Brooklyn Nets: A Series Grows In Brooklyn; Bulls Win Game Two

From the desk of:   THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION

FIRST ROUND PLAYOFFS

 

Game Two Final

Bulls    90

NETS  82

 

 

Series Tied 1-1

Game Three and Four at Chicago

 

 

BROOKLYN NETS - They Played Best Of Games. They Played The Worst Of Games.


There, for all Barclays Center to see, Mr. Hyde in shorts, or, Dr. Jekyll possessed.  That's how bipolar, or should I say, schizophrenic , this team can be.  If you've watched them this season, then you know how dramatically their shooting can go from being pin point accurate, to suffering debilitating rim aversion.  What did I say after game one?  I'll remind you...

The Nets shot 55.8% from the floor versus 47.4% for Chicago. The Nets are very simple to figure - when they shoot like that, they usually win, for this has been a season riddled with too many 33% nights.

 

The Brooklyn Nets shot 35.4% from the field Monday night.  That's it.  There's your game.  Talk about a rejuvenated, or even reinvigorated defensive effort by the Bulls all you want.  I'll listen.  But I won't agree.  Deron Williams was 1 for 9 from the field.  Gerald Wallace shot 1 for 7, and Joe Johnson was six for eighteen.  In other words, Joe Johnson shot 33% from the floor.  The only Nets player not to lose his touch was Brook Lopez, who scored a game high twenty-one points.  The Nets additionally got out-rebounded by a 44-39 margin.  Three Chicago players had double digit rebounds.  Reggie Evans pulled down eight for Brooklyn.  Chicago turned the tables on Brooklyn, outscoring the Nets 42-30 in the paint.  That's the simple anatomy of game two's loss.


Now the series heads to Chicago for a pair, where the Nets will be forced to win back a game on the Bulls court.




Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: Chicago Bulls Hit Heavy Traffic On Flatbush; Game Two Tonight

From the desk of:   THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

BROOKLYN NETS - Chicago Suffers Saturday Night Fever. The Hoops Of Flatbush Take No Bull On Home Turf.

 

GAME ONE FINAL

Bulls      89
NETS   106

A little under 18,000 fans watched live, as history was being made on Saturday night.  The Brooklyn Nets basketball team won the first major professional playoff game in the Borough since 1956, when the Brooklyn Dodgers last played the Bronx Bombers in the 1956 World Series.  Saturday night's game inside Brooklyn's new downtown arena was only a first round affair against the Chicago Bulls, but was a huge inaugural step for the  club and its fans, not to mention an enormous benchmark for the billionaire owner who's primary goal is to secure the Borough a championship by the 2015 season.

For just over two and a half hours inside Barclays Center, the home team played like a championship caliber club.  In running through the Chicago Bulls by a seventeen point margin, the Hoops of Flatbush did everything near perfectly, and finished the game convincingly.  From the opening tip to the final buzzer, Brooklyn remained relentless.


Six Nets players ended in double-digit scoring versus just one, Carlos Boozer (25), for Chicago.  Deron Williams led Nets scorers with twenty-two points, and also distributed a game high seven assists.  Brook Lopez was next high with twenty-one points, and led all players with three blocked shots.  Joe Johnson dropped sixteen points, and Crash played a very solid game with fourteen points, six rebounds and two blocked shots.  The only starter who failed to score in double-digits was Reggie Evans.  As usual, his game contributions came in the form of a game high thirteen rebounds - the only player with double-digit boards.  Twelve of Reggie's rebounds came on the defensive end.  Unlike Tom Thibodeau, Coach P.J. Carlesimo made almost full use of his bench.  C.J. Watson scored fourteen and Andray Blatche added another twelve points in supporting roles.


The Nets shot 55.8% from the floor versus 47.4% for Chicago.  The Nets are very simple to figure - when they shoot like that, they usually win, for this has been a season riddled with too many 33% nights.  Brooklyn also won the battle of the boards by a 39-35 margin - something they are more accustomed to doing. The Nets additionally shot 82.4% from the free throw line, while Chicago struggled through 68.2% shooting.


Moving forward, if Joakim Noah is going to be hobbling around all series, then it sure makes sense to keep Brook Lopez and Reggie Evans on the floor together.  The two dominated down low as a tandem, and were chiefly responsible for outscoring the Bulls 56-36 in the paint.  Deron Williams also played a part in Brooklyn's paint domination, driving at will, pun intended.  His outside shooting solid, as was Joe Johnson's.  If Williams continues shooting nine for fifteen as he did in game one, the Bulls have to respect the outside.  Joe-Jo was seven for thirteen from the field.  Together, they shot 50% (four for eight) from three point land.

 

GAME TWO

 

Chicago Bulls

vs.

BROOKLYN NETS

FROM

Barclays Center, Flatbush Avenue

BROOKLYN

Point to the absence of Derrick Rose, and the present health of Joakim Noah if you will.  Success is relative.  I get that.  In game one however, Gerald Wallace appeared determined to become a factor.  He was five of seven from the floor, and three of five from the stripe.  In thirty-seven minutes, he did a little bit of everything.  He factored with points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals.  It was a complete night for him.  While it is perfectly clear this is Deron Williams' team to run, if the Gerald Wallace that played with Saturday Night Fever continues to suit up for the Nets, Brooklyn can make noise.  Before he gets to don his white suit when the series shifts to Chicago, first, the Hoops need to continue the Black-Out, and take care of business right here on their home turf of Flatbush.




Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: The Borough's First NBA Playoff Game, Tonight - Game One vs. Chicago Bulls

From the desk of:   THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

2012 - NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION - 2013

 

First Round

PLAYOFFS

 

 

 

GAME ONE

 

CHICAGO BULLS

vs.

BROOKLYN NETS

FROM

Barclays Center at Flatbush Avenue

BROOKLYN

 

 

 

BROOKLYN NETS - Let The Games Begin!

 

 

It only took seventy or so games, but the Nets are playing perhaps their most cohesive basketball of the season.  They are also the healthiest they've been all season.  And just in time - The Brooklyn Nets begin the 2012-2013 NBA playoffs as the Eastern Conference's fourth seeded team, and will face off against the Chicago Bull tonight in Barclays Center.  The Nets 49-33 regular season record and second place finish in the Atlantic Division entitled them to home court advantage in the first round.  They will need every advantage they can get.  The Nets were 1-3 versus the Bulls this season.

 

 

Now the fun starts.  They must win four games before Chicago does.  They must do so against a team that was clearly more physical than they were in four previous meetings, which also came minus the services of Derrick Rose, who will likewise miss the post-season.  Chicago is all about physical defensive play.  Much of that will be lacking however, if Joakim Noah fails to play tonight, or if he misses extensive time during the series.  Even then, under coach Tom Thibodeau the Bulls will play tough, relentless basketball regardless.

 

 

If Noah is out, that should free-up Brook Lopez to have a good offensive game.  Even with or without Joakim on the floor, still look for Chicago to play tough inside.  Expect Lopez to get a heavy dose of Nazr Mohammed.  That means Brooklyn's outside shot still better find its range.  We know at times what kind of endeavour that can be.  That said, very simply, it's time for Brooklyn's back-court to shine as advertised.  While this is clearly Deron Williams' show to run, and he's still considered in the midst of an exceptional second half, Joe Johnson must make the Bulls pay for any slack play in their perimeter defense.  He must be deadly accurate, and make them pay with points.  When he decides to be a factor, the Nets play formidable basketball.  Plainly said, Joe Johnson is expected to show up every night now - not just be around the way.

 

 

Gerald Wallace needs to find, and establish a role in this series.  Is he going to be a three-point shooter, and help push the floor?  Or, will be be Crash, and play near the paint.  Reggie Evans and Andray Blatche already have their mission - match Chicago's physicality, and pull down rebounds.

 

 

There is not usually much to say about any given game one scenario.  After tonight, we'll better know what each coach has decided to target, and try to take away from the other.  We'll also better know who came ready to play and who didn't.  Then..., it will be, series on!

 

 

 

 

 

Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: Loss To Philly Is Another Failure To Seize The Moment

From the desk of:   THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

BROOKLYN NETS - Just A Brutal Loss To Philadelphia... 
A Win Over Sixers Would Have Closed The Atlantic Division Gap To Two Games.  Meanwhile, Out In Oakland...

........the Knicks Were Getting Hammered By The Warriors.  J.R. Smith got ejected from the game after committing a Flagrant-Two.  And Carmelo Anthony was clearly hobbling about the court with a bum knee.  To open the fourth quarter, the Knicks were down by twenty.  With ten minutes to go, they were still down by twenty.  A Nets win combined with a Knicks loss would have brought Brooklyn within 1 1/2 games of first place.

Ponderous.  I'll Update After Knicks Go Final.

FINAL
Knicks      63
Warriors  92

 

*

Deron Williams is playing his best ball since being acquired by the Nets.  For the moment, whatever treatment he recently received for his ailing ankles seems to be working wonders.  Aside from his collective game, there was his record setting nine first half three-pointers (eleven total) against the  Wizards, and 42-points for the game.  Deron followed that up with the 10,000th point of his NBA career on Monday.  Against the Sixers, Williams posted another double-double, scoring twenty-seven points and distributing thirteen assists.


But what a brutal loss!  Just brutal.  Monday night's 106-97 loss was the epitome of a let down.  Coming off three consecutive wins, and playing a bad, and worsening Philadelphia 76ers team, the expectation was to extend the win streak to four.  The New York Knicks, on consecutive days lost Carmelo Anthony for a few games to a sore knee, and Amare Stoudemire was lost till maybe May requiring knee surgery.  Oklahoma City cut the Nets some slack when they defeated the Knicks last Thursday.  As such, the Nets were within 2 1/2 games of the Atlantic Division leaders entering Monday's game.  A win over the Sixers would have brought the Brooks a half game closer before the Knicks took the floor against Golden State.  Back on February 22nd, the Nets could have pulled within a game of the Knicks, but instead bowed to Houston, then followed that game with a putrid 72-point performance at Barclays against Memphis while holding them to just 76-points.  That loss gave the Nets a 33-24 record.  It just seems when the Nets pull within two games of the Knicks, they break out in a rash.  The Nets record now stands at 37-27; fourth seed in the conference.  In the Atlantic Division, they are five back of the Knicks in the loss column, pending New York's outcome against the Warriors.


Someone explain to me how Philly managed six players scoring double-digits!  I guess we can start with Philly center Spencer Hawes, who dominated Brook Lopez down low.  He scored a Sixers' high twenty-four points and pulled down ten rebounds.  He even issued seven assists and blocked two shots.  That's a good night's work.  Brook Lopez finished with a much more quiet nineteen points and six boards.  In fifteen minutes, Andray Blatch scored nine points.


Try this.  Compared to Brooklyn, Philly's small forwards played like giants.  In twenty-six minutes, Gerald Wallace was a complete non factor.  He was 2/8 shooting, with four points and just one rebound.  He was the only Nets starter not to make it to the foul line.  Off the bench, Mirza Teletovic and Keith Bogans totalled forty-three minutes, and combined to add an equally inconsequential seven points and seven rebounds.  The fact Reggie Evans even scored nine points was a plus.  Makes me wonder if Kris Humphries has the spaldings to ask P.J. back into the rotation?  By comparison, Philly wingers Thaddeus Young and Evan Turner combined to score thirty-two points (sixteen each), and teamed up for seventeen rebounds.  Then for good measure, Dorell Wright scored another fifteen off the bench.


For the game, the Sixers shot 52% from the field.  Brooklyn shot 49%, which is good for them.  You can say the Nets lost due to spotty defense, or a poor offensive second quarter.  There is a weak case that the Sixers shot 53% on 8/15 from behind the arch, and the Nets shot 31%, on 6/19 shooting.  But we're talking a net gain of six points there.  Instead, Philadelphia hammered Brooklyn at the foul line - not that either team shot well.  Philly had eleven more attempts than Brooklyn.  The Sixers were 18/27 - 66% from the stripe, while the Nets trailed with 11/16 for 69% shooting.


The Nets have a quick turn-around.  They host New Orleans at Barclays Center Tuesday evening.




Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: Pull Within One Game Of First Place

From the desk of:   THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

BROOKLYN NETS - Sweep Home and Home from Bucks.

FIRST PLACE IS JUST A GAME AWAY

Like night and day - or in this case, from night to night, or like I said the other day - from quarter to quarter, the Brooklyn Nets were stricken for portions of the game by a bad case of poor shooting percentage, out in cold Milwaukee.  Then like flicking a switch, they turn it on.


Half way through the third quarter, the Nets were behind by ten points.  They were trailing 64-54, and shooting 33% from the floor.  Brook Lopez was only 3/13 shooting.  Deron Williams and C.J Watson were keeping things respectable.  Deron had twelve points and five assists to that point.  And C.J. Watson had eleven points off the bench.  Meanwhile, Milwaukee was launching shots with a 58% rate of success.  The Bucks were out-scoring the Nets in fast break points by a 21-6 margin, and out-scoring Brooklyn 30-16 in the paint.  The Nets were getting out-rebounded, and the Bucks handed out more assists.  For a second consecutive night, Brandon Jennings was leading all scorers.


Brooklyn made a series of defensive stops, and Crash actually scored a pair on transition during a 9-2 Brooklyn run, which closed the Nets gap to five points, in a 66-61 game and 3:40 to play in the third quarter.  At 3:07, Brandon Jennings buried his twenty sixth point of the evening making the score 71-61, and giving Milwaukee a ten point lead again.  From that point, Brandon Jennings would not score again until there were less than two minutes left in the fourth quarter.  The third quarter ended with the Nets behind by a 76-68 score.


At 10:46 of the fourth quarter, Marshon Brooks nailed a big three which brought the Nets within one point.  At the 10:00 mark, Brooklyn enjoyed its first lead; 77-76; since very early in the first quarter.  A pair of Marshon Brooks free throws made the score 79-76 Nets.  The Nets shooting improved to 42% in the second half.  And the Nets started to flex themselves on the defensive boards.  By the seven minute mark, the Nets were up to 52% shooting from the floor.


After Milwaukee tied the game at 81-81 all, Kieth Bogans nailed a huge three-pointer at the 5:40 mark.  Kris Humphries soon followed with a mid-range jumper, drew a foul, and converted the three point play to put Brooklyn ahead by an 87-81 score.  The Nets had played the previous three and a half minutes with Deron Williams and Brook Lopez on the bench.  And speaking of the bench, by the 2:50 mark of the fourth quarter, they had amassed forty five on their forty seven points of the night.  As Brooklyn kept up their defensive rebounding, Andray Blatche Blatche was busy putting the Nets ahead by an 89-81 mark.


Deron returned to the floor and hit a trey at the 1:50 mark, making the score 94-83 Nets.  A couple of turnovers and lapses in defense made P.J. Carlesimo call for a time out.  With 0:32 seconds left, the Nets were still clinging to a 94-92 lead.  C.J. Watson drove the lane with 15.5 seconds left and scored two huge points for a 96-92 lead.


With 4.4 seconds left, the Nets nearly blew an in-bounds pass to Deron Williams.  The Nets maintained possession, and with 3.4 seconds left, Milwaukee fouled and sent Williams to the line.  But Deron only made one of two free throws, leaving the door open for the Bucks in what was then a 97-94 game.  Incredulously, Deron Williams was called for a questionable foul on a three point attempt.  But Milwaukee's Monta Ellis missed all three free throws, and Brooklyn rebounded the last shot to secure a three point win.


In the end, it was Milwaukee's shooters that went cold in the fourth quarter.  At one point, they were 2 of 16 from the field.  The Nets pulled themselves together, and finished shooting an even 40% for the game.  The Nets swept both games of the home and home.


Deron Williams led the Nets with twenty three points and eight assists.  He was 7/16 from the field.  C.J. Watson was big off the bench with seventeen points.  Andray Blatche posted a double-double with twelve points and twelve rebounds.  On the night after toasting the Bucks, not once, but twice, with last second shots, Joe Johnson was limited to eight points on this night.


The Nets are winners of their last four in a row.  They now sport a 33-22 record this season.  The Brooklyn Nets are now just one game behind the Knicks for first place of the Atlantic Division.  The Knicks by the way, got crushed by the Indiana Pacers by a 125-91 score.




Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: The Shots Heard Round The Borough

From the desk of:   THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

BROOKLYN NETS - Joe Jo Blows The Roof Off Barclays.


Take that....!  And THAT!  Joe Johnson nailed a fourth quarter, last second, three-point shot to tie Tuesday night's game against the Milwaukee Bucks.  Then with the final seconds ticking away in over-time, Joe Jo nailed the game winning shot.  Barclays Center exploded and claimed its first signature Nets moment of the new calender year.


That's the way the Nets second half starts - with a 113-111 overtime win over the Bucks.  Significant?  Yes, considering Milwaukee abused the Nets in two prior meetings this season by margins of nine, and fifteen points respectively.  Brooklyn will be in Milwaukee tonight for the back end of a home and home.


The Nets are now 5-0 in overtime games, and 4-0 at home.  Their lone OT road win came against Washington.  The biggest overtime victory came over the Knicks in the first game between them back in November.  The first OT game Brooklyn played this season resulted in a big win over Boston.  The Nets also own overtime victories against the Clippers, Pistons, and Pacers.


Last night, Brandon Jennings was the game's high scorer with thirty four points.  The Nets however had five players in double digit scoring.  The man of the night, Joe Johnson, led the Nets with twenty four.  Deron Williams and Brook Lopez each chipped in nineteen points.  Off the bench, C.J. Watson contributed eleven points, and Andray Blatche dropped fourteen.


There was good team ball distribution.  Deron Williams led all players with nine assists.  Joe Jo and Gerald Wallace each had five assists.  Reggie Evens and Brook Lopez tied for game high with nine rebounds.  The Nets out-rebounded Milwaukee by a 49-43 margin.  Nets received a team effort on the boards.  Blatche, Joe, Humph, and Crash combined on another twenty four rebounds.


The Nets start the second half by shooting considerably better than they have in past games.  They shot an improved 47.3% from the floor.  Milwaukee also shot 47%, but Brooklyn killed them from three point land.  The Nets hit 10/19 for 52.6% shooting.  The Bucks only hit 7/20, for 35% from behind the arch.

TONIGHT

 

BROOKLYN NETS

vs.

Milwaukee Bucks

From

Somewhere Cold

Wisconsin

 

 

 

Go Brooklyn!

 

Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: Brooks Filibustered In D.C.

From the desk of:   THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

BROOKLYN NETS - Old Habits Are Hard To Break.


Last night's visit to the nation's capital was an abysmal fail.  The Nets scored their second lowest point total of the season against the (15-35) Washington Wizards.  You can't put lipstick on this pig.  I only wish I were talking about the government.  But if we should take anything away from this game, it would be this:

"Just a lot of bad habits...., then we start pointing the finger and getting a little selfish. We just got to get out of that habit."  -  Deron Williams after loss.

That is disturbing, but only echoes Gerald Wallace's rant from just over a week ago.  So at least we know there are two players who recognize there is a problem.

Friday Final

NETS      74

Wizards  89

The vocal Deron Williams led all players with forty minutes.  He tied for game high with twenty points, but his ball distribution was limited to five assists.  Deron also took a game high twenty shots.  Lopez took eleven shots, and Joe Johnson twelve.  The three combined on 37% shooting.  In the second quarter, the Nets only made four of twenty two shots.  So what are you going to do when you're consistently shooting below 35% from the floor? - See the Lakers game, and many others this season.  In the meanwhile, what scoring they lack from the field they are making up for by consistently getting to the line.  But even then, they only shot 59% from the stripe last night, making 19 of 32 shots.  By contrast, Washington shot 91% from the line.


When you lose the second quarter 30-11, where do you point the finger first - at low scoring, or poor defense?  To that effect, the Nets held their opponent to under ninety points.  Or, do we try a completely different tact, and point a finger at how, for a very good rebounding team, the Nets continually get out-scored in fast break points?  Something has to give, because if you didn't notice the Wizards beat the Nets at their own game.  With a big boost from Nene's twenty points (double-double, 11 rebounds) Washington out-scored Brooklyn 32-30 inside the paint.  The Nets barely out-rebounded the Wizards by a 47-45 margin.  Brook Lopez pulled down eight; seven on the defensive end; and blocked another four shots.  He was limited however to thirteen points.


On a side note, Andray Blatch has no particular love for the Wizards these days, not after they amnestied him to relieve themselves of his contract.  The crowd in D.C. reciprocated last night with a little bit of their own local love.  They delighted in a rather futile night by their former forward.  In sixteen minutes off the bench, Andray only managed five points and four rebounds.  The crowd also reveled in Andray's futility from the line, as he only converted one of six attempts.


Next up - a rematch against the San Antonio Spurs at Barclays Center.  The last time they met was on the last day of 2012 in San Antonio.  The Spurs whooped up on Brooklyn 104-73 to hand P.J. Carlesimo his first loss as Nets coach.  The game also resulted in Brooklyn's lowest offensive output of the season.  Last night against Washington, the Nets came within one point of tying that mark.



Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: Dwight Howard Watches Lopez Drop Thirty In Loss To Lakers

From the desk of:   THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

TUESDAY FINAL:

Lakers  92

NETS    83

 

 

Next: Wednesday, @ Detroit

 

BROOKLYN

vs.

Pistons

 

 

 

BROOKLYN NETS - Kobe Bryant Punctuated Tuesday Night's Loss With A Serious Display of DAMN!


The Nets were playing at home.  The Lakers had no Dwight Howard, no Metta World Peace, and were without Pau Gasol towards the end of the game.  Yet the Lakers ended the game on a 10-0 run, and the Brooks lost by nine points.  L.A. outworked Brooklyn in the 4th quarter, which is nothing new for this team. And Kobe Bryant punctuated the night with a serious display of Damn!!  After the game, Kobe likened his drive into the lane to the parting of the Red Sea.


Further hindering the Nets, their bench contribution was negligible.  But when you shoot 34.8% from the field, you're begging for trouble.  The Lakers shot 45.1% from the field.  Otherwise, the Nets dominated the glass, pulling down fifty two boards versus L.A.'s forty.  Each team cancelled each other out from the free throw line with fifteen points apiece.


So how do you fix poor shooting?  Well, you can attempt higher percentage shots by dropping the ball into the low post....I guess.  So that's what the Nets did.  With Dwight Howard looking on from the Lakers bench dressed in a suit, Brook Lopez responded with a game high thirty points.  Only problem with Tuesday's loss was everyone else was launching bricks.  Hello Joe Johnson.  Hello Deron Williams.  And hello Gerald Wallace.  The three combined to make twelve shots in thirty eight attempts.  Brook Lopez finished the night with a double-double; thirty points and eleven rebounds.  Seven of his rebounds came on the offensive glass.  Brook also blocked three shots and was 8 for 10 from the line.  But only three other Nets went to the line, and attempted a mere eight shots between them.


The Nets are now 28-20 for the season.  Where do they go from here?  Where ever they go, speculation is sure to follow them until they play with consistency against better teams of the league.  The Nets have still yet to distinguish themselves among other NBA contenders.  To question their cohesiveness and collective ability is still warranted.


Next up - Road Trip!  The Nets will be in Detroit tonight, and will then hop a flight to D.C. to play the Wizards.



Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: Half Way Through Borough's Inaugural NBA Season

From the desk of:   THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

BROOKLYN NETS - First Half Report:

Forty One Games Of Sizzle, Sputter, Streaks and Struggles

Game Summary: Flatbush Knots Season Series Against Knicks

That's it.  That's all you get.  The 2012-2013 intra-city rivalry against the Knicks is over.  Let's hear it for the schedule makers.  If the deities of basketball will it, perhaps the Nets and Knicks will meet up in the playoffs.


Year one in the Battle of the Boroughs goes to.....  It's a tie.  Not only was the first ever meeting between Brooklyn and Manhattan supposed to take place on November 1st, their game was also  supposed to open up the 2012-2013 regular season.  But Hurricane Sandy had other ideas.  The first showdown would have to wait.  Eventually they did meet, on November 26th at Barclays Center.  In the first meeting between the two, Brooklyn came out victorious in a 96-89 overtime thriller.  When they met again on December 11th for the second time at Barclays, it was the Knicks who came away winning on a last second shot in a 100-97 chiller.  Just eight days later, in Brooklyn's first game at Madison Square Garden, Manhattan flexed.  The establishment came down on the Nets with a heavy hand during a lop-sided 100-86 lesson.  Then on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Nets evened the series by defeating the Knicks 88-85, in their second visit to the Garden.


The Nets are now half way into their inaugural season in the Borough of Kings.  Forty one games have been played.  They own a 25-16 record, good for second place and just one game behind the first place Knicks in the Atlantic Division standings.  The Nets also have a division best 9-3 record against their Atlantic foes.  They are one of five Eastern Conference teams playing above a .600 win percentage.  The Brooks currently rank fourth in the conference.  They are tied with the Bulls for most conference wins.  In twenty three games at Barclays Center, the Nets own a 16-7 mark.  They are playing .500 on the road, with a 9-9 record.


Brooklyn's inaugural season in the NBA commenced with an 11-4 record in November.  The month was highlighted by two wins over the Celtics, a win over the Clippers, and Brooklyn's first victory in the Battle of the Boroughs over the Knicks.


But that didn't translate into good times in December.  An injury to Brook Lopez, an overall lack of cohesion, bowing down to stiffer competition, and a pink slip for Avery Johnson marred the month, and even soured the mood around downtown Brooklyn.  In a reversal of fortunes, the Nets struggled to a 5-11 record in December.  Speculation started running rampant accusing the Nets of not being able to beat teams with winning records.  The numbers were starting to bear that out.  Through two full months, the Nets only compiled a 4-13 record versus teams playing above the .500 level.  Meanwhile, twelve of their sixteen wins to this point came against sub .500 teams.  The list of good teams to defeat the Nets grew by the day - Heat, Thunder, Warriors, Bucks, Knicks, Bulls, Jazz, Celtics, and Spurs.


On Christmas Day, the Nets put forth four brutal quarters in their third encounter versus Boston.  The Celtics handed Brooklyn a most embarrassing defeat - one that inspired changes.  When the Nets followed up the Celtics loss with yet another pitiful effort against the Milwaukee Bucks, those changes came post haste.  Because November's start became a distant memory, and the loss against the Bucks dropped the Nets to 14-14, the Nets owner felt compelled to make a change himself.  After twenty eight games into Brooklyn's inaugural season, Mikhail Prokhorov dismissed Avery Johnson as head coach.  It was reported GM Billy King tried lobbying on Avery Johnson's behalf, but to no avail.  P.J. Carlesimo was promoted from the staff, and named interim coach of the Nets.


Since then, the Brooklyn Nets have been on fire.  The Nets won their first two games under P.J. but dropped game three in San Antonio to end the 2012 calendar year.


So far, it has been a Happy New Year on Flatbush Avenue.  The Nets opened 2013 with a win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.  Then proceeded to win their next six games, marked by additional victories over the Pacers, Hawks, and the New York Knicks.  The Nets have lost once in January, and are now 11-2 under coach P.J. Carlesimo.


With a very noticeable improvement in their overall play under P.J., it has become clear to many the Nets stopped responding to former coach Avery Johnson.  The most notable differences have come from Deron Williams and Kris Humphries.  Coach Johnson's dismissal came uncomfortably soon after Williams expressed his issues with Avery Johnson's system to the media.  However, Deron Williams did not escape some mild criticism, as he was also widely rumored to have been at the root of Jerry Sloan's firing in Utah as well.  Kris Humphries was nursing a sprained ankle in December.  But even more troubling to his performance was his inability to escape Avery Johnson's dog house.  But he is out now.  And against the Knicks Monday afternoon, he flourished.


Overall, the ageless one Jerry Stackhouse, Marshon Brooks, C.J. Watson, and Keith Bogans have been very good off the bench.  But extra mention should be made for Andray Blatch and Reggie Evans.  Despite being questioned involving a hotel incident, Blatch has been making the most of a second chance after being jettisoned by the Wizards.  By the end of the season, he could conceivably play himself into contention for the NBA's 6th Man award.  Reggie Evans has been tremendous on the boards this season.


If you're asking me, this most recent win over the Knicks was Joe Johnson's signature game since joining the Brooklyn Nets.  He is averaging 17.4 points per game, and seems to be just getting started.  He is exerting himself more, as he and Deron Williams continue working together.  If you remember, there was much hype surrounding Billy King's newly formed, Brooklyn Backcourt.  But Deron Williams continues to be a very interesting case study.  He has been streaky, and is not quite playing up to the level he exhibited in Utah with the Jazz.


The biggest difference maker on the Nets has no doubt been a healthy Brook Lopez.  Almost two years of having to deal with Dwight Howard rumors would have broken a lesser man.  But Brook Lopez responded this season by, so far, becoming the NBA's top scoring center.


Every player brings something different to the court.  That's why I left Crash for last.  Gerald Wallace is the backbone of this team.  This guy is indefatigable.  His nickname is well earned.


With regards to the battle for the city, the Knicks have had problems on the court, off the court, and along side the court.  But have the battle lines really been drawn?  Yes, kind of.  But a fierce playoff series between the two should expedite the process.  There's the second half of the season to play first.  Then, who knows?




Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: Flatbush Defends Home Turf Against Visiting Hawks

From the desk of:   THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

BROOKLYN NETS - Flatbush Salvages Back End Of Home-And-Home Against Atlanta.  Team Saves Face In Brooklyn.


Last Wednesday was supposed to be Joe Johnson's night in the spotlight as he was due to face his former team for the first time since being traded to the Nets.  But the Brooks showed up lethargic in Atlanta and lost by a deflating 109-95 disparity.  As it turned out, it was former Nets guard Devin Harris who had himself a rather enjoyable game with eighteen points and five assists against his former team.


In the Friday night follow up, the Nets were having to work hard in order to play with the Hawks at Barclays.  The teams were tied after the first period, and remained tied after the second period, and third period.  However, Brooklyn's first half effort was marked by turnovers that really kept Atlanta hanging around.


With just over a minute remaining in the game, the Hawks pulled down a defensive rebound and quickly went into transition.  Josh Smith received an outlet pass and fended off Brook Lopez as the two headed up court.  Once they gained the paint, Josh Smith shoved down a vicious dunk in the face of Lopez that pulled the Hawks within a point of Brooklyn, in what was now a 90-89 game.  The play punctuated a 7-0 run by the Hawks......


I then sensed the sharks beginning to circle.  There was sure to be a wave of media criticism headed the Nets way if they dropped the back end of this home-and-home series.  The knock on Flatbush during their inaugural season is them only being able to defeat sub-par teams.  And heading into Atlanta Wednesday evening, the numbers supported that growing sentiment.  The Nets were only 7-14 against teams with winning records before facing the Hawks.  After Wednesday, they had dropped to a 7-15 record.


Despite Atlanta's 7-0 run late in the fourth quarter, the final quarter was actually highlighted by a much improved defensive effort in which the Brooks limited visiting Atlanta to fifteen points.


For the game, Deron Williams led all scorers with twenty four points.  Brook Lopez dropped twenty points.  Joe Johnson improved by three points over his effort in Atlanta and scored eighteen points Friday evening at home.  Andray Blatch joined the double digit scorers club with eleven points in sixteen minutes off the bench.  Keith Bogans was Nets high man logging twenty one minutes off the bench, in which he scored eight points. Of the starters, Joe Johnson logged in a whopping forty one minutes.


Brooklyn out-rebounded Atlanta by a formidable 48-35 margin.  Reggie Evans was a monster on the glass, recording twice as many boards as Atlanta's top rebounder, Josh Smith, who pulled down nine.  Reggie Evans pulled down twenty rebounds.  Fifteen of those came on the defensive end.


Atlanta actually out-shot the Nets in all respects.  From the floor, the Hawks shot 43% versus just 40% for Brooklyn.  Both teams hit nine three-pointers.  But Atlanta came in at almost 43%, while the Brooks shot 34% from behind the arch.  And from the free throw line, the Hawks enjoyed a 71% versus 68% edge.  However, Brooklyn bested the Hawks twenty five points versus ten.


Crash Wallace was on the floor Friday.  In his first game back since bruising ribs against Phoenix, he played twenty nine minutes and scored a quiet eight points, pulled down four rebounds, and issued three assists.  He had one block and managed one steal.


Brooklyn held on Friday evening.  The Nets salvaged the back end of this home-and-home by a 94-89 final score.  The Nets are now 16-7 at Barclays.  They upped their record to 10-2 under P.J. Carlesimo.  But more importantly, they provided a response.  They rebounded, and improved their record to 8-15 against teams with winning records.  Perhaps the media sharks will remain docile, and not bite on Saturday.




Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: In Search Of More Legitimate Wins

From the desk of:   THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH


BROOKLYN NETS - Are The Nets Oppressors Of The Weak?  The Best Of The Bad?


Back in Hot-Lanta! - the place Joe Johnson became an all-star, to play the team that didn't want him anymore.  Games like this always make for a good story, in any sport, in any league.  And the timing couldn't have been more right.  For Joe Johnson is heating up.  But the Hawks aren't all the worse for trading him.  At 21-16, they only trail the Miami Heat by 3 1/2 games in the Southeast Division.


The Nets enter the game with a 23-15 record.  But the Nets are white hot right now.  They are undefeated in the new year, and are 9-1 since P.J. took over the reigns.  Have the Nets been getting fat on sub-par competition?  Yeah, absolutely.  But their victories over the Thunder and Pacers gives this latest stretch legitimacy.  Tonight, the Nets will be tested by another competitive team.  Or will they?  Atlanta's top scorer, Josh Smith, has been suspended one game by the Hawks for conduct detrimental to the team.  The Nets may still be without Crash Wallace for a third game, after he bruised ribs against Phoenix.


But has too much been made of the Nets success against weaker opponents?  Fourteen of their fifteen losses came against the Heat (2), Warriors (2), Bucks (2), Knicks (2), Lakers, Thunder, Bulls, Jazz, Celtics, and most recently, the Spurs.  The fifteenth loss came very early in the season against Minnesota.  Minus the T-Wolves, those are all above .500 teams.  On the win side, Brooklyn defeated the Clippers, Blazers, Knicks, Thunder, Pacers, and the Celtics twice.  So that makes them 7-14 versus above .500 teams, and 16-1 against sub .500 teams.  The Nets had a stretch where they lost consecutive games to the Heat, Thunder, Warriors, Bucks, and Knicks.  But they also had a string of victories over the Clippers, Blazers, Knicks, and Celtics.


They've had two good months.  One in November, and so far, January has been pretty successful.  They had one bad month in December which cost Avery Johnson his job.  I think they can hang with the big boys.  So how harshly are you judging?




Mike.BTB

BKN Nets: Flatbush Kicks Off Weekend With Friday Night Win

From the desk of:   THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH


BROOKLYN NETS - The P.J. Era Keeps Rolling Along.  The Flatbush Hoops Are 7-1 Under Their New Head Coach.

 

Friday Night Final:

Phoenix Suns   79

BROOKLYN    99

So far so good right?  All is proceeding smoothly under interim coach P.J. Carlesimo.  Under him, the Nets are 7-1 since the firing of Avery Johnson.  Prior to their Friday night contest against the Phoenix Suns at Barclays Center, several outlets were reporting a Nets source as saying P.J. would be able to finish out the season.  And why not?  That only makes sense.  Three coaches in one season would be absurd.  And besides, P.J. is well equipped to handle the head coaching position, as well as Brooklyn, N.Y. itself.  He is a long time resident of the metro area.  Whether you like him or not is a matter of preference, and something for next off season.  For now, there is an appreciable difference in Deron Williams' game, and that of the overall team.  If this success is coming against the lesser teams of the league, so be it.  You can only play who is on the schedule.


There is no doubt a different atmosphere around the team.  Avery Johnson was always very intense.  Two things about Coach Avery - he was forever going to exert his will, and he would forever be pushing, pushing, pushing.  In a subtle manner, P.J. has given the team a little less structure, and a little more playing time and discretion.


The Phoenix Suns, in the midst of an awful 12-25 season, and sporting a 2-16 road record, gave the Nets more troubles than the home crowd in Brooklyn cared to mind.  After jumping out to a quick 5-0 lead, the Nets were behind 19-17 with 1:42 left in the opening quarter.  Midway through the first, Gerald Wallace had to leave the game after receiving a hard foul by Shannon Brown which was ruled a flagrant.  Brown caught Wallace in mid-air as he drove to the basket.  In attempting to close the angle and block, he sent Wallace spiraling feet over head to the floor.  Gerald's right shoulder and arm took the full impact of the fall.  It was later reported Crash suffered bruised ribs.  The Nets had a chance to tie the game at 21-21 with under 0:30 left in the first, but a travelling violation called on Andray Blatche turned the ball over.  The first quarter ended with Phoenix staked to a 25-21 lead.


With 3:40 left in the half and the Suns holding on to a 40-37 lead, I watched C.J. Watson, Marshon Brooks, and Reggie Evans, run a fast break that made Spain's running of the bulls look artful.  With less than two minutes left in the half, Phoenix opened up a double digit 52-42 lead against the Brooks.  The teams went into the break with the Suns ahead by a 53-46 score.


To begin the second half, the home crowd watched Deron Williams drop to the floor after knocking knees, or perhaps his thigh, with Phoenix guard Goran Dragic at the high elbow.  D-Will limped off the court in very obvious discomfort, but did not leave the game.


Three minutes into the second half, the Nets closed to within 55-54, then went ahead 56-55 on a Brook Lopez rebound and put back after Joe Johnson's drive failed to drop.  Halfway through the third quarter, Phoenix went ahead by four again, 60-54, as Brooklyn started settling for lazy perimeter shots.


Unlike in the second quarter, C.J. Watson and Blatche actually converted on a fast break after a Phoenix turnover, and looked smooth doing it.  Blatche finished with a slam at the other end to bring the Brooks within two.  C.J. Watson factored again on the next possession when he tied the game at 60-60 with a high arching jumper from the left corner.  The teams muddled through scoreless possessions until Andray Blatche broke the deadlock with 2:30 to go.  But Phoenix responded on their next possession with a trey for a 63-62 lead.  But Andray Blatche struck again, driving, scoring, and drawing a foul.  A free throw later, the score was 65-63 Brooklyn.  Then it was Blatche yet again with two more points on a scoop lay-up to make it 67-64 Nets.  Marshon Brooks nailed a three before the period expired.  And the Nets finally won their first quarter of the night.  They held a 74-66 lead heading into the final session.


After the Suns shot 55% from the floor in the first half, the Nets were clearly much more committed to defense in the second half.  They had a series of defensive stops to start the fourth quarter.  Brook Lopez finally scored the first points of the fourth, and gave the Nets a ten point 76-66 lead.  Deron Williams' own scoop layup gave Brooklyn a 78-66 lead, making Phoenix call time out.  After the break, back-to-back three pointers by Joe Johnson opened up an eighteen point 84-66 lead for Brooklyn with 7:30 still left on the clock.  With two minutes left, the Nets were staked to a 93-75 lead.


Finally in the end, Tornike Shengelia, who hadn't seen action all night, made his way on the court and gave the Nets their first twenty point lead of the evening.  The buzzer then sounded making official the Nets defeat of the Suns by a 99-79 final.  The win was Brooklyn's fifth consecutive victory, and sixth in seven games under P.J. Carlesimo.


Joe Johnson led all scorers with nineteen points.  Five Nets scored in double digits.  Marshon Brooks and Andray Blatche contributed handsomely off the bench.  Marshon was next high man with seventeen points.  Andray Blatche dropped another fifteen.  Deron Williams, although somewhat hobbled in the second half also finished with fifteen points.  Brook Lopez dropped thirteen points and came up with several key rebounds.


But Friday night, rebounds were Reggie Evans' department.  He led all players in rebounds with fifteen.  Ten of those boards came on the defensive end.  Brook Lopez pulled down eight rebounds, as did Andray Blatche.  Overall, the Nets out rebounded the Suns by a 44-39 margin.


With only six assists, Deron Williams still managed the game high.  In the second half, the Nets cut down their turnovers, and only lost the ball eleven times for the night.  Phoenix turned the ball over eighteen times.  The Nets pounded Phoenix from the line.  They got to the stripe twice as many times as Phoenix.  The Suns shot ten for sixteen, while Brooklyn buried twenty five of thirty two free throws, good for 78% shooting.


Phoenix shot the ball considerably worse from the field during the second half, and ended the evening shooting 39% from the floor versus a consistent 45% by the Brooks.  Again, credit the Nets' second half defensive effort which clamped down on Phoenix, and limited the Suns to thirteen points in each of the third and fourth quarters.


The Nets next opponents are the Indiana Pacers, who will visit Barclays Center for the first time this Sunday afternoon.




Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: Drop First Road Game To Heat

From the desk of:   THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

 

GAME FINAL:

NETS   73

Heat   103

BROOKLYN NETS:

Kings County Cagers Wilt In Miami Heat.

Okay Brooklyn, you have now lost your first two games, and first road game in NBA basketball history.  Congratulations.  However, good luck dealing with Coach Avery after this last one.


In their first loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Nets let a twenty two point lead wither away.  They played suspect 4th quarter defense for the second consecutive game.  Wednesday night against the Heat, Brooklyn's offense can be summed up in one word - Futile.


Deron Williams led Nets scoring with fourteen points.  But he also led his team with seven turnovers. Deron had three assists all game and never made it to the line.  The greater problem however was in team scoring.  The Nets shot 37.5% from the field, and were an amateurish 3/21 from three point range.


Very early on, we are starting to find out just how important Gerald Wallace is to the Nets.  Of course that's purely based on game one of the season, because that's all we have.  Then again, missing Gerald Wallace doesn't nearly explain a mere seventy three points and nineteen turnovers Wednesday night in South Beach.  The Nets failed to score over twenty points in three of the four quarters against Miami.


After what I believe will be an extra-rigorous day of practice, the Nets will continue their Florida swing in Orlando Friday night, in the first game of a home and home series against the Magic.




Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: Team Wins Historic Kings County Opener

From the desk of:   THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

BROOKLYN NETS

 

 

"The Hoops of Flatbush"

 

 

GAME ONE

 

Toronto Raptors

vs.

BROOKLYN NETS

From

BARCLAYS CENTER
Flatbush Avenue, Kings County

 

 

FINAL

Raptors  100

NETS     107

 

 

They're here!  They saw!  They conquered!  Fuhgeddaboudit!

 

 

The Brooklyn Nets have arrived.  Commissioner David Stern made the initial introduction to fans attending Barcalys Center for the first ever Brooklyn Nets basketball game and welcomed the Borough to the National Basketball Association.  Members of the team were welcomed to town by former Bedford Avenue Bums players, Joe Pignatano, Ralph Branca, and a special appearance by Gil Hodges Jr.  Brooklyn Dodgers jerseys and Brooklyn Nets jerseys were exchanged between old heroes and new.  Deron Williams then addressed the home crowd.  Both the Commissioner and Deron Williams made sure to make particular mention of all the area citizens who have undergone great hardships brought on by Hurricane Sandy.

 

 

The home crowd was also introduced to their new mascot, the Brooklyn Knight, defender of the court and all things Nets.  Then after player intro's, it was game time.  As expected, the Nets starting five consisted of Joe Johnson and Deron Williams in the back court.  Brook Lopez, Gerald Wallace, and Kris Humphries were the starting forwards.  The Nets, sporting their home whites for the first time, took to their new hearing-bone patterned court.  And once Brook Lopez won the opening tip, the Hoops of Flatbush had begun.

 

 

Appropriately, Deron Williams scored the first two points of the night.  When Brook Lopez grabbed an early offensive rebound, drew a foul, and scored the bucket, the crowd erupted.  However, the Nets got off to a somewhat slow start in the first quarter.  Toronto jumped out to an early eight point lead.  After a quarter, the Nets were behind by a 35-27 score.

 

 

The Nets evened things up 38-38 on a pair of MarShon Brooks free-throws midway through the second quarter, then pulled away.  C.J. Watson closed out the half by nailing a three-pointer at the buzzer to put Brooklyn ahead by eight points.  Brooklyn led 60-52 at halftime.

 

 

Coach Avery might have been peeved over the initial defensive effort in which they allowed thirty five points.  But the Nets tightened up in the second quarter and limited the Raptors to seventeen points.

 

 

Brook Lopez led the Nets with fourteen first half points.  C.J. Watson scored thirteen off the bench.  Deron Williams led the team with six assists, and scored six points.  Reggie Evans came off the bench and led all players with five rebounds.  Kris Humphries, Lopez, and Joe Johnson pulled down three apiece.  Brooklyn's bench had a strong half with twenty three points.

 

 

*   *   *   *

 

 

The Nets opened the third quarter by extending their lead to ten points on a sweet layup by Brook Lopez off a Gerald Wallace feed.  Midway through the quarter, the Nets were still cruising with a 75-66 lead.

 

 

Toronto made a run towards the end of the third quarter and at 79-74, closed within five points of Brooklyn.  Getting quality minutes in the third quarter, Andray Blatche had eight points in ten minutes played.  However, he missed one of two free throws, and turned over the ball within a minute of each other.  After three complete sessions, Brooklyn's lead was down to four as the Raptors closed with 82-78 of the Nets.  Then at eighty-four points, the Nets went cold.  When Toronto scored at 8:46 to make it a 84-83 game, Coach Avery called time out.

 

 

MarShon Brooks brought the Nets to ninety points.  Halfway through the quarter, Toronto was still close as they trailed by a mere three points.  Kris Humphries started exerting himself under the boards, and on the other end, MarShon scored again.

 

 

Brook Lopez was the only Nets player to get to the line with any kind of consistency.  And he visited the stripe for the twelfth time with less than five minutes left.  He nailed both shots to make it a 94-89 game with 4:45 to go.  The Nets went cold again, failing to score for over two minutes allowing Toronto to pull within two.  At 94-92, and with possession at 2:14, Coach Avery called another timeout.

 

 

C.J. Watson hit a big shot out of the break.  That was his fourteenth and fifteenth points of the night.  Gerald Wallace then took his turn playing strong on the boards.  He gave the Nets a five point lead hitting one of two free throws.  But Toronto came back with a three-pointer.  With a minute left, Wallace fed Brook Lopez, who hit for two and buried another shot from the line to give the Nets a 100-95 lead with fifty nine seconds left.

 

 

Gerald Wallace then went down hard after blocking a shot with 27.7 left.  He rolled his ankle and temporarily stayed in the game.  Coach Avery called a full time out after Toronto converted at the line, to make it a 101-97 game.  Gerald Wallace's strong night was over however, as he left the floor after the timeout.

 

 

Joe Johnson made the score 103-97 with 26.1 left.  But Toronto responded with another three-pointer.  With twenty seconds left and Humphries and Brook Lopez on the bench, Deron Williams sank two shots from the line to make it a 105-100 game.  Toronto launched a three point attempt that careened out of bounds.  The Nets then drew a foul on the possession with ten seconds left.   Deron Williams buried another two shots.

 

 

A change of possession, and then..., Game!  The Brooklyn Nets win their first ever professional basketball game as a member club of the National Basketball Association.  As Ralph Cramden would say - How Sweet It Is!

 

 

*    *    *    *

 

 

Brook Lopez led Nets scorers with twenty seven points.  He pulled down five rebounds.  Reggie Evans was key off the bench pulling down a game high thirteen rebounds.  The Nets out-rebounded Toronto 41-37 with five players contributing at least five apiece.

 

 

Five Nets players also scored in double digits.  After Brook Lopez, Deron Williams dropped nineteen points, and led the team with nine assists.  C.J. Watson was tremendous off the bench.  He scored fifteen points.  Joe Johnson scored fourteen points and Gerald Wallace added ten before leaving.

 

 

Brook Lopez ended the night 11/15 from the line.  Deron Williams buried late free throws to put the Raptors to bed.  He finished 6/8 from the stripe.

 

 

Rookies Mirza Teletovic, Tyshawn Taylor, and Tornike Shengelia did not play.

 

 

It took a few days.  But the crowd was electric all the same.  Let's Go Nets was the chant, but Broook - Lynnn! was the anthem of the night.  This what home sounds like fellas.  It's been a long wait.  But you're finally here.

 

 

The Borough of Kings has a team.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: 2012-2013 Inaugural Season Preview

From the desk of:   THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

BROOKLYN NETS: Know Your Team - #5

 

2012 - 2013

Regular Season Preview:

 

#1- Know Your Team; 1967-1968

#2 - Know Your Team; 1969-1972

#3 - Know Your Team; The "Doctor J" Era

#4 - Know Your Team; The Eighties

Finally, after many years of delay, Brooklyn's First, is only days away.  With their pre-season schedule complete, the next time we see Kings County's new cagers will be Thursday evening when they inaugurate the 2012-2013 NBA regular season, and play in the Borough's first major sporting match in fifty five years.


Game One will be against the New York Knickerbockers, and will be played inside the Nets new arena at Flatbush Avenue and Atlantic Avenue.  Barclays Center is home now.  In five more days, the clock starts ticking on the Brooklyn Nets basketball club.  Once they tip-off, the rest as they say will be history.

The new home town cheer is set.  The anthem of the fans will be...

Brooook - Lyn!
 

These aren't necessarily the Nets everyone is used to.  These aren't even the Nets of the 2011-2012 season.  Gone from the Nets who played last season in New Jersey, and didn't make it to Brooklyn are Anthony Morrow, Gerald Green, Jordan Farmar, Sundiata Gaines, Johan Petro, Jordan Williams, Sheldon Williams, and DeShawn Stevenson along with a few others.


The Nets currently have seventeen players on the roster, and will have to slim down to fifteen by Thursday's opener.  Six players are returning from last season and six players are new veteran faces.  The Nets also currently sport five rookies in camp.  A sixth rookie, Stephen Dennis, was cut earlier in the week.  Word is free agent rookies James Mays and Carleton Scott may be next.  That would effectively get the Nets down to fifteen.  Remaining rookies, Tyshawn Taylor, Mirza Teletovis, Tornike Shengelia stand to make the team.


With his rookie season, New Jersey, and the winds of trade behind him, MarShon Brooks returns for a second campaign.  The twenty three year old guard/forward averaged twelve points per game last season.  In his senior year at Providence, MarShon averaged twenty four points, seven rebounds, and two assists per game.  The youngster will prove valuable off the bench.  Despite only five games played with the Nets last season, ninth year guard/forward Keith Bogans will also return to bolster the bench.


In March of 2012, the Nets traded Mehmet Okur, Shawne Williams, and a #1 draft pick in exchange for Portland's Gerald Wallace.  The 25th overall pick in the 2001 NBA draft, Wallace will not turn thirty one years old until July.  General Manager Billy King signed him to a four year pact which keeps Wallace in Brooklyn through the 2015-2016 season.  The Nets may rue that fourth season, but over the short term, the acquisition seems savvy.


Gerald Wallace has a chance to score his 10,000th point as a pro this upcoming season.  Last year with Portland, he was in the middle of posting his lowest points per game average since the 2004-2005 season.  In 2005-2006 he averaged 15.2 points ppg, then averaged 16.8 points for the next seven years.  His best season came at age twenty five with Charlotte, when he averaged nineteen points per.  At the time of last season's trade, Gerald Wallace had dropped to a suspect thirteen points per.  In sixteen games with the Nets after the trade, Gerald Wallace rebounded and averaged fifteen points in his usual thirty five minutes a night.


Kris Humphries returns to the Nets for his fourth season.  He signed a lucrative, albeit two year deal to stay and play in Brooklyn.  Entering his fifth season, Brook Lopez also returns after signing a brand new four year max deal.  And I say welcome back.  Ever since the Dwight Howard dramatics began, I've long maintained the Nets would be better off with Lopez and Humphries, than with one Dwight Howard.  The Magic center handled himself with indecision and engaged in double-speak during Orlando's ongoing deliberations to trade, or not trade him.  Perception wise, the episode may have been insight into why Howard may not be the best fit to play in Kings County.  And when you consider his history with injuries, if he goes down, there goes your primary source of both rebounds and points. With Humphries and Lopez, the threat of losing both points and boards are separated, and minimized.


Kris Humphries is a proven rebounder, and Brook Lopez is a proven twenty point scorer.  Before Brook Lopez got injured, he averaged twenty points per game during the 2010-2011 regular season, and eighteen points the season before that.  He'll turn twenty five years old next April and seems to be suffering no ill effects of his foot injury.  Standing seven feet tall, weighing 260lbs, and with a few years under his belt now, the Nets want and need Lopez to improve on his career 7.5 rebounds per game.


That's where Kris Humphries comes in.  Since Kris Humphries became a starter with the Nets (or was, his role with Gerald Wallace around is still to be decided upon by Coach Avery), he has become a double-double man the last two seasons running.  He has averaged 11.9 points, and 10.7 rebounds per game.  With Deron Williams on the floor, high double-double nights occurred more frequently.  With Williams, Kris enjoyed an overall career year last season.  Brook Lopez still hasn't realized the full benefit of playing with Deron Williams.  But he will.  In addition to the on-court effects Humphries and Lopez will have, both their contracts are relatively short term, and won't hamper the franchise nearly as adversely as a deal for Howard would have.  And that is why Dwight Howard is free to play elsewhere as far as I am concerned.


Hello Joe Johnson.  He comprises part 1A of the already much hyped Brooklyn Backcourt.  The thirty one year old guard cost the Nets a hefty sum in players, draft picks, and cash.  Joe has four years remaining on a six year max deal he signed while in Atlanta.  In addition to surrendering a 2013 #1 draft pick, and a 2017 #2 pick, the list of players sent to the Hawks is long.  Jordan Farmar, Anthony Morrow, Jordan Williams, DeShawn Stevenson, and Johan Petro all were traded to Atlanta. Why?  Because Brooklyn now has one of the most formidable back courts in the League.  Entering his twelfth NBA season, Joe Johnson has been a scoring stud on pedestrian Atlanta teams.  Spanning five years from 2005 through 2010, Joe maintained a 21.9 points per game average.  He averaged 18.5 ppg over the last two seasons prior to the trade.

  ....This is my house.  - Deron Williams.
 

It certainly is.  And it wouldn't have been the same without him.  Thanks for staying Deron.  And thank you Mark Cuban for dropping the ball.  Brooklyn showed more of a want for Deron's services than the Mavericks did.  Despite reports, I wonder if the star guard would have really left, considering all Billy King's maneuverings right up to the day Deron Williams sat in the press room on signing day and politely spoke, "Hello Brooklyn."


Had the Knicks known Deron Williams was available, they probably would have never traded for Carmelo Anthony.  After majority owner Mikhail Prokhorov effectively ended the Nets pursuit of Denver's forward, to the great delight of a dejected fan base, the Nets pried Deron Williams from the Utah Jazz under the cover of night.  On a February morning in 2011, locals woke up to news the Nets acquired the star point guard in exchange for a package including Derrick Favors, Devin Harris, two #1 draft picks, and cash.


After one and a half seasons playing in New Jersey and losing a preponderance of their games, Deron Williams and the Brooklyn Nets agreed to a five year deal in July of this year.  Biding his time before being able to opt out of his previous pact and declare himself a free agent was no easy endeavour.  At times, the team's consistent losing outwardly wore on Williams.  However, he always maintained the high road, and always insisted the Nets were in the running.  I do not believe he was ever misleading regarding his intentions.  He came here and was quite the leader and ever the professional despite rumors which followed him out of Utah insinuating Deron may have forced Jerry Sloan's firing.  But the Nets effectively gambled the future of the franchise on Williams anyway.  Today, the franchise stands to benefit immensely for having him.

 

 

 

The Nets have secured Deron Williams in his prime.  He is twenty eight years old and eight seasons smart.  He has size, skill, savvy, and rates as one of the elite point guards in the league.  This is his team to lead.  Last season he posted a career high with a twenty one points per game average.  It is the second consecutive season he averaged twenty or more.  He additionally averaged 8.7 assists per game.


Deron's assists were down because with Brook Lopez out, he turned into the Nets primary scoring  option.  But with Billy King's roster overhaul, that changes significantly this season.  In any given moment of any given game, with Williams, Lopez, Johnson, and Wallace, the Nets will have a legitimate scorer on the floor.  Gerald Wallace is averaging 13.5ppg over his career.  The other three have averaged over seventeen ppg over their careers.


MarShon Brooks and Keith Bogans will join forces with Andray Blatche off the bench.  Given the amnesty treatment by the Washington Wizards, Blatche, the upstate New York native has apparently found a home in Brooklyn.  He put together a fine string of pre-season games.  Over a seven year career, he is a nine point, five rebound forward who doesn't shoot free throws very well.


Guard/forward Josh Childress, who averaged eleven points per game and pulled down the occasional rebound while playing with Joe Johnson in Atlanta, will also come off Coach Avery's bench.  He spent two inconsequential seasons with the Suns before arriving in Brooklyn.  Despite being a career role player, the Nets are banking the Childress from his Atlanta years re-emerges.


Tenth year Reggie Evans is here to spell the forwards.  C.J. Watson comes to the Nets via Golden State and Chicago.  He is a twenty eight year old guard who has shown a knack for scoring in limited minutes.  And last, but certainly not least, age has its privilege.  The thirty seven year old, seventeen year NBA veteran, Jerry Stackhouse joins the Nets.


As the new Nets gain familiarity with each other, overall team scoring should be more than adequate.  There are little worries in that regard.  Based on their pre-season performance however, the team left me with a few matters to ponder.


Defensively, the team played no where near Coach Johnson's standards.  Despite a 3-2 record in five pre-season games, the Nets allowed more points than they scored.  They allowed over one hundred points three times.


Secondly, the Nets stand to get out-rebounded.  How often remains to be seen.  Kris Humphries is obviously the team's best rebounder.  I'm looking for even more improvement in his overall game.  But as stated previously, Brook Lopez is being counted on to do more, which invariably means getting more physical underneath.  He is historically good for seven boards a night.  He now needs to make the jump and join Kris Humphries in double digits this season.  Gerald Wallace is known to be good for five or six rebounds per game.  And off the bench, Andray Blatche will be asked to pull down his customary six boards.  After that, the Nets will be lacking.


Billy King deserves credit for assembling a quality team in such short order.  Not too long ago, the Nets situation wasn't looking too promising.  He initially caught a lot of heat for trading away so much young talent.  He also dispersed a cache of first round draft picks around the league, and effectively maxed out the salary cap.  I do not hear too many people complaining now though.  Instead, many believe Billy King has put together an Eastern Conference contender for Brooklyn's inaugural season.


Lastly, I will simply say, I believe the Nets have the right coach as well.  Avery Johnson is alright by me.

PREVIOUS SERIES: BARCLAYS CENTER GRAND OPENING;

THIRTY PICTURES IN THIRTY DAYS

#30 - Thirty More Days Till Jay-Z Blows The Doors Wide Open

#29 - Barclays Center; T-Minus Twenty-Nine Days

#28 - Barclays Center - Crossbeams and Concrete

#27 - Barclays Center - They Came Out In The Tens And Tens

#26 - Barclays Center - Thank You For Your Labor

#25 - Sidewalk Closed. Use Other Side

#24 - Barclays Center - Untitled, Just Because

#23 - Valentine's Day 2011

#22 - Year One A.G. - After Groundbreaking

#21 - Barclays Center - Ya Gotta Start Somewhere

#20 - Barclays Center - Where's the Doorbell?

#19 - Barclays Center - Howdy Neighbor!

#18 - NETS UNVEIL NEW FLOOR PATTERN

#17 - September Is Just The Beginning

#16 - Last Call For Some, Is Not Last Call For Others

#15 - Barclays Center - Dude, Where's My Seat?

#14 - A Sign Of Things to Come

#13 - Growing Season Starts In December

#12 - Next Stop, Barclays Center. Watch For The Closing Doors

#11- "Keep Off The Grass!"

#10 - Barclays Center - Brrrrr!

#9 - Where's The Remote?

RIBBON CUTTING DAY ~ BARCLAYS CENTER SNEAK PEEK

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#6 - Lets Raise It Up The Flagpole

#5 - Barclays Center - Who Needs Tickets?

#4 - Walk Towards The Light

#3 - All Trains Lead To Brooklyn

#2 - The First Lady Of Barclays Center?

#1 - JAY-Z OPENS THE DOORS

Mike.BTB