Brooklyn Nets: Flatbush to Beantown

From the desk: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

The Brooklyn Nets are coming!  The Nets are coming!

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION

ROUND ONE

BROOKLYN NETS

vs.

BOSTON CELTICS

Ben Simmons is a non-issue.  

But Goran Dragic, Patty Mills, and Seth Curry's respective performance is.  The same goes for Andre Drummond, Nic Claxton, and Bruce Brown, who stands to be the most essential contributor not named Kyrie or Kevin.  

Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant have undertaken the responsibilities of facilitating and distribution.  Irving is still dishing out his regular 6.6 assists per game.  However, Kevin Durant averaged 6.4 assists for the season but averaged 7.8 assists over the final ten games.  Six times during the regular season, KD posted double-digit assists.  Four of those occurred over the last thirteen games.  He then dished off eleven times in the play-in game against Cleveland.  

Irving and Durant will create their own shots and get their points.  Durant dropped 55 points against Atlanta earlier this month and scored 37 points the last time Flatbush faced Boston.  Kyrie averaged 30.8 points over his final thirteen games, highlighted by his 60-point night against Orlando and three other games of at least 40 points, and posted a game-high 34 points against the Cavs.

Thus, the onus is on Dragic, Mills, Curry, Drummond, Claxton, and Brown to compete, defend, and convert.  Let me say that again: they need defensive stops and conversion points at the other end.  Flatbush routinely permits the opposition with more attempts per game.  So they need to contest Jayson Tatum throughout and bring Boston's overall shooting percentage down.  I'd even consider giving LaMarcus Aldridge some minutes for some requisite personal fouls.  

The Nets can't have Kyrie and Kevin accounting for upwards of and beyond 70 points and still come up short.  It's happened before.

Therein lies Brooklyn's ability or inability to advance through the conference playoffs.

Brooklyn Nets: Flatbush to the Finals Redo

From the desk: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

PLAY-IN TOURNEY

TUESDAY

Cleveland Cavaliers

vs.

BROOKLYN NETS

Flatbush Avenue

The Sean Marks Plan: Take Two

There were preexisting reasons why, as a fan, I didn't like James Harden.  However, I reconsidered my position after his arrival.  All credit to him, as Harden's performance last season convinced me otherwise.  

But with Sean Marks' vision within sight heading into the 2020-2021 playoffs, the general manager's plan got derailed first when James Harden's lack of conditioning (as part of his instigated exit from Houston) caught up with him, and down the stretch, his hamstring gave out, and secondly, when Milwaukee Buck Giannis Antetokounmpo undercut Kyrie Irving resulting in a playoff-ending ankle sprain.  I believe the latter more than Harden's hammy cost Brooklyn a championship.  That's how I saw it then and remains how I view it today.

Meanwhile, the Covid pandemic has remained troublesome for all and even more so for others.  Even then, people have a right to decide upon their own well-being methods and personal health.  It's a touchy topic and, in some cases, a divisive element in daily life, even pitting family members against family members.

James Harden simply wasn't down with Brooklyn's situation, i.e., Kyrie Irving, not to mention being in disagreement with Kevin Durant over what to do about it.  Everyone was willing to wait out the process and politics except him.

What pisses me off is the acquisition of James Harden cost the Nets my all-time favorite Brooklyn player, Jarrett Allen.  I'm still upset by that, even more so now, considering how Harden bailed on Flatbush.  Moreover, the Nets will now face Allen and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first game of the NBA's play-in tourney.

Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving are finally on the floor together and free from restrictions.  Coach Nash clearly needs contributions from everybody, sometimes the extraordinary variety.  The new NBA Play-In format is a minefield of trouble.  But make no mistake, it's up to the two Brooklyn Buddies to get this shit done!

Brooklyn Nets: Kings County Lacks Midas Touch in Game Three

From the desk: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
PLAYOFFS: ROUND TWO

Nets lead Bucks; 2-1

I - BKN 115; MIL 107

II - BKN 125; MIL 86

III - MIL 86; BKN 83

Cold To The Touch

The only thing unfamiliar about Thursday's game was the outcome.  

Many times during the regular season, we saw the Nets get off to poor starts in the first quarter, only to surge and overcome throughout the second and third quarters.  Then spar back and forth in the fourth quarter, and even get outscored from time to time, yet still come away with a victory, not every time, but most of the time.  We saw it again in game one against the Celtics.  

Game three at Milwaukee was no different.  They got blown out in the first, regrouped, and trailed by just two points after three quarters only to get outscored in the fourth.  Brooklyn came up three points short.  Look no further than the first quarter in which they tallied just eleven points and trailed by twenty.  The Nets fought back and, at one point, even led by three but simply couldn't sustain.  

Poor shooting is partly to blame.  Both teams suffered through their worst percentages from the field.  After shooting 46.9% in game one, and 52.1% from the field in game two, Flatbush shot just 36.2% in game three.  Milwaukee was 44.6% in game one and 44.0% in game two, then shot 37.8% on Thursday.

I maintain a rule of thumb: once is an event; twice is a coincidence; three times is a trend.  Flatbush was held to their fewest point total of the regular season and playoffs.  For the moment, that makes Thursday's 83 point effort an aberration unless the next few games prove otherwise.  Despite this season-low output, the Nets are still averaging 107.6 points through three games.  That's the Brooklyn trend.  

Milwaukee, on the other hand, has now been held under 90 points in consecutive games.  For the moment, that still qualifies as a coincidence.  However, they are trending just 92 points per game.  The Nets' defensive effort is speaking for itself, as the Bucks during the regular season averaged 120.1 points per game, third-best in the Association.  On Thursday, Khris Middleton became just the second Buck to exceed 20 points.  In fact, he scored a game-high 35 points.  Otherwise, the only other player to breach 20 points has been Giannis Antetokounmpo, with 34 points in game one and 33 points on Thursday.

The Bucks, despite shooting 63.2%, were plus-five from the free-throw line and plus-six in rebounds.

Flatbush was plus-three in assists (without James Harden).  Brooklyn's minus-six in the paint is less than I anticipated heading to Milwaukee.

Both coaches employed a tight eight-man rotation.  Brooklyn's bench outscored that of Milwaukee by a (gasp..) 7-6 margin.

Kevin Durant, in theory, should not be leading the Nets in assists.  The ponderous thing is that he and Jrue Holiday tied for a game-high with five.  No one else on the Nets had more than three.  It was that kind of game, and herein lies my first point of contention.

Kyrie Irving was 9/22 (40.9%) from the field, including 2/8 from behind the arc.  He scored 22 points but finished with just one assist and only two attempts from the line.  Kyrie Irving the daredevil and sniper, and when he wants to be, there is facilitator Kyrie Irving.  In the absence of James Harden, perhaps a bit more help with distribution is in order.  Otherwise, I'm not quite sure who was wearing his jersey Thursday night. 

But there's another big reason why Kyrie only registered one assist ...

Joe Harris was 1/11, including 1/7 from behind the arc for three points and a team-low minus-eleven in 37 minutes.  I've stated my opinion numerous times regarding this very matter.  If you follow my Trolley, then you know where I stand.  Harris was 7/11 for 19 points in game one and 5/12 for 13 points in game two, both in the comfort of Barclays Center.  This is one bad game or a textbook downward spiral.

Onward to game four!

Brooklyn Nets: Like a Buck in the Headlights

From the desk: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION

PLAYOFFS: ROUND TWO

Nets lead Bucks; 2-0

I - BKN 115; MIL 107

II - BKN 125; MIL 86

GAME THREE

BROOKLYN NETS
vs.

MILWAUKEE BUCKS

James Harden Warned Us Scary Days Lay Ahead

James Harden had a front-row view.  He watched, took sips from his drink, looked up at the scoreboard, then looked at Kevin Durant, looked around at the crowd, again raised his drink, and repeat.  We know Harden previously played with Kevin Durant.  But there were times during Monday's game when even he looked in disbelief.  If you recall, Harden was the one who said things were gonna get scary around here.

Even after dismantling the Celtics in five, how can you not be somewhat taken aback by Brooklyn's two-game utter dominance over Milwaukee at Barclays Center.  Tightly contested affairs, yes; completely one-sided games, not so much.  No one anticipated this.

We are fast approaching the second anniversary of Kevin Durant's Achillies injury sustained during the 2019 NBA Finals.  But whereas he appears fully recovered, Giannis Antetokounmpo's ankles must be killing him today ... 

Kevin Durant scored 21 first-half points in 21 minutes, and Brooklyn went into the locker room with a 24-point lead.  Durant added another twelve points in the third quarter and sat out the fourth.  He still finished the night with a game-high 32 points while the Nets won by an uncommon 39 point margin. Both Durant and Kyrie Irving put in at least 20 first-half minutes.  Kyrie went into the half with nine points but with five assists.  And that was the plan, build a big lead and manage the minutes on the back end.  Like Durant, Kyrie Irving was out of the game with nine minutes still left in regulation, and the Nets staked to a 30-point lead.

Kyrie Irving was second on the floor with 22 points in 34 minutes.  In Harden's absence, he and Durant tied for game-high with six assists apiece.  In fact, the Nets had 27 assists while the Bucks finish with just 14 assists.

The Bucks again got the better of Flatbush in the paint by a 52-38 difference, but there was just no keeping pace with Brooklyn's 50.0% from behind the arc.  The Nets had eight steals and forced 16 turnovers; they put up ten more shots than Milwaukee.  Brooklyn put those extra attempts to good use, outscoring Milwaukee 63-24 from long range.

I'm happy to speak of a well-played complimentary effort put in by Joe Harris, connecting on 3/7 from three with 13 points in 30 minutes.  Getting the start, Bruce Brown also contributed 13 points in 26 minutes.

By far, the person having the most fun in the first half was Blake Griffin.  His putback slam gave Flatbush a 10-7 lead.  He later squared up for a big three giving the Nets a 43-21 lead, and another monster dunk put the Nets ahead by a 52-31 margin.

Flatbush wins the battle of the benches, outscoring Milwaukee 40-26; Mike James led the bench with ten points in 24 minutes while posting a game-high plus-30; Nicolas Claxton was a factor on defense with a block, steal, and four rebounds in 14 impact minutes.

For a team that averaged 120.1 points per game (third in NBA) during the regular season, playing against a Nets team that averaged 114.1 points allowed during the regular season, the Bucks were held by Brooklyn to just 86 points (and 107 points in game one).  They've been far from accurate.  But that still doesn't take away from the fact not one Buck eclipsed 20 points in game two.  Giannis led the Bucks with just 18 points on 8/15 from the field but did secure a game-high eleven rebounds.  However, Jrue Holiday was limited to just 13 points.  Kris Middleton was second on the Bucks with 17 points, and Brook Lopez finished with ten points.

In two games at Barclays Center, the Nets outscored Milwaukee by a scary 240-193 differential.

I do not anticipate the Bucks staying around 44% from the field.  Brooklyn got outscored in the paint by 24 points in game one and 14 points in game two.  I expect the Bucks to intensify their attack within the paint and second-chance opportunities.  Brook Lopez can and will be securing more rebounds, preferably on the offensive glass if you're Milwaukee.

Who on the Nets will contest this?  Can Claxton and Blake Griffin stay the course?

You know what they say; it's not a series until the home team loses.

Brooklyn Nets: Sean Marks Is Kings County's Resident Mad Scientist

From the desk: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

24-13 (.643)

2nd Eastern Conference

🏀

There Are Still A Few More Parts Needed Before Sean Marks Unleashes His Creation Upon The NBA

History is unfolding before our eyes.  If you look back through the over seventy years of NBA competition, the list of all-time "Awesome Foursomes" is short and disputable at that.  

I urge all basketball fans, and also Knicks fans, to just soak it in because, for better or worse, we're not likely to again see something like this for a long while to come.  So, no, I'm not naive.  This can go supremely well or horribly wrong.  

These are unusual times, and through very bold maneuvering Sean Marks has assembled quite the uncommon collection of talent.  In fact, he is the midst of creating a monster.  When hired as general manager in February of 2016, the Nets finished the season with a 20-62 record.  Now, look what he's done.  To date, Flatbush has won 24 games with 35 left to play in this pandemic shortened season.  Lest we forget, Marks secured James Harden just twelve games into the Nets season and has now acquired Blake Griffin - both before the all-star game and still two weeks left before the NBA trade deadline and flexibility to boot.  

That said, Kings County's resident mad scientist still has roster spots to fill, and Griffin does little to address their deficiencies on defense.  Trying to relearn his game from behind the arc isn't going to cut it.  That's what Joe Harris gets paid for.  Therefore, before firing up the jumper cables and unleashing his creation upon NBA villages throughout the land, I would please ask Sean Marks to acquire someone who will help make the defensive paint a more uncomfortable place for trespassers; a physical type who can tag team with DeAndre Jordan in preventing opposing players from just pirouetting through the lane.  Who knows ... as former teammates, maybe Blake Griffin can be that guy if he focuses more on rebounding or not.  

Just remember Frankenstein got taken down by a bunch of simple old farmers with pitchforks and torches because he had no interior defense. 

Brooklyn Nets: Flatbush Cuts It Close Against Clippers

From the desk: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

TUESDAY

Clippers 120

Nets     124

FINAL

Nets Defense Was Good Enough, But Clutch Free Throws Seal The Deal Against L.A. Clippers.

Just when I thought I had safely buried the memory of Sunday's meltdown deep within the recesses of my brain, the fourth quarter happens Tuesday night against the Clippers ... 

This was a big game.  The Clippers arrived in Flatbush vying for the top spot in the Western Conference.  Kawhi Leonard did his thing, scoring a team-high 33 points.  Paul George also got his 26 points while Serge Ibaka secured a team-high ten rebounds.  Of course, the Clippers are intense and very disciplined on defense.  After losing the first quarter by eight points, the Nets trailed by only one at the half.  

Paul George stops Brooklyn's 13-0 run with just under four minutes left in the game.  The Nets led by six at that point.  A Paul George three-pointer with 24.8 seconds left to play brings the Clippers to within one of the Nets.

Kyrie Irving, by this time, had a game-high 37 points but, under the two-minute mark, had yet to attempt a shot.  The ball stayed in the hands of James Harden for the finish.  Despite shooting just 1/6 from the arc, Harden registers another triple-double, scoring 23 points with game-highs of eleven rebounds and 14 assists.  But he had trouble closing out the Clippers, committing a turnover, and incurring an offensive foul.

As much as anything else, free throws got the Nets through the home stretch.  It started with Harden sinking three straight free throws at the 2:36 mark.  Kevin Durant's two free throws put the Nets up by three with 9.8 seconds left to play.  Afterwhich, the ball finally made its way back into Kyrie Irving's hands, who, with 1.9 seconds left in the game, sinks two free throws to once and for all put the game out of reach.

Kevin Durant finished with 28 points and nine rebounds.  His lone attempt at a three-pointer put the Nets up by ten with 1:55 left in the game.  KD, Kyrie, and The Beard finish with 90 total points, or 72.5% of Brooklyn's scoring.  The Nets finished plus-five in rebounds and plus-four in assists but turned the ball over twice as many times as the Clippers.

All things considered, the defensive effort on this night was as good as it needed to be.

Big effort by the Big Three in a big game ... it's gonna be a fun winter.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get back to burying the memory of scoring 146 points in regulation time and still losing against a three-win team.

Brooklyn Nets: Over The River And Through The Bowery To MSG We Go

From the desks: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH & KICKING CANS DOWN 33RD STREET WITH JIMMY

EAST RIVER SHOWDOWN

TONIGHT

BROOKLYN NETS

vs.

NEW YORK KNICKS

FROM

Jimmy's Father's House

Not the kind of start most anticipated ...

There's a video circulating of Kyrie not wearing a face mask while at a party.  In light of the NBA's COVID protocol, the league is investigating whether or not the video is recent, and if in fact, more than fifteen people were in attendance.  If so, Irving can expect to face disciplinary action.  

Kyrie remains out of action during what the team classifies as a personal matter.  I'm glad Sean Marks' finally took the matter out of Coach Nash's hands and put it into his own by issuing an official statement before Tuesday's game.  It was unfair that Nash had to continually field the litany of media questions - understandable, the media has a job to do, but ultimately unfair.

Irving last played on Jan. 5, against the Jazz.  To date, Irving has missed the last four games against Philadelphia, Memphis, Oklahoma City, and Denver.  Flatbush split the games with two wins and two losses.  Likewise, he is expected to be out Wednesday against the Knicks and again Saturday against Orlando back at Barclays Center.  

The NBA has implemented a 72-game schedule this season.  Brooklyn has so far played twelve games. Irving has participated in seven, with one missed game due to scheduled workload maintenance.  Otherwise, through his ongoing absence, Kyrie has now missed 45% of Brooklyn's games this season for reasons other than injury.  Since signing with Brooklyn, he has played in just 27 of a possible 84 regular-season games (although 52 games stem from last season's injury and subsequent surgery).  Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving this season have played just six games together in which the Nets own a 3-3 record.

Durant, against the Nuggets, scored a game-high 34 points, distributes a game-high 13 assists, and secures a game-high nine rebounds in leading the Nets to a six-point victory at Barclays Center.  Durant's three-pointer with 27.9 seconds left in regulation essentially seals the deal.  Caris LeVert adds twenty points in a bench-high 26 minutes.  Getting the start, Bruce Brown goes 8/11 from the field for 16 points with three assists and six rebounds in an effective 26 minutes.  The victory snaps a two-game skid.  Flatbush enters Wednesday's action with a 6-6 record.

🏀

Mounting minutes and dwindling points best describe the Knicks' present condition.  

After averaging 104.3 points en route to a 5-3 record through their first eight games, they've lost their last three in a row while averaging just 89 points.  Coach Thibodeau's Knicks nevertheless enter Wednesday's action with a hard-earned 5-6 record.

Twenty-year-old sophomore RJ Barrett currently leads the NBA playing an average of 37.9 minutes per game.  Barrett averaged 30.4 minutes last season as a rookie.  Julius Randle is tied (with Russell Westbrook) for fifth-highest with 37.1 minutes per game, giving the Knicks two players in the top ten.  Indiana is the only other team with two players in the top ten.  Barrett and Randle have played in all eleven Knicks games.

Against the Hornets on Monday, the second night of a back-to-back, Randle scored a season-low eleven points on 2/9 from the floor and 7/8 from the line while playing a season-low thirty minutes.  It was the Knicks' third game in four days.  Otherwise, Randle is averaging a double-double this season with 22.1 points and 11.2 rebounds per game.  Last season (64 games), Randle averaged 19.5 points and 9.7 rebounds in 32.5 minutes. 

Despite Monday's 109-88 loss against Charlotte, the Knicks are the second stingiest team in the NBA, yielding 105.5 points per game.  They're also the second most offensively challenged team in the league averaging just 100.1 points per game.

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

Sports World Closing Up Shop Over COVID-19

CORONAVIRUS

COVID-19

Shuts Down the Sports World

Basketball both college and pro lead the way insofar as proactive measures.  March Madness is essentially canceled.  The NBA, NHL, and MLS, are putting their respective regular seasons on hold.  In baseball, Spring Training is suspended effective immediately.  For the moment the MLB regular season is being pushed back two weeks.  Arena wrestling appears no less safe, and the XFL finally announce the suspension of their regular season.

* mural, Bushwick, Brooklyn

Brooklyn Nets: Flatbush at the Gates

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

Sean Marks Hired February 18, 2016

2016-2017;  20-62 (.243)

2017-2018;  28-54 (.341)

2018-2019;  42-40 (.512)

2018-2019

National Basketball Association Playoffs

ROUND ONE

(#6) BROOKLYN NETS

vs.

(#3) PHILADELPHIA 76'ERS

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

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

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

My answer: Damn right they can!

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

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

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

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

Nov.4)  BKN 122; PHI  97 @ Brooklyn

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

Nov. 25) PHI 127; BKN 125 @ Brooklyn

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

Dec. 12) BKN 127; PHI 124 @ Philadelphia

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

Mar. 28) PHI 123; BKN 110 @ Philadelphia

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

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

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

Hoops of Flatbush Strike Twice

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

LIU/Brooklyn Blackbirds: Kellogg's Kids Clear First Hurdle in Defense of NEC Title.

Led by Raiquan Clark's game-high 21-points the (#6) Blackbirds upset (#3) Sacred Heart University at the Pitt Center on Wednesday, earning them a semifinal match-up against conference top seed St. Francis University.  Jashaun Agosto added 15-points, as did Eral Penn whom also tied for game-high with nine rebounds en route to LIU's 71-62 victory over the Pioneers.

Flatbush trailed by one at the half.  The teams would then exchange leads in the second half until Eral Penn's three-pointer at 6:32 put the Blackbirds ahead for good, and ultimately on course towards a nine point first round triumph.

The Pioneers shot just (2/19) 10% from beyond the arc, and just (23/63) 36.5% from the field.  The Blackbirds were (23/53) 43.4% from the field and a difference making (11/24) 45.8% on three-point attempts.

Meanwhile, St. Francis University dispatched the (#8) Bryant University Bulldogs by a 69-66 margin to set up Saturday's upcoming showdown against LIU at Degol Arena.

The two teams split their regular season series, with neither team defending home court:

• 1/10/2019 - SFU 74 @ LIU 67
• 2/23/2019 - LIU 69 @ SFU 66

Fairleigh Dickinson University squares off against Robert Morris in the other semifinal game.

Brooooklyn!

34-33 (.507)

#7 - Eastern Conference

Brooklyn Nets: Surviving the Approaching Ides of March.

Flatbush elevated their record back over .500 with Wednesday's 113-107 victory over Cleveland.  But with a mere 15 games left in the regular season, the Nets difficult  schedule ahead stands poised to test their staying power.  While they've managed to outlast and even outplay numerous injuries compromising the starting lineup, Kenny Atkinson for the first time in many moons features a full compliment of players again.  Just in time too ... as the Nets find themselves embroiled in a playoff chase.  That said, if we're keeping this conversation within the context of a rebuilding season, then Flatbush indeed has already exceeded expectations.  And for better or worse, what stands before them will prove an invaluable experience.

Starting with Saturday's upcoming game at Atlanta, eight of Brooklyn's next nine games are on the road, where the Nets boast a sub-par 14-17 mark.

THE IDES of MARCH

• 3/11- DETROIT
• 3/13 - @ Oklahoma City
• 3/16 - @ Utah
• 3/17 - @ LAC

They'll continue their western swing against Sacramento, LAL, and Portland, before returning east to play the Sixers at Philadelphia.  After which, the Nets wind down their regular season having to face each of the the Eastern Conference powers presently positioned ahead of them in the standings.

Nothing is ever easy in Brooklyn.

#GoHard

Road Trips 2018: Back to Boston, TD Garden

Road Trips 2018:
Back to Boston ~ The Garden II

Road Trips 2016: Cy Young and Huntington Avenue Grounds
Road Trips 2018: Back to Boston ~ Braves Field and South End Grounds 

1928 ~ 1997

OPENING NIGHT at BOSTON GARDEN

BOXING

November 17, 1928

APRIL 15, 2018

NHL PLAYOFFS ~ GAME TWO

Maple Leafs  2

BRUINS        7