Brooklyn Nets: Sean Marks Moves In For The Kill With Trade For James Harden

From the desk: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

JAMES HARDEN COMING TO BROOKLYN

Big trade!

Sean Marks finally has his Big Three.

Am I happy about it?

Not at all ...

Let me be clear: I am not a fan of James Harden.  Rather, I was a huge fan of Caris LeVert and Jarrett Allen in particular, as both were groomed in Brooklyn, and yes, I do believe the Nets could have won with them.  Now, two of my favorite players are gone and replaced with someone I do not like.  I've been in lockstep with every one of Sean Marks' moves, until now.  But that's my problem.  I'll just have to grit my teeth and bear it. 

After the mess left behind by former general manager Billy King, Sean Marks did a brilliant job of stripping down the Nets and building them back up.  This is a very aggressive transaction and I trust Marks.  Therefore, I'll credit him with moving in for the kill.  A trio of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden can prove deadly together.  Expectations certainly are high, meaning the Nets are in contention for a title, or not. 

HELLO

• James Harden
• Cleveland's 2024 #2 draft pick.

GOODBYE

• Jarrett Allen
• Caris LeVert
• Rodions Kurucs
• Taurean Prince
• 2022 #1 draft pick
• 2024 #1 draft pick
• 2026 #1 draft pick
• Pick swaps with Houston in 2021, 2023, 2025, and 2027.

While savvier than the trade which brought Kevin Garnett and Paul Peirce to Brooklyn, I'm once again pondering the surrender of numerous draft picks.  Granted, if Sean Marks nails this, draft picks become an inconsequential matter.  But I still think the picks spanning 2025 through 2027 are just too much.

I see little value in a (presently out of shape) player whom Mike D'Antoni allowed doing as he pleased.  Sure, he won several scoring titles, but where did that get Houston?  If the Nets were already struggling on the defensive boards, the departure of Jarrett Allen only exacerbates the problem.  We Go Hard now takes on a different meaning.  Defense is to Harden as Practice was to Allen Iverson.  

In any event, D'Antoni is reunited with Harden, while Harden is reunited with Kevin Durant.

Now, if only the Nets can get Kyrie Irving back into the fold and help unblur Sean Marks' vision.

Brooklyn Nets: Kyrie Irving's Christmas Day Show at Boston

From the desk: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

🎄  BRooOOOKLYN IN THE HOUSE  🎄

Nets      123

Celtics     95

FINAL

🎅

Merry NETSmas, everybody!

Kyrie Irving makes his triumphant return to Beantown, bearing a bag full of gifts for his former team.  Playing in his first NBA game at TD Bank Arena since May 6, 2019, the former Celtic tucks a game-high 37 points into Boston's holiday baskets.  He also graciously distributes another game-high eight assists while highlighting Brooklyn's commanding 28-point margin of victory over the Celtics.  With an efficiency, even Santa's elves can appreciate, Kyrie is 13/21 (62%) from the field, 7/10 from the arc, and a perfect 4/4 from the stripe.  It's just too bad Boston fans couldn't join together in attendance to revel in Friday's late afternoon Christmas Day festivities and exchange their personal good wishes with Irving in person.

Kevin Durant scores eight points without so much as a single second ticking off the clock.  Great players get to the line and make you pay; that's all there is to it.  He is 8/9 from the charity line and otherwise shoots 9/16 (56%) from the field and 3/4 from beyond the arc.

Steve Nash turned up the heat against the Celtics.  Irving's and Durant's minutes remained consistent during two pre-season games (including one against Boston) and through Tuesday's home opener against Golden State at Barclays.  This game marks the first in which Durant and Irving exceed thirty minutes; Coach Nash issues each an equal 33 minutes.  Brooklyn's stiff jab followed by the unseen straight right join together for 66 points or 53.6% of Brooklyn's gross total, on 22/37 (59.4%) from the field.  The two also join for 12/13 (92%) on free throws, which accounts for 46.1% of Brooklyn's scoring from the stripe.

At the "center of attention," DeAndre continues taking his place on the court for the opening tip-offs, but it's Jarrett Allen who is garnering more minutes, if only slightly.  Jordan was a plus-5 in 19 minutes with four points and seven rebounds.  Jarrett Allen was a plus-18 with nine points and 5/6 from the line to complement a game-high eleven rebounds (five offensive) in 21 minutes.

Caris LeVert, in 19 minutes, was 5/8 from the floor for ten points with three assists; he missed on two occasions from three.  Joe Harris was a quiet 2/4 from the arc with nine points overall.

Jeff Green's forceful putback early in the game turned out to be his only points.  Together with Taurean Prince, they joined for 2/8 from the field and a minus-6 for the game in fifteen and twelve minutes.

A sloppy start by Brooklyn results in a 54-51 deficit at halftime.  But Flatbush storms back, outscoring Boston 72-41 in the second half and limiting the Celtic to just 18 points in the fourth quarter.  Boston outrebounds (47-43) the Nets, but their accuracy from the field was demonstratively awry, shooting a mere 37/98 (38.7%) for the game.

• Next up: Flatbush (2-0) visits Charlotte on Sunday.

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Brooklyn Nets: Sean Marks' Vision Comes Into Focus

From the desk: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

MAKE THAT BROOKLYN'S NINTH & MOST 

ANTICIPATED OPENING DAY SINCE 2012-2013

2020 ~ 2021

HOOPS of FLATBUSH

Warriors    99

Nets         125

FINAL

OUT OF THE LAB AND FINALLY ON THE COURT: A NEW ERA IN BROOKLYN NETS BASKETBALL BEGINS, NOW!

Opening night at Barclays Center features Stephen Curry and the visiting Golden State Warriors (playing without Klay Thompson and Draymond Green) against host Brooklyn featuring their former teammate, Kevin Durant.

Punching in his time card for the first time since Game 5 of the NBA Finals as a member of the Warriors,  Durant is 7/16 from the floor and 7/7 from the line for 22 points in 25-minutes.  Kyrie Irving, the other half of Brooklyn's one-two punch, scores a game-high 26 points in 25-minutes.  

Kyrie Irvin and Kevin Durant joined in scoring 48 points or 38.4% of Brooklyn's 125 total points and propelled the Nets to a 40-25 lead in the first quarter and an 18 point lead at the half.

Coach Nash's distribution of minutes is consistent with the pre-season.  In fact, his starting lineup also remained the same.  DeAndre Jordan, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Joe Harris round out the starting five.  Of the starters, only Jordan failed to stay on the floor for at least twenty minutes.  Caris LeVert, like Durant and Irving, plays a team-high 25-minutes.  A qualified starter at this stage of his career for most other teams, and an emerging star for that matter, Caris is 6/17 from the field and 5/6 from the line with nine rebounds and a team-high five assists.  His 20 points off the bench make three Nets with 20 or more.  New addition Landry Shamet also played 20 minutes, with a +12 and six points.

DeAndre Jordan, in 17 minutes, secures a game-high eleven rebounds.  Jarrett Allen is given 20 minutes off the bench in which he secures seven rebounds and is 2/3 from the floor and 4/5 from the line for eight points.  Together, the "Centers of Brooklyn's Attention" join for 12 points, 18 rebounds (five offensive), with three assists and three blocks.  

As a new leader of the Nets, the television camera in the first quarter caught KD (admonishing?) encouraging Joe Harris to take a shot from the left corner, who instead elected to pass off.  That may not seem like much and will likely go unspoken.  However, I think playing alongside KD will be huge and beneficial to Joe's continued career advancement.  Sean Marks made re-signing Joe an off-season priority.  And truth be told, for the role he plays, he has always been a good fit in Flatbush.  When Harris is on his game and making his shots, the Nets are difficult to contend with.  But when opponents decide to eliminate Joe Harris from the equation, Harris is easily canceled out, and the team oft struggled to make up the difference.  After only one regular-season game together, I sense Kevin Durant will push Harris unlike any player or coach before him.  Harris is averaging 11.8 points per game since joining the Nets but is averaging 14.1 ppg over the last two seasons.  With teams overly concerned with Durant and Irving, Harris stands to have his best season to date.  Monday against the Warriors, he scored ten and secured seven rebounds.

The Nets outrebounded Golden State (55-45) by a margin of ten.  Assists were 26-24 in favor of the Warriors.  Brooklyn was 42/92 (45.7%) from the floor and an efficient 15/35 (42.9%) from the arc.  Golden State was 37/99 (37.4%) from the field; Steph Curry finished with 20 points in 30 minutes.

Flatbush faces an upgrade in competition when they next play the Celtics at Boston on Christmas Day.

Brooklyn Nets: Pre-Season Test Run Goes Smoothly

From the desk: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

THE LAB

PRE-SEASON

• NETS 119; Wizards 114
• Nets 113; CELTICS 89

I can't remember the first or last time I had such fun watching pre-season games!

It's been eighteen months, well over 500 days, since Sean Marks signed Kevin Durant.  Nets fans waited excitedly but patiently throughout until Dec. 13, when KD and Kyrie Irving finally played together as members of the Brooklyn Nets.  Their respective first-half effort against Washington was an eye-popping glimpse into what could possibly be a fascinating season in Flatbush.  In turning away the Wizards during last Sunday's opener at Barclays Center, the team's oft-debated team synergy was a complete non-issue.  The two joined for 33 points en route to a 68-50 first-half lead.  Said another way, they accounted for 48.5% of the Nets first-half scoring.  I don't like math, but I'm completely copacetic with that measure of contribution as water ultimately seeks its own level.

On Friday, the Brooks rolled to their second victory this time over (last year's playoff-contending) Celtics by a commanding 24-point margin.  Naturally, both Durant's and Irving's minutes increased.  So far, through two games and 51 total minutes for Durant and 45-minutes for Irving, they've been nothing short of impressive.  Durant, in particular, appears completely recovered from surgery and rehabilitation.  He's shown no signs of hesitancy.  In fact, his first step appears explosive as ever.  Durant scored a floor high 25 points in 27 minutes, with six defensive boards.  Drawing attention and fouls, he was 5 of 6 from the line and put up a team-high sixteen attempts.  Irving put up the second-most attempts, shooting 7 of 15 from the field for 17 points with no trips to the line.  He otherwise tied for a game-high five assists and was second on the team in rebounding with seven.  Together Durant and Irving accounted for 37.1% of Brooklyn's total points.  As I said, water will find its own level.  These numbers are due to change once the regular season commences this coming Tuesday.

Unable to participate against the Wizards (knee), Caris LeVert joined in with 18 points in 21 minutes off the bench.  He was 6 of 13 from the floor, including 2 of 3 from the arc and a perfect 4 of 4 from the line.  With LeVert back in the fold, both Tyler Johnson's and Timothe Luwawu-Cabbarot's minutes dropped by half.

After missing a pair of three-point attempts against Washington, happy-to-be-back Joe Harris connected on 4 of 7 from the arc against Boston.

Getting consistent minutes under close inspection were Taurean Prince and Landry Shamet.  In 42 minutes, Prince was 5 of 11 (55%) from the floor with five boards, and Shamet in 39 minutes was 4 of 12 (33%) with just one assist but six rebounds.

Meanwhile, DeAndre Jordan and Jarrett Allen remain at the center of my attention.  Against Washington, in splitting 32 minutes, the two joined for only seven points with eleven defensive boards.  Coach Nash started Jordan for a second straight game.  DeAndre against Boston made no attempts from the field and was 1 of 2 from the line.  However, he did tie with a team-high five assists with four rebounds, three steals, and two blocked shots in 19-minutes.  In 17-minutes off the bench, an aggressive Jarrett Allen was 5 of 6 from the line with nine points overall.  He secured a game-high eleven boards and was a +20 for the game.

Now the fun really starts.  Brooklyn's regular-season commences this coming Tuesday night against the Golden State Warriors at the Flatbush Avenue Gym.  Ironic that Tuesday's opener is against the team for which Kevin Durant last played an NBA game.  He tore his Achillies mid-June 2019 during Game 5 of the NBA Finals.  By month's end, the free agent agreed to sign with the Nets.

Flatbush was a playoff team last season minus Kyrie Irving's services, who played just twenty games.  After appearing in the team's first eleven games, he missed the next two months from mid-November through mid-January.  Kyrie returned to play nine more games.  However, Feb. 2, at Washington would be his last of the season.  He would ultimately undergo surgery to relieve a right shoulder impingement.  Through two pre-seasons games, like Kevin Durant, Irving's performance appeared free and unrestricted.  He's also made peace with the media after referring to them as pawns - a matter, however, that doesn't interest me much.  All that matters to me is his ability to stay on the floor.

From the outside looking in, this team can appear cliquish to the casual observer.  I do not believe so.  But that's going to be Steve Nash's responsibility to discern.  For you have Nash, Mike D'Antoni, and Amare Stoudemire, who all have a long relationship together.  You have assistant coach Jacque Vaughn and the Flatbush cultivated crew of Caris LeVert, Jarrett Allen, Joe Harris, Spencer Dinwiddie, and even Rodions Kurucs.  Lastly, you have the incoming triumvirate of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and DeAndre Jordan, who together agreed to join forces.  I'm looking forward to an agreeable melding of minds between Nash, Durant, and Irving.  However, I'm also curious to see who is trying to be the alpha personality on any given day.

I trust that Sean Marks thought all this through ...

#NoHarden

Brooklyn Nets: Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving Play Together at Last

From the desk: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

Pre-Season Opener

Wizards 114

Nets       119

FINAL

... and the Hoops of Flatbush Take the Court!

Welcome to the Brooklyn Nets' most anxiously anticipated season to date, even more so than their initial arrival in Kings County.  Expectations were never nearly as high then, nor moving forward, as they are at this very moment.  

General manager Sean Marks is to thank.  His patience and discipline have so far prevailed.  Through his rebuilding and architectural vision, the team in these last two seasons has done more to endear themselves to fans than in any preceding six.  Caris LeVert, Jarrett Allen, Joe Harris, even Spencer Dinwiddie (and the departed D'Angelo Russell) grew up here, along with others worth mentioning whether still with the team or not.  They're all responsible for elevating the Nets to a more competitive level.  I'm happy a trade to acquire James Harden never transpired.  Generally speaking, the point is the long-sought emotional bond between team and fan has finally been cemented.  That's a very different vibe than hiring a bunch of costly mercenaries in the hopes of grabbing a new fan base's attention, a la Mikail Prokhorov's and Billy King's device.  Although a Nets familiar crowd, Brooklyn can be an apathetic bunch.  Early attendance figures bear that out.

Some pundits are saying the Brooklyn Nets are now a legitimate Eastern Conference threat.  Then, all that remains is for Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant to drive Sean Marks' vision forward and validate such prognostications.

That being said, the wait is over.  For the first time since their respective acquisitions, fans got to witness Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant playing in the same game at the same time and donning the same black and white uniforms, albeit in the first preseason exhibition game against the pedestrian Washington Wizards.  But if fans think they waited a long time for this moment, imaging Durant's plight, who last participated in an NBA game over 550 days ago.  He's been recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon ever since.  It was definitely a relief and very encouraging as a fan to see Durant moving so fluidly and without hesitancy.

Insofar as first impressions, Irving and Durant did not disappoint.  Their respective first-half effort was an exciting glimpse into what possibly could be a fascinating season in Flatbush.  The two joined for 33 points en route to a 68-50 first-half lead.  Said another way, they accounted for 48.5% of the Nets first-half scoring.  I can't stand math, but I'm completely copacetic with that measure of contribution for the sake of involvement.  Despite 0/3 from the arc, Spencer Dinwiddie scored ten and led the team with seven assists in 25-minutes.  Timothe Luwawu-Cabarro seems to have picked up where he left off with eleven points in 21-minutes.  Taurean Prince was an effective 6/9 from the field and 2/2 from the line.  Kyrie Irving led the team with 18 points in just 17 minutes, and Durants had 15 points in 24 minutes.

Meanwhile, DeAndre Jordan and Jarrett Allen were not the centers of attention.  Coach Nash gave Jordan the start over Allen.  I'll wait out the preseason before I make that an issue.  Otherwise, the two joined for just seven points with eleven defensive boards while splitting 32 total minutes.

This brings to mind Steve Nash and his rather eclectic coaching staff.  I'll just start by saying holdover Jacque Vaughn is completely welcome.  Mike D'Antoni is the assistant head coach.  He'll definitely be a head coach of his own team again next season; I'm sure of it.  He, unfortunately, was the one person left standing in the latest round of head coaching musical chairs.  Nash, of course, played for D'Antoni while at Phoenix.  And then there's Amare Stoudemire, Nash's former teammate at Phoenix.  The two were great together, and the three went far together but never did get to light a victory cigar.  Amare is said to be here (partly) to teach Jarrett Allen how to play like a big man.  I hope it works.  However, I'm no booster of D'Antoni.  I do not and have never believed in his system.  We've seen it up close with the Knicks, and where did his system get him in Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Houston?  That said, I fully expect Steve Nash to be his own man and run his own game while being completely open to information and advice.  Above all else, I trust Sean Marks made the right decision.

I do not consider the upcoming season a championship year or bust situation.  I prefer to judge the upcoming season in stages.  For now, they are nothing more than a team with two stars who have yet to complete a full season together.  Of course, Durant is returning to the floor after an extended absence. However, Kyrie Irving with the Brooklyn Nets still must demonstrate durability, lest we forget he only played 20 games last season.

James Harden Clamoring For Trade to Brooklyn

From the desk: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

BIG THREE?

James Harden Trying to Shoehorn Himself into Nets Neighborhood

James Harden wants out of Houston and to prove his point has turned down a two-year $103 million dollar contract extension.  Instead of potentially becoming the first player in history to break the $50 million per season salary barrier, he instead requested a trade to Brooklyn.

Sure he did ...

The Houston Rockets franchise is falling apart like wet toilet paper and Harden knows it.  Former general manager Daryl Morey left the organization, coach Mike D'Antoni is no longer there, Robert Covington was recently traded and now Russell Westbrook says he wants out as well.  Besides, I guess it's easy to snub your nose at another ten million when you're already making forty million per season.  

Not that I have any experience with that ...

Harden asked for a trade to Brooklyn indeed, where he has convenience and familiarity on his side.  He is former teammates with Kevin Durant when the two played at Oklahoma City, and his former head coach is now an assistant with the Nets.  According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Harden, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in recent weeks have been in frequent communication.  Woj says Durant is enthusiastic about a potential deal and that contrary to rumors, Kyrie Irving is not known to be opposed.  Woj also says the Nets and Houston Rockets have spoken.  Discussions are being characterized as nothing serious.

Wednesday is the NBA draft.  If such a deal should occur, the potential cost for acquiring James Harden is being speculated to include anyone from Spencer Dinwiddie to Caris LeVert and Jarrett Allen along with a slew of draft picks.  Some pundits say it would take someone more talented like Kyrie Irving in order to facilitate any trade.

I'm opposed to all of it.  

I understand Spencer Dinwiddie's value is as a trade chip.  However, I am particularly protective of Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert.  First, Allen is my favorite player.  But, mainly because Harden still has two-plus seasons left on his present contract.  He can become a free agent in 2022 if he opts out of the final year of his deal.  Then what?  Maintaining three super-max contracts on the roster is extremely prohibitive.  

I'm also completely averse to trading away draft picks.  This organization has already been there and done that.  The Nets are now on the other side of Billy King's disastrous Paul Pierce/Kevin Garnett trade.  Waiting out the aftermath and smartly rebuilding is what laid the foundation needed to sign Durant and Irving in the first place.  

Why put yourself right back into the same hole?

I was completely geared up for Kevin Durant's return to the floor, and playing a full season together with Kyrie Irvin.  I was satisfied with that.  Otherwise, I reserve further judgment.  

Brooklyn Nets: Wait Till Next Year is Dead Ahead

From the desk of: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION

2019   PLAYOFFS   2020

Raptors def. Nets; 4-0

I - TOR 134; BKN 110

II - TOR 104; BKN 99

III - TOR 117; BKN 92

IV - TOR 150; BKN 122

Trounced in two, swept in four ... I believe game one was closer that the final score indicates.

In any event, when the opposing bench scores 100 points (game four) there's no need sifting through the minutiae of what went wrong.  Give Toronto their respect as defending NBA champs and move on.  It's time for Brooklyn to get back in the lab.

We all know the Nets this season were a very compromised team.  All things considered I'm actually quite pleased with how the season ends.  Caris LeVert, Jarrett Allen and Joe Harris are thrust into the team's primary positions of leadership.  The experience gained is invaluable.  These are the requisite growing pains.  In the meantime, enjoy the rest of summer best you can.  For the Hopes of Flatbush lay dead ahead.

How effective will Kevin Durant be upon his return to the floor?  Will Kyrie Irving be able to sustain a full season?  Will he have kinder things to say about his teammates?  Will the two mega stars mesh?  This remains to be seen.

But what if Irving is right?  Do the Nets have the requisite in-house pieces in order to facilitate a championship?  What if the Nets do not have the right mix of talent?  Does Sean Marks need to go off campus for another formidable threat?

Joe Harris is the team's most notable free agent.  Sean Marks says re-signing him is a top priority.  Whereas I have my reservations.  He is an easily blunted dagger in the Nets attack.  When teams decide to shut him down, they do.

Brooklyn has eleven players under contract entering next season: Kevin Durant; Kyrie Irving; DeAndre Jordan; Caris LeVert; Rodions Kurucs; Dzanan Musa; Nicolas Claxton; Taurean Prince and Jeremiah Martin ... meanwhile, extending the contracts of Jarrett Allen and Spencer Dinwiddie will not be easy.  The Nets have an option on Garrett Temple, but what Sean Marks does about Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot is anyone's guess.

There is also a new head coach up for discussion.

Change is most certainly on the horizon.

But make no mistake, the future has arrived.

Defending Champion Raptors Too Much for Depleted Brooklyn Nets

From the desk of: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION

2019   PLAYOFFS   2020

Raptors Lead Nets; 3-0

I - TOR 134; BRK 110

II - TOR 104; BRK 99

III - TOR 117; BRK 92 

IV - SUNDAY

No Shots for Jarrett Allen; No Chance For Brooklyn Nets

The Nets are a proverbial rubber band of brothers finally stretched to its limit and ready to snap.  At this point trying to remain competitive is just too much to ask from a team lacking so many key players from their once idealized line-up and rotation.  Now with Joe Harris suddenly out of action it invites Toronto to clamp down on Jarrett Allen.  I look at the score and the 25 point differential and think that doesn't happen with 20 points from Joe Harris and a better night scoring from "Mr. Double-Double" Jarret Allen and the bench.  We'd be writing a different story.  But that's not the way it happens.  Jarrett Allen secures a game high 17 rebounds, five on the offensive boards, but is limited to just four points all from the free throw line.  Caris LeVert went from averaging double-digit assists through two games to being limited to just six along with 15 points.  It also seems as if Toronto just lets Tyler Johnson score 23 points.  Garrett Temple goes a mere 2/12 and 1/9 from the arc.  Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot wasn't much better shooting 3/18 from the floor and 2/11 from the arc.  Out of 90 field goal attempts the Nets take 56.6% from the arc, and I have a problem with that.  And speaking of their 90 attempts, the Nets convert just 33.3% of the time.  The Raptors, meanwhile, are 50.5% (46/91) from the field.  The Nets are out-rebounded 48-33, which wasn't happening before.  Toronto does a better of distribution, 35-24, also something that wasn't happening before.  Coach Vaughn asks for 67-minutes from his bench.  Chris Chiozza leads the reserves with 14 points in 23 minutes, with three assists and four steals, but I can't say much else for the other six.  For the second time in three games Toronto leads wire to wire.  However, this is the first game the Nets truly get outplayed.

Brooklyn Nets: Toronto Raptors Outlast Flatbush in Game Two

From the desk of: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION

2019   PLAYOFFS   2020

Raptors Lead Nets; 2-0

I - TOR 134; BRK 110

II - TOR 104; BRK 99

Lesson: It's Not How You Start, It's How You Finish

If nothing else game two confirms what I said after Monday's series opener: the Brooklyn Nets did not get blown out.

They are nevertheless down two games to none.

Lose your legs and there goes your shot; the onrush of turnovers begins shortly thereafter.

That's what happens ...

Brooklyn's shot selection and execution deteriorate in the fourth, and they end up shooting 38.8% from the field with 17 turnovers.

Flatbush essentially leads all game with exception of an occasional tie here and there.  They take a 53-50 lead into the half, and lead 80-74 after three.  They still lead 85-84 with eight minutes left, then just run out of gas.  OG Anunoby converts a pair of free throws and Serge Ibaka then buries a jumper from mid-range giving the Raptors an 88-85 lead from which the Raptors never look back.

There is a matter of workload.  All five Nets starters exceed 35-minutes.  Jarrett Allen plays 41-minutes while Joe Harris and Caris LeVert each play 39-minutes.  Coach Vaughn limits bench play to Rodions Kurucs, Chris Chiozza and Tyler Johnson who join together for fifty total minutes.  Meanwhile, he Raptors utilize four bench players for a total of sixty-nine minutes.

Otherwise, I watched an inspired but tiring defensive effort.  They win the battle of the boards, 62-56,  while limiting the Raptors to 104 points - a noteworthy effort considering Toronto has very effective perimeter shooters at all positions.  The game marks the Nets second least points allowed since entering the bubble after an Aug. 11 game in which they yield just 96 points to the Wizards.

The Nets aggressiveness on the offensive end is just as noticeable.  They do a better job of ball distribution and getting to the foul line where they attempt an unheard of 27 shots from the stripe.  It marks their most attempts since entering the bubble, after averaging 23 attempts through eight seeding games and just 16 attempts in game one.  And unlike game one, they limit Toronto to under thirty attempts.  It's the seventh time in the last ten games they've limited the opposition to under thirty free throws.

Garrett Temple leads the Nets with 21 points including 5/11 from the arc.  Joe Harris and Jarrett Allen post identical double-doubles with fourteen points and a game high fifteen rebounds respectively.  Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot adds seventeen points.  Tyler Johnson shoots 5/10 from the field with twelve points in 22 minutes off the bench.

During last year's post-season against Philadelphia Caris LeVert appears in five games and starts two.  He boasts a 49.3FG%, while averaging 21.0 points (26.2 points per 36-minutes) with three assists in 28.8 average minutes.  This year is very different.  LeVert, in the absence of the team's premiere players and litany of regulars missing from the active roster, is being asked to bear the weight of this Borough upon his shoulders in his first playoff as a full time starter.  In game one he scores fifteen points and distributes a game high fifteen assists.  In game two he scores sixteen and again distributes a game high eleven assists.  However, he is shooting only 27.7% (10/36) from the field.  The still 25-year old celebrates a birthday later this month, and his future is looking brighter by the day.

In the meantime, I can only reiterate the fine effort on behalf of Brooklyn.  But in truth Toronto outlasts Flatbush down the stretch.  Depth is on Toronto's side, the Nets not so much.  And now we can add another name to the list of unavailable: Joe Harris has officially opted out of the bubble.

That said, there is still a lot worth taking away from these last two games that are not reflected in the score.  It was never about this season to begin with.  Sean Marks' grade is obviously still incomplete.
Much still remains to be determined.  No one knows it better than him.  For now what doesn't kill the Nets only makes them stronger heading into next season.  That's not being defeatist.  That's being delighted.  These learning experiences are invaluable.

#WeGoHard

Brooklyn Nets Generosity at the Line Belies Their Efforts

From the desk of: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
2019   PLAYOFFS   2020

GAME ONE

Nets      115

Raptors 134

FINAL

THE SCORE   ~   THE ARC   ~   THE STRIPE   ~   THE LOSS

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

• Nets: 99 points
• Raptors: 102 points

The Free Throw Files

I - vs. FINAL EIGHT

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

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

• Point Differential: +23 points in favor of opponents

II - vs. TORONTO RAPTORS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brooklyn Nets: Flatbush is Just Bubblicious

From the desk of: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION 

EASTERN CONFERENCE

2019   PLAYOFFS   2020

ROUND ONE

TORONTO RAPTORS(#2)

vs.

BROOKLYN NETS(#7)

The Nets with Tuesday's victory over Orlando improve to 35-36 (.492), leaving one last regular season game remaining against Portland.  Thursday's goal no doubt is about achieving par.  A victory would certainly add that special exclamation point to an already commendable performance in the bubble, not to mention punctuate consecutive playoff appearances, despite their dearth of top available regulars.

But, beware, the Trail Blazers still have much to play for.  They enter Thursday's action struggling to maintain their eighth place standing in the West.  Portland holds a tenuous half-game lead over the Memphis Grizzlies, who wrap up against the Milwaukee Bucks.  Come Thursday night Brooklyn should expect an intense Blazers effort.  Flatbush clinched their playoff spot a few days ago.  They're 5-2 since restarting play, and 7-2 under head coach Jacque Vaughn.  They take a three game win streak into Thursday's season finale.

TUESDAY

Nets    108

Magic    96

FINAL

Tuesday, as expected, Jarret Allen, Caris LeVert, and Joe Harris, under the guise of injury management, do not play.  Garrett Temple is simply given the night off.  It's worth noting Orlando already has the eight spot locked up.  That said, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot leads the floor with his third 24-point/plus performance in seven games, and his second within a week.  He is matched only by Jeremiah Martin's 24-points, who also distributes a game high six assists off the bench.  Dzanan Musa also has six assists with 17-points.  Rodions Kurucs attempts only four shots in 25-minutes, but along with Donta Hall secures a team high eight rebounds.

Brooklyn's emerging maelstrom, Caris LeVert, since entering the bubble is averaging 22.6 points in 33 minutes.  In just the Nets second game back, Caris scores 34 points against the Wizards.  This past
Sunday against the L.A. Clippers LeVert goes double-double with 27 points and 13 assists.  He has distributed at least seven assists in three of five games, and is averaging 19.4 shots attempts, but a light 6.4 attempts from the free throw line.

I just hope Jarrett Allen's ankle sprain is a minor matter, and that he'll be able to withstand the pounding to come against Toronto.  That's my guy we're talking about.  Three double-doubles in five games back: 22 points and 15 boards against the Bullets; 17 points and 11 boards against the Kings; and most recently 16 points and 16 rebounds against the Clippers.

Meanwhile, Joe Harris is averaging 20.2 points since returning, while averaging 4/7 from beyond the arc for a stellar 57.5% rate of success.

THURSDAY

Portland Trail Blazers  vs.  Brooklyn Nets

  #WeGoHard

Brooklyn Nets: Flatbush Bucks the Naysayers

From the desk of: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

TWO IN A ROW 

TUESDAY

Nets      119

Bucks   116

FINAL

! MAJOR UPSET !

Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot scores a career high 26-points as the Brooklyn Nets deny the Milwaukee Bucks an opportunity to clinch top seed in the Eastern Conference.  Flatbush takes a 73-65 lead into halftime, then hold on for a stunning 119-116 upset. 

Making this a wondrous event is the fact that Brooklyn defeats Milwaukee minus the services of Kevin Durant; Kyrie Irving; DeAndre Jordan; Spencer Dinwiddie; Wilson Chandler; Taurean Prince; Caris LeVert; Joe Harris; and Jarrett Allen.  Meanwhile, Jamal Crawford's Nets debut is fleeting.  He exits Tuesday's game with a strained hamstring after just six minutes played.

That being said, both the Nets and Bucks appear in agreement insofar as defense be damned - no such effort Tuesday afternoon.  The Nets convert on just 43 of 103 (41.7%) attempts from the field, while hitting 21 of 57 (36.8%) attempts from beyond the arc.  Milwaukee is 42 of 88 (47.7%) from the field.

Timothe, after scoring 24-points in the Nets return game last Friday, leads the way connecting on five of seven from beyond the arc, and shooting a perfect five for five from the line.  Garret Temple is next in with 19-points.  Chris Chiozza goes double-double with ten points, and a game high ten assists, in 31-minutes off the bench.

Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo partakes in the first half only, yet still leads the Bucks with 16-points in 16-minutes played.  Former Nets favorite Brook Lopez did not play.

Flatbush (32-35) slides back into seventh place, one-half game ahead of Orlando.

Brooklyn Nets: The Flatbush Three Turn Back Wizards

From the desk of: HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

SUNDAY

Wizards   110

Nets         118

FINAL

Flatbush effectively locks up a playoff spot with Sunday's 118-110 victory over the Wizards.  It gives the eighth place Nets a seven game lead over Washington, with six scheduled games left to play; the Wizards have only five.  Therefore, if nothing else, at least the Nets have math on their side, as they attempt to trudge forward minus the services of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Spencer Dinwiddie, Taurean Prince, DeAndre Jordan, Wilson Chandler, and still no Jamal Crawford.

For now, all is well.  Brooklyn's big three - Caris LeVert, Jarrett Allen, Joe Harris - with Sunday's win temporarily mute the obligatory minutia of speculation and doubt.  LeVert leads the floor with 34-points in a game high 39-minutes.  Jarrett Allen goes double-double, scoring 22-points and secures a game high 15 rebounds, with ten coming on the defensive board.  Meanwhile, Joe Harris pours in 27-points (6 for 7 from three-land), with seven rebounds.  Chris Chiozza scores 14-points in 21-minutes off the bench, and distributes a team high six assists.

Flatbush shoots 31 of 37 (83%) from the foul line, where they outscore the Wizards by ten.  Not coincidentally, Jarrett Allen is a perfect 10 for 10, while Caris is 10 for 13 from the line.  Nets win by eight ...

Brooklyn has already let it be known that LeVert, Allen, and Harris, will not be available for Tuesday's game against the Eastern Conference leading Milwaukee Bucks.  My only issue with that is philosophically: if you want to be the best, then you must beat the best.

Otherwise, I try letting pragmatism rule the day.  And with regards to what awaits the Nets beyond these next several games, I have but one thing to say: you can not be disappointed with what you do not expect.  I'm pleased Flatbush will be participating in a second straight post-season.  It means they're doing something right.  But we also know this team is far from being a complete product with all its key components in place.  Therefore, I simply wish to enjoy meaningful games to come.  However, my focus will be fixed on the yet to be determined collective ability of Caris Levert, Jarrett Allen, and Joe Harris, joining together and handling the burden of carrying this team forward.  This is their challenge, but at the very least an invaluable experience that will only serve to improve the aforementioned three, and the Brooklyn Nets as a whole.

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

Brooklyn Nets: Into the Bubble

From the desk of: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

SEASON RESTART

WELCOME BACK

FRIDAY

Magic   128

Nets      118

FINAL

With just eight games left in order to bring this wacky 2019-2020 regular season to its long overdue conclusion, Brooklyn enters Friday's reopening game sporting a sub par 30-34 record, good enough for seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings.  Playing in their first official game since March 10th, the Nets lose by ten against the Orlando Magic.  Thus, they fall to 30-35 and essentially trade places with Orlando, whom now occupy seventh place, and the Nets eighth, six full games ahead of the Washington Wizards.  This now leaves Brooklyn with just seven games with which to defend their standing, and achieve back-to-back playoff appearances.

THE GAME:

I, like many others, am starting anew my familiarization with new head coach Jacque Vaughn.  I still wonder why the front office parted with Kenny Atkinson.  But the difference in floor style is measurably noticeable.  Friday evening, at least, the Nets seize on more mid-range opportunities as they present themselves rather than insisting on three's or bulling through jam packed paint.  Although, their interior size is still a problem.  It's not like Orlando kills them on boards - because they do not - just a mild 39-42 discrepancy.  However, of the Magic's 42 boards, 36 come on the defensive end, i.e., limited second shot opportunities for Brooklyn.  If anyone wrecked Brooklyn on the boards it was Aaron Gordon with a game high eleven.  Otherwise, ball distribution is relatively even.  But despite four more possessions, Brooklyn is 48.4% from the field, versus 52.9% for Orlando.  Thirteen Nets players clock at least ten minutes which is to be expected.  The unexpected comes in the form of Brooklyn's Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, who with 24-points ties Orlando's Evan Fournier for game high.  Caris LeVert scores 17-points in 28-minutes with a game high seven assists.  Jarrett Allen and Joe Harris chip in 14-points apiece.

Everyone understands this team is still very far away from the one we still anticipate to come.  But they restart this season compromised as all hell.  Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving are understood.  But the Nets are forced to press forward minus Spencer Dinwiddie, Taurean Prince, DeAndre Jordan, Wilson Chandler, and on Friday Jamal Crawford was likewise unavailable.

The million dollar question is: how far can/will Caris Levert and Jarrett Allen carry the Nets?  Caris LeVert is a burgeoning star, which I believe he's about to confirm to all.  Otherwise, into the bubble they go.

#WeGoHard

Brooklyn Nets: Jarrett Allen and Spencer Dinwiddie Too Much For Cleveland

From the desk of: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

MONDAY

Nets          108

Cavaliers  106

FINAL

JARRETT ALLEN AND SPENCER DINWIDDIE CARRY FLATBUSH TO FOURTH STRAIGHT VICTORY.

After a well deserved and needed rest, Spencer Dinwiddie re-enters the game at 7:48 of the fourth quarter.  Playing in the final minutes of back-to-back games, the Nets appear noticeably tired.  Case in point Dinwiddie down the stretch fails to convert three of four layup attempts and misses a mid-range jumper.  With 21.5 left on the clock Dinwiddie fouls Collin Sexton whom with one of two conversions from the stripe ties the score (at 106-106).  But Brooklyn steps up their defense with a pair of blocked shots by Jarrett Allen and Dinwiddie respectively, thwarting two Cavaliers offensive rebounds, whom then turn over the ball on a shot clock violation.  With 6.2 left in regulation Coach Atkinson calls for time.  With 1.6 second left on the clock, Spencer Dinwiddie nails a mid-range jumper for a 108-106 road victory over Cleveland.

Spencer Dinwiddie, whom earlier in the day was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week, ties for game high with 23 points and leads the floor with nine assists in 33 minutes.  Brooklyn, however, does not maneuver into position for Dinwiddie's game winning shot unless Jarrett Allen places the team's injured and tired on his back and carries them there.  Playing minus his partner in the paint DeAndre Jordan (day-to-day injury), Allen puts forth his fifth double-double in his last seven games.  Easily his best game of the season, Allen ties his season high of 22 points, while securing a season high 21 rebounds, to go along with three steals and two blocks.  He shoots 9/10 from the field and is 4/5 from the line.

Chalk up another solid game for Taurean Prince, who adds 18 points, six rebounds, and four assists, in 33 minutes.  He leads the Nets with a +9 and is 4/6 from beyond the arc.  Joe Harris scores 19 and secures six defensive rebounds.

The Nets are now winners of four in a row, and a game back over par.  With a 9-8 record they continue occupying seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings, 2.5 games ahead of Orlando.  Not too long ago they were allowing opponents upwards of 119 ppg, but have since reduced that by nearly five less points per game.

Last Wednesday, I said ...

You can't a clinch playoff berth in November, but you sure can sabotage your chances.  Thus opportunity is presenting itself.  By defeating the Hornets, Flatbush leapfrogs into seventh place of the conference standings.  It would now behoove them to seize the moment against some lesser competition on their upcoming schedule: Sacramento at home, the Knicks at the Garden, and the Cavs at Cleveland.  Injuries be damned, there's enough available talent to get through these next few games.  Take advantage now before their showdown versus Boston, then come March there will be less ruing games lost in November. 

Mission accomplished, and a job well done.  They've gotten through the three aforementioned contests minus the services of Kyrie Irving, CarisLeVert, and DeAndre Jordan on Monday.

Wednesday they face the Celtics at Boston.

Let's get it on!


CHEMISTRY 101: ON THE MEND LOOKING IN

If nothing else, Monday's game should serve as a reminder to Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant insofar as what they thought they were getting themselves into by signing with the Brooklyn Nets.  Still out with a shoulder injury Kyrie Irving last played on Nov. 14 at Denver.  He was averaging 22.9 shots per game through his first eleven games.  With Irving and Caris LeVert (averaging 15.5 shots through nine games) still in the lineup, Spencer Dinwiddie was averaging 13.4 shots a game primarily off the bench.  Jarrett Allen was averaging just 5.7 shots through the team's first eleven games.  Thrust into a starting role Spencer Dinwiddie is presently averaging 17.6 shots over his last six games.  Allen is likewise experiencing more touches, now averaging 9.8 shots over his last six games.  Which is to suggest there exists more shot diversity when Dinwiddie and Allen are sharing the floor, and the ball.  Therefore at issue is a growing number of Kyrie Irving's naysayers warning of the threat he still potentially poses to everything Sean Marks, Kenny Atkinson, and last season's returning Nets players hold dear.  I personally am not buying into the scuttlebutt, but Irving's eventual reintegration into the lineup will indeed become an intriguing development worthy of observation.  In the meantime, Flatbush is 5-1 in their last six games without Irving.

Just saying ...

Brooklyn Nets Pull Old Ball in the Back Routine at Madison Square Garden

From the desks of: DUTCH PANTS CAN'T JUMP  and  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

Nets lead Knicks; 2-0

BK 113; NY 109

BK 103; NY 101

SUNDAY

Nets (8-8)          103

Knicks (4-13)   101

FINAL

Julius Randle's offensive rebound and two point shot brings the Knicks within two with 0.4 left on the game clock.  After a Nets timeout, Joe Harris exercises a bit of craftiness by in-bounding the ball off the back of an unsuspecting Wayne Ellington whom then takes position as the buzzer sounds.

Game over ...

Still playing minus the services of Caris LeVert and Kyrie Irving, the Nets win their third in a row, defeating the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.  Spencer Dinwiddie continues leading the charge with a game high 30 points, with 13/14 coming from the stripe.  Both Taurean Prince and Jarrett Allen post double-doubles; Prince scores 14 points with 11 rebounds, and Allen adds 18 points with ten rebounds.  DeAndre Jordan's six points and five rebounds in 16 minutes gives the center position 24 points and 15 boards for the night.

Marcus Morris leads the Knicks with 26 points in a team high 33 minutes.  Julius Randle adds 15 points and eight rebounds.  The rest of the bunch muster little else.  The Knicks actually win the battle of the boards by a 43-35 margin, and post a 22-18 advantage in assists.  And with three more possessions shoot 37/80 (46.3%) from the floor and 18/35 (51.4%) from beyond the arc, versus just 31/77 (40.3%) from the floor and 14/38 (36.8%) from three for Brooklyn.  However, the Nets are 27/34 from the line, while the Knicks are just 9/16 (56.3%) ... there's your difference in Sunday's game.

Brooklyn has now defeated the Knicks in each of their first two meetings this season.

Brooklyn Nets: Jarrett Allen Doesn't Let Flatbush Lose Their Composure

From the desk of: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

Jarrett Allen's Neighborhood

WEDNESDAY

Hornets   91

Nets       101

FINAL

CENTER OF ATTENTION: THE DAMAGE DUO JOIN FORCES FOR 36 POINTS AND 24 REBOUNDS

Neither team shoots particularly well.  The Nets with 91 possessions are 39% from the floor and 25% (10/39) from beyond the arc.  Charlotte with ten less possessions shoot 37% from the floor.  Brooklyn leads by five at the half, and by nine points through the third.  But the Hornets close to within three until 6:54 of the fourth when Spencer Dinwiddie converts two from the stripe for a five point Nets lead.  

Enter Jarrett Allen who essentially prevents Flatbush from losing their composure.  In just over five minutes down the stretch he secures eight rebounds, including consecutive rebounds on Charlotte's final three attempts of the game.  His offensive rebound and put back at 4:59 gives the Nets a 91-83 lead.  Another offensive board at the 4:21 mark and two conversions from the stripe extend the Nets lead to seven.  Allen leads the floor with 22 points and a game high 17 rebounds in just 28 minutes.  DeAndre Jordan adds a bench leading 14 points and seven more defensive rebounds in 20 minutes.  The duo put up a grand total of 36 points and 24 rebounds, and 8/10 from the line.

Taurean Prince scores 20 points with eight rebounds and four assists, with a +17 in 33 minutes.  Joe Harris scores a quiet eight points.  However, his three-pointer at 1:33 of the fourth proves a major blow to Charlotte's aspirations.

With Caris LeVert and Kyrie Irving out of action, the ball has been in Spencer Dinwiddie's hands.  He scores 20 points with a game high eight assists, but is just 7/18 (38%) from the floor and a mere 2/7 from beyond the arc.  That part I'm cool with.  It's just that he put forth another one of the more erratic fourth quarter performances I can recall.  Both he and to a lesser degree Caris LeVert still lack polish when attacking the rack.  And that's where Kyrie Irving comes in ...

The Nets win the battle of the boards by a 53-41 margin, and hold their opponent under 100 points for the first time all season - a job well done.  You can't a clinch playoff berth in November but you sure can sabotage your chances.  Thus opportunity is presenting itself.  By defeating the Hornets, Flatbush leapfrogs into seventh place of the conference standings.  It would now behoove them to seize the moment against some lesser competition on their upcoming schedule: Sacramento at home, the Knicks at the Garden, and the Cavs at Cleveland.  Injuries be damned, there's enough available talent to get through these next few games.  Take advantage now before their showdown versus Boston, then come March there will be less ruing games lost in November.  

Brooklyn Nets Close Out Trip With Victory at Chicago

From the desk of: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

ROAD TRIP: 2-3

SATURDAY

Nets   117

Bulls  111

FINAL

No Caris LeVert; no Kyrie Irving; no problem.

Spencer Dinwiddie and Joe Harris step up for the save.  Dinwiddie leads the Nets with 24 points on just 5/11 from the floor, but his energy draws whistles resulting in 14/15 from the line.  Joe Harris is Mr. Distribution with a game high eight assists, and a complimentary 22 points while clocking a team high 35 minutes.  Jarrett Allen and DeAndre Jordan join forces on 18 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists.  And newest Net Iman Shumpert scores five points and secures three rebounds in twelve minutes.

The Nets get out-rebounded by a 56-40 margin, but indeed do a better job of distribution with 30 assists versus just 15 for Chicago.  They also close out strong for a change.  Trailing by four after three quarters, Spencer Dinwiddie leads the way with 20 points down the stretch as Brooklyn outscores the Bulls 43-33 in the fourth quarter en route to a six point margin of victory.

Brooklyn concludes their road trip having sandwiched three losses against the Suns, Jazz, and Nuggets, between victories against the Trail Blazers and Bulls.

Kyrie Irving sat out Saturday's game due to an ongoing shoulder ailment.  As we know Caris LeVert will miss considerable time after undergoing surgery to repair damaged ligaments in his right thumb.

Brooklyn Nets Fail to Jazz Up Early Season Highlight Reel

From the desk of: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

DE...FLATED

TUESDAY

Nets   114

Jazz   119

FINAL

Playing minus the services of Caris LeVert, the Nets take a 68-53 lead into halftime.  Up against the NBA's stingiest defense, Brooklyn is on pace to score upwards of 130-points.  Defensively, they're keeping Utah under their customary yield. 

Brooklyn still leads by eight after three quarters.  By all indications everything is going swimmingly.

But at 9:48 of the fourth quarter the Jazz make the last remnants of Brooklyn's 15-point halftime lead disappear.  Now down by three, Jarrett Allen fouls out with near six minutes left in the game.  Joe Harris hits a three tying the score at 107-107 with 5:28 left.  After four lead changes, DeAndre Jordan cleans up Kyrie Irvin's failed layup, tying the score again at 114-114 with 1:15 left to play.  Rudy Gobert's offensive rebound and dunk then put the Jazz up by one.  Kyrie misses two attempts from the field.  Utah closes out with 3/4 from the line en route to a five point margin of victory.

Brooklyn gets outscored by 20-points in the second half.  That's a 35-point swing.  Not for lack of rebounding, as the Jazz out-board the Nets by only three.  Not for lack of ball distribution, as the Nets edge the Jazz with three more assists.  Sixteen turnovers certainly didn't help, five more than the Jazz.  Rather, the defensive effort just fell apart like wet toilet paper, again.

The only thing more unsightly than Joe Harris' 4/10 from the floor and 1/2 from the line was his -22 and five personal fouls in 36 minutes.  Speaking of which, Jarrett Allen has been in foul trouble for eight straight quarters now.  With Allen limited to just 18 minutes, DeAndre Jordan stepped up with a double-double, scoring 15 points and securing a game high 17 rebounds in 30 minutes.

The Nets put up 90 shots against the Jazz; Kyrie Irving accounted for exactly one-third.  He led the Nets with 27 points and a team high 38 minutes, but was only 10/30 from the field, and just 1/2 from beyond the arc.  In the fourth quarter he missed on his last seven shot attempts.

On to Denver ...

Brooklyn Nets: Houston Rockets Sputter at Barclays Center

From the desk of: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

James Harden and Russell Westbrook 

Experience Frightful Night at Barclays Center

FRIDAY

Rockets   116

Nets         123

FINAL

No need looking at the win/loss record.  We knew heading in Kenny Atkinson would be tinkering with various line-ups and combinations.  On Friday, he conjured a jambalaya of minutes for everyone.  Taurean Prince and Garrett Temple prove problematic for the visiting Houston Rockets.  Getting the start Prince leads the Nets with 27 points and a game high 12 rebounds in 34 minutes.  Temple posts a +4 off the bench with 16 points and seven rebounds in 24 minutes.  Caris LeVert contributes 25 points in 32 minutes.

• Caris Levert is averaging 19.8 points and 33 minutes through the first five games.

However, Brooklyn's defensive effort refreshingly is Friday night's lead story.  The Nets dominate the battle of the boards, out-rebounding Houston by a 55-40 margin, with 45 boards coming on the defensive end.  They also force Russell Westbrook and James Harden into settling for quantity over quality.  The Houston duo joins for 22/56 (39%) from the field, and a mere 3/22 (13%) from beyond the arc.

The Nets are now 2-3 through five games, with victories against the Knicks and Rockets, one outright loss against the Pacers, and a pair of one-point overtime losses against the T-Wolves and Grizzlies.  Brooklyn leads the Eastern Conference with 120.6 points per game, but rank last with 120.8 points allowed.  Makes one appreciate Friday's effort that much more.


THE IRVING FACTOR

• Through five games the Nets have attempted 458 shots from the field, or 91.6 shots per game.  Kyrie Irving has attempted 117 shots, or 23.4 shots per game, which accounts for 25.5% of Brooklyn's field goal attempts.

MEN IN THE MIDDLE

• Garrett Allen and DeAndre Jordan join for 13 points and 17 rebounds; Allen leads the floor with a +29 in 31 minutes.  Allen to date leads at center with 58 minutes played versus 37 minutes for Jordan.

SATURDAY

Brooklyn Nets @ Detroit Pistons

FROM

MOTOR CITY