, and every one just needs to relax.  Stay the course, Nets.  It's us fans whom must exercise more discipline.  Sean Marks (IMO) is fine, the team is back in control of their draft picks, and Kenny Atkinson at the very least is the right coach for this stage of Nets rebuilding process.  

If the Nets biggest problem is an inability to sustain and win through the fourth quarter, then I say it's a great problem to have.  That's an issue correctable through various means and venues.  But make no mistake, it's one of the hallmarks of a young rebuilding team.  Learning how to close out games is part of the process.  At least they're building an identity.  Think of it what you will.  But take a second and circle back to the Knicks.  Who are they, and what are they doing?

Brooklyn Nets: Caris LeVert Strides and Glides to Game Winning Basket

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

BATTLE OF THE BOROUGHS

FRIDAY

Knicks   105

Nets       107

FINAL

Brooklyn Nets: After Season Opening loss at Detroit, Flatbush opens Barclays Center with victory over cross-river rivals.

Brooklyn's home opener is a proverbial layup ...

Friday night at Barclays Center; game is tied with 15.9 second left in the fourth; Nets possession; Caris LeVert with the ball.  He dribbles to the top of the key, squares up against Tim Hardaway, then drives to the basket.  LeVert's lay-up attempt drops in with one second left on the clock.  Knicks assume possession.  After a full time out, Hardaway launches a three-point attempt from DeKalb Avenue, that misses.  And the Brooklyn Nets win their first game of the new season.

From the desk of: DUTCH PANTS CAN'T JUMP 

Hard Knox Loss at Brooklyn 

After taking a 57-50 lead over their cross-river rival into halftime, they regress in the third, but recover in time to outscore the Knicks 33-29 in the final session.  Flatbush finishes 49.3% from the floor, and 40% from three-point range.  They overwhelm the Knicks on the glass by a 55-36 margin, and prove better at ball distribution with a 22-14 edge is assists.  However, 22 turnovers very nearly becomes Brooklyn's undoing.  The Knicks commit just three turnovers all game.

Four of five Nets starters score in double-digits.  While Rodions Kurucs' eleven points and Spencer Dinwiddie's ten both off the bench makes five players in double-digits overall.

D'Angelo Russell scores 15-points, and ties Dinwiddie for team lead with six assists.

Try as they might, the New Yorkers have no answer for Caris LeVert who leads the team with a career high 28-points (10/11 from the line).  In fact, Levert's five rebounds are more than any Knicks player.

Jarrett Allen and Enes Kanter go toe to toe as each register double-doubles.  Kanter leads the floor with 29-points, and secures ten rebounds.  Allen answers with 15-points and leads all players with eleven rebounds.  Ed Davis adds another ten boards in just 14-minutes off the bench.

All that being said, scoring was never really an issue, right?  The Nets now own a minus/one differential after two games:

• Nets - 207 points.
• Opponents - 208 points.

Just saying ...

Off to Detroit.

Brooklyn Nets: The Reintroduction of D'Angelo Russell

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

SUNDAY

NETS

vs.

Pistons

FROM

Detroit Rock City

Brooklyn Nets: Hello Again .. D'Angelo Russell Returns After Missing 32 Games.

D'Angelo Russell made his return to the line-up against the Miami Heat Friday at Barclays.  Nets fans anticipation of a better future with him, rather than without him, clearly remains strong.  After the Borough's promising young point guard missed 32 games while recovering from knee surgery, Brooklyn welcomed him back with a standing ovation.

However, there's still a very small measure of doubt lurking in the back of every one's minds.

Last season with the Lakers, he missed games in November and December due to a left knee injury.  In a Jan. 7, 2017 game against Sacramento, he rolled his ankle.  Then. right around this time last season (Jan. 20), he hurt his right knee in a game against Indiana.  His series of missteps didn't end there, as he rolled his ankle yet again in a March, 25 game against Denver.

In 2015-2016, he averaged 13.2 points and 3.2 assists through 80 games games as a rookie.  Despite injuries last season, he improved to 15.6 points and 4.8 assists, in 63 games played.  He was averaging 19.4 and 5.4 assists through his first 12 games of the season until going down after a Nov 11 game against Utah in which he scored 26-points in 32:38 minutes.

FRIDAY

HEAT   95

Nets     105

FINAL

Although it was nice seeing him on the floor again, his game is obviously still a few days away.  Nowhere near game speed, he went 0 for 5 from the field against Miami, with just a point from the charity line, and two assists during 14-minutes of floor time.

But one of the other knocks previously levied against D'Angelo is his defense.  The Nets have shown when they hold opponents under 100-points, they usually win.  In fact, scoring has really been their problem.  The Nets are still averaging 105.8 points.  However, they're still allowing their opponents a prohibitive 108.8 points per game.

One of the questions I have is how long before we see Russell and Jahlil Okafor together playing consistent complimentary basketball?  Akafor has been averaging near 11-minutes a game since Coach Atkinson started incorporating him into the line-up after New Year's day.

With the exception of Jeremy Lin, Coach Atkinson has a full compliment of players again.  I wouldn't mind seeing Okafor taking away minutes from Tyler Zeller.  However, Spencer Dinwiddie has made quite a name for himself in D'Angelo Russell's absence - as have Caris LeVert and Allen Crabbe.

Hopefully Coach Atkinson can start straightening out some of his rotations, which have seemed ponderous at times.  But I'm not complaining.  Injuries can do that.

Dare I say the near future is looking up ... again.