Brooklyn Nets: Wait Till Next Year Reprise

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

Time To Hang Up The Sneakers Till Next Year.

BROOKLYN NETS: The Nets have a good jab, and an effective left hook, but they lack a straight right to put teams away.

Wasn't it a dependency on ISO (isolation basketball) that was partly, if not largely responsible for Avery Johnson and P.J. Carlesimo getting fired?

So, there was Joe Johnson isolated on LeBron James to end the game....  By itself, that might have been fine.  But, in truth, the first thing that came to my mind was - there's no plan here.  I thought that, because in the closing minutes, I felt Jason Kidd was guilty of designing some of the poorest plays coming out of time outs (I'm talking Mike Woodson poor), punctuated by a horrific in-bounds attempt.

Indeed, there was something very Knicks-like about the way Game Five ended, which explains why the Brooklyn Nets are free to make plans for summer vacation.  They had 14 assists all game - pondersous.

Did the Nets get screwed on a couple of whistles, or lack there of?  Sure.  Different calls could have fostered a different outcome.  In fact, I'd love the for the league to explain how it was that LeBron James went to the foul line more times than the entire Nets team.

The Nets nevertheless beat themselves.  The Miami Heat were begging for defeat this series, but on three occasions, Brooklyn could not close them out.   That's what makes this all so frustrating.

Once again, the Nets faded away late in the game, while Miami finished on a 13-3 run.  It was actually worse than that.  After Joe Johnson connected on a jumper at 4:48, the Nets missed on their next nine attempts.  They went through the next 4:37 before Joe Johnson connected on another three-pointer with just 0:11 left on the clock.

By then, the look on Paul Pierce's face said it all.  He was clearly hacked by LeBron James in the closing moments, but was also guilty of an 0 for 3 in the final minutes as well.

This is the way Brooklyn's second NBA playoff ends, having played a series of good games marred by horrible finishes.  For the record, it ends in a (second round) Game Five 96-94 loss to the defending champions from Miami.

Now what?

For Billy King, it may not necessarily be back to the drawing board, unlike after the Nets inaugural season in Brooklyn, but at the same time, the fix may not be that easy.

Billy King's top two salaried bipeds suffer from chronic lower appendages.  Deron Williams is going for an MRI on both ankles, and of course, there's Brook Lopez.  It was painfully obvious the Nets could have used a healthy Lopez against both the Raptors and Heat.

Paul Pierce's contract will be expiring.  Shaun Livingston also becomes a free agent this summer, and should parlay this season into a substantial increase.  Kevin Garnett and Joe Johnson aren't getting any younger either.

What became very clear in these playoffs, is that the Nets need someone who will provide a knockout blow. Collectively, the Nets have a good jab, and an effective left hook, but they lack a straight right to put teams away.

The off-season will be interesting to say the least.




Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: Flatbush Taking Their Talents To South Beach

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

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

Brooklyn Wins Series Over Toronto 4-3

I - BKN 94; TOR 87

II - TOR 100; BKN 95

III - BKN 102; TOR 98

IV - TOR 87; BKN 79

V - TOR 115; BKN 113

VI - BKN 97; TOR 83

VII - BKN 104; TOR 103

2013-2014

NBA PLAYOFFS

ROUND TWO

GAME ONE

BROOKLYN NETS

vs.

Miami Heat

FROM

The Rony Seikaly Green House

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nets Swept Season Series 4-0

I - BKN 101; MIA 100

II - BKN 104; MIA 95

III - BKN 96; MIA 95

IV - BKN 88; MIA 87

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

Defense indeed.

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

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




Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: Will The Real Flatbush Five Please Stand Up

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

The Phantom of 2013 Strike Again!

Raptors lead Series 3-2

GAME FIVE FINAL:

Nets        113

Raptors  115

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

BROOKLYN FACING ELIMINATION ON HOME COURT

GAME SIX

Toronto Raptors

vs.

Brooklyn Nets

FROM

Barclays Center

Flatbush Avenue at Atlantic Avenue

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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




Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: Time For Deron Williams To Seize The Moment, And A Borough

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

Game Three - Jason's Kidds Narrowly Avoid An Accident On Flatbush Avenue

The Team's 2.6 Millionth Man

Game Two - Paul Pierce Detonates A Well Timed Team Improvement Device

Game One - Raptors Foiled By The Truth

GAME FOUR

Toronto Raptors

vs.

Brooklyn Nets

FROM

Barclays Center

FLATBUSH AVENUE

BROOKLYN NETS: Deron Williams Made a Big Decision To Sign, And Stay In Brooklyn.  The Time Has Now Come For Him To Seize The Moment.

Toronto Raptors May Have Poked The Bear

In three games against the Toronto Raptors, Deron Williams has been employing a wide repertoire of moves, and featuring a particularly strong cross-over.  There is a burst to his first step again. And, why not?  He's only 29-years old - the middle of his prime.

Since his arrival in New Jersey, then Flatbush, his critics have only grown in number.  And, truth be told, Deron Williams has been somewhat of a potential local superstar in suspended animation.

At the moment, knock on wood, ankle problems that caused him to miss 18 games early this season now seem like a distant memory.  But, the overall damage his ankles have caused him over recent years, have certainly taken their toll on the way Williams is perceived throughout the league, and most importantly, in greater NYC, and Brooklyn specifically.

Heading into the post season, no one was necessarily doubting Deron Williams' determination, or commitment to playing at a high level.  The debate raged instead, over how far he had fallen below elite point guard status.

At the moment, he finally appears to have health on his side again.  And, thanks largely to Billy King's maneuverings, Deron Williams also has veteran experience, floor leadership, scoring options, and bench depth all at his disposal.

It seems then, the conditions appear perfectly set for him to finally silence his many naysayers, and once and for all, endear himself to the borough.

Albeit hampered by said ankles, he averaged 14 points and 6.1 assists this past season.  But, according to his Per 36-minute averages, he posted 16 points and 7 assists.

On March 15th, the Nets visited the Washington Wizards, and were soundly beaten.  The Wizards overcame a 10 point deficit in upending the Nets.  Washington was led by PG John Wall, who scored 33 points, issued 6 assists, and also secured 4 rebounds.  Wall was 10/15 from the field, 4/6 from 3-point range, and 9/10 from the line.  Quite simply, he outplayed Deron Williams, by more than doubling his point output.

Deron Williams played 35 minutes that game, and was limited to just 14 points, with 7 assists and 7 rebounds.  He was just 4/14 from the field, 3/7 from beyond the arch, and 4/4 from the stripe. Afterward, Deron became incensed with his performance, and admitted as much numerous times.

He played his next game with fury, taking out his frustrations in Phoenix, where he torched the Suns for 28 points, on 11/13 shooting from the field.  Still upset, he followed by dropping another 25 points on the Bobcats, with 11 points coming in the 4th quarter.  He additionally led the floor with 8 assists.

In Deron Williams' final 23 games of the regular season, he averaged 16 points and 7 assists.  Over that span, Deron scored 20+ points 6 times - significant because, over his first 40 games of the season spanning October through February, he had only done that 7 times.  However, a significant level of anger dissipated from his game sometime between Washington and the final game of the season.

When Friday's game against Toronto started getting physical, Deron Williams took exception to one push too many, and eyeballed a Raptor player or two.  It was that moment when the look came back - his anger returned.  From it, I believe, evolves a killer instinct - something that has generally lacked in Deron's game, and from last year's entire team for that matter.

In three games against the Raptors, he is averaging 36.6 minutes, 20.3 points, and 5.3 assists.  He scored 24 points in Game One, on 8/20 from the field, and 6/6 from the line.   In Game Two, he scored 15 points, and issued 5 assists.  In Friday's game at Barclays Center, Deron scored 22 points on 7/14 from the field, and issued a game high 8 assists.  All this, while effectively outplaying Kyle Lowry.

Statistics aside, in the closing minutes and moments of the first three games, the ball has been placed in the sure hands of Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, who won't panic under duress.  In Game Three, the ball was placed in Joe Johnson's hands late in the game, and has otherwise carried the team.

But, it is Deron Williams, not the others, who will ultimately define this initial era of Brooklyn basketball.  He will be the measure.  As he goes, so will the tale.  But, without the ball, that may prove difficult.

Last year's playoffs ended quickly for the Nets, not to mention in very disappointing fashion.  This time around, and three games into the post-season, he has yet to really seize an endearing moment.

Hopefully, there are many more games to come.  At some point, he'll need to make the closing minutes his showcase if he truly wants to make this era his.  Deron Williams made the decision to sign and stay in Brooklyn.  The time has now come for him to seize the moment.

Mike.BTB

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

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

Flatbush Leads Series 2-1

I - BKN 94; TOR 87

II - TOR 100; BKN 95

III - BKN 102; TOR 98

IV - SUNDAY @ BKN

V - BKN @ TOR

VI - TOR @ BKN

VII - BKN @ TOR

Game Three Final:

Raptors  98

NETS   102

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

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

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

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

Be better this Sunday!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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




Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: Paul Pierce Detonates A Well Timed Team Improvement Device

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

Welcome To F#@king Brooklyn, Aye!

Series Tied 1-1

I - BKN 94; TOR 87

II - TOR 100; BKN 95

III - FRIDAY NIGHT

GAME THREE

Toronto Raptors

vs.

BROOKLYN NETS

FROM

BARCLAYS CENTER

FLATBUSH AVENUE at ATLANTIC AVENUE

The Borough of Kings

BROOKLYN NETS: Truth Is, We Enjoy That Kind Of Chutzpah Around Here.  So, Tell What's His Face To Come Get Some.

Don't Ya Know A Gut Check When Ya Hear One?

Game One

That's what you get when faced with The Truth.  Last season, Game Two would have been followed by a chorus of excuses, rationalizations, self loathing, and soft spoken dismay.  This season, Paul Pierce issued his rather pointed assessment of Game Two, and concluded the Nets were soft.

Pierce was not just popping off at the mouth.  His words were intentionally loaded.  First and foremost, his teammates should take what he said at face value, but above all, they should take his admonishment to heart, because he was right.

Who doesn't realize his words were meant to incite specific members of this team as they head into a pair of games at Barclays Center? Pierce was flat out challenging his team to dominate on their home court this weekend. And, for those who still do not get it, Paul Pierce's mind is already on Game Five.

Pat Riley always said the most important games in a seven game series were Three an Five. Paul Pierce understands that very well, as does Kevin Garnett, and Jason Kidd.

Despite his late game failings in Game Two, the Nets accomplished a necessary split on the road largely thanks to Paul Pierce.  Had he hit a few shots down the stretch in Game Two, the Nets could very well be up 2-0 in this series.  At the same time, if the Nets had secured just a few more second chance opportunities, the whole course of Game Two changes.

Who envisioned the Nets being this inept on the glass?  That said, Paul Pierce's words should have forced his teammates to stare themselves down in the mirror.  Sometimes leadership manifests itself in forcing people to feel uncomfortable by employing a less than delicate tact.  That's why he was brought here.  So, if these Nets truly want to represent Brooklyn at its finest, they had all better toughen up.

Paul Pierce is going to be in a position to win more games for the Nets, because he's Paul Pierce. The question he is trying to eliminate is, who's coming strong with him?

*          *          *          *

DeMar DeRozan was the only player to exceed 20 points in Game Two.  In fact, he scored 17 of his game high 30 points in the fourth quarter.  Toronto out-rebounded the Nets by a whopping 52-10 margin.

The Nets could not capitalize on 20 Toronto turnovers.  Their shooting went cold at critical times of the game.  Paul Pierce was a particularly frigid 2/11 from the field, and 0/6 from beyond the arch.

Deron Williams scored 15 points, and tied with Shaun Livingston with 5 assists.  Mirza Teletovic and Mason Plumlee combined on 18 points and 7 rebounds off the bench.  Joe Johnson led the Nets with 18 points.

Toronto now enters Barclays Center where the Nets posted a 28-13 home record this season, and at one point, won 15 consecutive games on their herringbone floor.  The Raptors played respectable basketball on the road, posting a 22-19 record away from Canada this season.

Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: Game One - Raptors Foiled By THE TRUTH

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

2013-2014

NBA PLAYOFFS ~ ROUND ONE

GAME ONE FINAL:

NETS     94

Raptors  87

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



Mike.BTB

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

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

Season One; 49-33

Season Two; 44-38

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just be careful of the soda on the court please.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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





Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: We Don't Need A Stinkin' Marketing Strategy

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

BROOKLYN NETS:  Ted In Murray Hill Can Stick It!

Just Win Baby!

This is perhaps where a few Nets players need slight correction.

RE: The Brand

The rivalry; battle for the city; battle of the boroughs; whatever your pleasure - the Nets need to worry about one thing, or 2.7 million, if you will.  As a Brooklynite, I would tell them, the city (because no one from here calls it Manhattan) matters very little to us.  Outside of necessity, such as work, or in my case, in-laws, most people from HERE despise having to go....THERE.  To real Brooklynites, born and raised, Manhattan is actually quite an inconsequential place.

In more recent times, that sentiment has only been exacerbated by the previous two city administrations.  But, I digress.

To Paul Pierce, and his thoughts of "taking over the city" and Deron Williams, who views the playoffs, minus the Knicks, as an opportunity for the Nets to expand their brand, I would simply suggest, get your minds out of the Chelsea gutters.

Pierce, from Oakland, went to high school in Inglewood.  He knows what it's like trying to escape San Francisco's shadow.  But this ain't Oakland.  This isn't Boston either, where the Celtics play for everyone east of Hartford.  Although Deron was born in West Virginia, the Dallas, Texas area is where he calls home.  Texas is a huge place.  So, I get where he's coming from.  There's room for nuthin' but expansion out there.  My only point is, What Happens In Brooklyn, Is For Brooklyn.

Advice - Do not spend too much time seeking converts throughout the city.  Just take care of your house.  That means playing for the name on the front of your jersey, not Bill and Ted from Murray Hill.

I don't blame them.  Since 1946, teams and players have been coming to New York City to play the Knicks.  Then, with the advent of the ABA, the Long Island and New Jersey Nets hosted games on the outskirts of the city.  No doubt, old habits are hard to break.

More advice - Forget "the city" ..... Aim high man!  Kings County is no new kid on the block.  One in every seven people in the USA traces their family back to Brooklyn.  You'z guyz (we) don't need no stinkin' marketing....

In the words of the late, great, member of Brooklyn's vanguard - Just Win Baby! - Al Davis.

The sooner they learn it's Brooklyn First, the sooner they'll learn..... it's Brooklyn First.

I went to Coney Island last weekend.  What's in your back yard?




Mike.BTB - from Bensonhurst

Brooklyn Nets: Things Only Get Harder From Here

From the desk of: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

The Brooklyn Nets Will Likely Hit The Road

As The Eastern Conference 5th Seed.

PAUL PIERCE

Became only the 18th player in NBA history

to achieve 25,000 points in a career.

BROOKLYN NETS: The End Of The Road Just Got A Little Bumpy.  Flatbush Has Three Games Left To Smooth Things Out.


Safe to say, that last game against the Orlando Magic exactly mirrored the Nets recent effort against the Knicks.  What does that say?  The Nets suck in back to back games.  We knew that.  They have one more back to back which will conclude their regular season.

But what do we make of the loss to Atlanta?  Both Deron Williams and Shaun Livingston did not play.  They are both dealing with nagging appendage issues to a foot and toe, respectively.

Therefore, considering Jason Kidd teamed Andrei Kirilenko and Jorge Gutierrez, with Kevin Garnett, who is still trying to get his game legs under him, along with regulars Paul Pierce and Joe Johnson, the better question is what should we read into Friday's game?  After all, they were in position to win in the closing minute.  Friday night withstanding, the season long conclusion is that Brooklyn has trouble against young teams that play small no matter who is on the floor.  We knew that too.

At least the Nets bench reaffirmed themselves as one of the league's strongest units, and should factor prominently in the playoffs.

Are the Nets cooling off?  I do not think so.  They are 3-3 in April, but I think consecutive losses to the Magic and Hawks were just coincidental instances of shit happens.

The Nets will get a chance to avenge their 115-111 loss in Orlando on Sunday when they host the Magic at Barclays.  Brooklyn will then host its final regular season game against the New York Knicks on Tuesday, before ending the season in Cleveland on April 16th.

*          *          *          *

In Friday's loss to the Hawks, Paul Pierce became only the 18th player in NBA history to achieve 25,000 points in a career.  He is the 4th leading active scorer in the NBA, behind only Kobe Bryant, Dirk Nowitzki, and his team mate, Kevin Garnett.

*          *          *          *

Brooklyn was unable to gain ground on the Toronto Raptors, and therefore will most likely enter the post-season as the Eastern Conference 5th seed.  In failing to catch the Raptors thus far, they also failed to gain a home court advantage, where they have played superior basketball this season. If the current standings hold, Brooklyn and Toronto would face off in the first round.  The two teams split their four game series this season.



Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: Mirza Teletovich Leads Bench Over Cavaliers

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

FRIDAY NIGHT FINAL

Cleveland   97

Flatbush   108

BROOKLYN NETS: With Kevin Garnett Still Out, And Andrei Kirilenko Joining Him, Mirza Teletovic Provides The Difference Against Cavaliers.

Looking like a team that slept in their own beds last night, the refreshed Nets resumed their march towards the playoffs Friday night at Barclays.

Playing the first of three games at home, the Nets handled the Cavaliers with relative ease, taking an 11-point lead into the half.  Flatbush led by as many as 17 points, until they went cold, and let the Cavs creep to within 8 points with 1:30 left in the 3rd quarter.  Marcus Thornton did well to keep the Cavaliers at bay, and put the Nets up 85-77 before the 3rd quarter buzzer sounded. However, Cleveland outscored the Nets 27-24 in the quarter.

Early in the 4th, the Nets went on a 9-0 run.  Blatche put Brooklyn up by 10, and two possessions later, the Nets were back up by 12 points again.

Shaun Livingston immediately followed with an uncontested drive down the lane, and then rattled home a jumper on the very next possession, to put Brooklyn up by a 93-78 margin.

With 5:35 to go, Alan Anderson put Brooklyn ahead by a 100-84 score, and they never looked back.  The Nets completed their recovery from a pair of overtime road losses in convincing fashion with a 108-97 victory over Cleveland.

Bench play was the highlight of the night.  The Nets finally won a battle of the boards.  They pulled down 41 boards, with 34 coming on the defensive glass.  Mirza Teletovic was the lead window washer, as he cleaned up with 10 rebounds, 8 defensive, and contributed 9 points in 28 minutes. The bench as a whole contributed 48 points.  Alan Anderson led the supporting cast with 13 points. Andray Blatche and Marcus Thornton added 10 points each.

Paul Pierce, who is increasingly dealing with various aches and pains, got off to a hot start in the 1st period, but later left the floor for a short spell.  He returned to complete the game, finishing with a game high 22 points.

Kevin Garnett has yet to play in March.  The Nets improved to 11-4 without him, with one game remaining before month's end on Sunday against KG's former team, the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Nets improved to 38-33 overall.  They have now won 12 in a row, 19 of their last 21, and own an overall 24-11 record at Barclays Center this season.  They were not able to gain ground on Toronto though, as the Raptors defeated the Magic in overtime.  Therefore, the Nets remain mired 2.5 games behind the Raptors in the Atlantic Division standings.  The Chicago Bulls lost however, bringing Brooklyn within 1.5 games of the Eastern Conference 4th seed, and the benefit of home court advantage.

Eleven games remain in the regular season.  Of the Nets 9 remaining opponents, Minnesota is currently one game above .500, while Miami and Houston are the only others.  The rest are sub .500 teams.  Two of those teams are terribly desperate, as the Knicks are hot on the heels of the Hawks for the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference standings.  The Nets must play the Knicks twice, and the Hawks once.  Otherwise, the Magic (2 games), Pistons, 76ers, and Cavaliers are all in the second division.




Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: Team Now Doing Billy King's Talking For Him

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

BROOKLYN NETS: There Are Several Reasons For The Successful Turnaround, And General Manager Billy King Is At The Heart Of Them All.

How do you like me now bitches?  For an older team who many thought were better suited for the playoffs rather than a long haul, the Nets are showing they're a pretty good regular season team after all - not to mention resilient.  In fact, Brooklyn is playing their best ball of the season, and are the hottest team in the NBA.  They own a 25-10 record in the new year, and an 8-2 mark in March.

This team was thought to be done way back when they started the first two months of the season with a troubling 5-12 record.  In the 2013 portion of the schedule, the Nets endured losing streaks of five and four games respectively, and lost back to back games on four other occasions.  They finished the old year with a worrisome 10-21 record.

At the height of these troubled times, Billy King never hid.  He was front and center, fielding any and all questions regarding the team he put together, and the coach he put in place.

In the more successful 2014 portion of their season, the Nets have endured just one three game losing streak, and instead have twice posted winning streaks of five games, one four game streak, and in Friday's game against the Boston Celtics, they will be attempting their second three game streak.

Billy King has been very quiet lately.  Right now, his team is doing the talking for him.  The Nets can point at several reasons for their successful turnaround, and Billy King is at the heart of them all.

First, the GM's choice of head coach is now justifying a rather inspired selection.  Jason Kidd was always accused of having a brilliant mind on the floor.  Now we're seeing it at work on the bench.

In what will ultimately go down as a defining moment of the season, Jason Kidd stood his ground against an old friend, and removed a source of conflict from his bench.  In hindsight, the Lawrence Frank incident was perhaps very beneficial, as it got the players focused on one person - their head coach.

With that out of the way, Jason Kidd was left to coach.  He altered the playing system twice, when a faltering situation demanded his attention.  He initially revised the plan while Deron Williams struggled with his ankles, and began moving the ball through Brook Lopez.  Brook's injury then made Coach Kidd readjust.  That's when Paul Pierce was re-positioned.  Perhaps hardest of all things to inspire, Jason Kidd also got his men to play defense.  The Nets have been on a three month rally since.

As such, Billy King's big ticket item, Deron Williams, is finally performing like the big ticket player the GM thought he signed.  Lately, he's been playing with a chip on his shoulder, and that's a good thing.  His ankle troubles (knock on the hardwood floor) are seemingly a thing of the past.  His step is confident, and getting increasingly stronger.  In fact, he just registered his first dunk of the season.

The bench depth Billy King assembled, is prevailing in their efforts to minimize numerous team injuries, like losing Brook Lopez for the season, DWill's earlier ankle troubles, Kevin Garnett's unforgiving back situation, and nagging issues affecting Andrei Kirilenko.

On that note - big man on campus - Mason Plumlee's on the job training is coming along just fine. He is getting quality minutes, and putting up representative rebounding numbers.  In the back court, Billy King's off season signing of Shaun Livingston is paying huge dividends.  In fact, Shaun has become indispensable.  I do not know how - because his potential price tag would become virtually untouchable under the Nets projected salary cap - but Mr. King needs to figure a way to retain him. I'd say he is a strong 6th Man Award candidate.

Rounding out the top reasons for the Nets turnaround, Billy King's big trade for Paul Pierce (and KG) has provided this team its backbone.  It is my observation, Paul Pierce has been the answer man, who responds when needed.  When opponents threaten, or begin to sway momentum away from the Nets, Paul Pierce answers back with buckets.

Neither least , nor last - Mr. Big Shot - Joe Johnson has hung in to grind out damn near every game this season, lest we forget, the harshest criticism previously levied against him, was that he used to disappear for games at a time.  Not so this season.  In Brook Lopez's absence, Joe Johnson leads the team in scoring.  He has been a more consistent scorer, and active participant without the ball this season.

Remember how last season such a big deal was made over the Nets beating up on scrubs, and posting a losing record against teams with records above the .500 mark?  This season, the Nets currently have a 9-12 record against the other top seven teams in the Eastern Conference.  Against the top nine Western Conference teams, the Nets own a 10-6 record.  Combined, that's a 19-18 mark.

The Indiana Pacers, by the way, swept the four game series over the Nets, and Washington so far has taken three games from the Nets with one left to play.  Meanwhile, in three meetings the Heat are yet defeat Brooklyn.

At a minimum, the Nets need to win a second round playoff series, if they want to improve upon last year's results.  Last year, they couldn't get by a depleted Chicago Bulls team.  The Nets had their chances, but in most cases, lacked a knockout punch.  Despite defeating the Miami Heat three times this season, the biggest question still facing Billy King is, can his Nets defeat the Heat in a seven games series?

Although there is another year remaining in owner's mandate to win a title within five years of his purchase date, Billy King, however, expedited the process, putting his cards on the table this season.  That was pretty bold of him - but then, everything he's done since becoming general manager of the Nets has been bold.

Billy King may yet have his day in the sun.





Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: Paul Pierce Lifts Flatbush Over South Beach

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

WEDNESDAY FINAL:

Brooklyn   96

Miami        95

BROOKLYN NETS: Flatbush Turning Up The Heat On The Eastern Conference; Move Into 5th Spot With Road Victory Over Miami.

Who's Doubting Jason Kidd Now?

Look what Brooklyn did to the Heat - again!  In their first clash away from Flatbush, the Nets defeated Miami for the third time in three meetings this season.  For what is now officially the hottest team in basketball, oh how sweet it was.

The Nets improved to 33-30 for the season, and 6-1 in March.  Toronto destroyed Detroit, so Brooklyn remains three games behind the Raptors for first place in the Atlantic Division.  The Nets however, improved their standing in the Eastern Conference, by moving into the fifth spot.

Once again led by Paul Pierce, the Nets gained victory Wednesday evening with another offensively strong third quarter, more hustle on defense and key stops down the stretch, with continued strong bench play, and despite Deron Williams committing yet more late game turnovers.

Whatever works, right?

Lately, we've been getting the best and worst of Deron Williams.  His turnover with 2:30 left in the 4th quarter allowed Miami to tie the game 92-92, a play which closely mirrored his late game turnover against the Raptors in Monday's game.  He then buried a huge pull-up jumper to put Brooklyn ahead 96-92 with 35.8 seconds left.  But he then missed on the Nets last possession, allowing Miami to gain possession, and call a time-out with 3.5 seconds left, and down by a point.

For the game, Deron Williams was a mere 2/8 from the field, and 1/3 from beyond the arch.  He only scored 6 points, but dished out a game high 8 assists.  Joe Johnson had a similar night, finishing the night with 8 points, on 2/10 shooting from the field, and a worse 1/6 from beyond the arch.  And, Kevin Garnett missed his seventh straight game.

Yet, the Nets prevailed.  Paul Pierce was big man on campus.  A sore shoulder has apparently enhanced his game.  He scored 17 in the third quarter, and made it rain with 5 three-pointers throughout the game.  Pierce led all scorers with 29 points,but none bigger than with less than two minutes to go, he burst through the lane for a lay-up which put Brooklyn back up by a 94-92 score.  He was resilience at its finest, and retro all night long.

The Nets out-rebounded the Heat - something they did not do against Toronto.  Wednesday's game however, boiled down to one defensive play at the very end, when Shaun Livingston deflected Miami's in-bounds pass to end the game, and preserve a 96-95 Brooklyn victory.

Shaun Livingston scored 13 points, and pulled down a team high 7 rebounds.  He and LeBron James tied with a game high 38-minutes of floor time.  Off the bench, Mirza Teletovic (or MT3), was huge with 17 points and four rebounds, and Andray Blatche scored another 11 points.

Chris Bosh was high scorer for Miami with 24 points.  Dwayne Wade scored 22 points, while LeBron James was held to 19 points, on 6/13 from the field, and was kept especially quiet in the 4th quarter.

As noted, the Nets climbed into the fifth spot of the Eastern Conference standings, one-half game ahead of the Washington Wizards, whom they face Saturday night in the nation's capital.  Washington has gotten the best of Brooklyn in two previous meetings this season.

*     *     *     *

How do people like Jason Kidd's coaching skills now?  When he and Lawrence Frank were still working together, the Nets got off to a 5-12 start.  Their beef reportedly erupted somewhere around November 4th or so, resulting from many growing differences of opinion, but their main disagreements reportedly involved defensive issues.  After the falling out, the team suffered through the rest of the month with a 4-10 record. Since Jason Kidd jettisoned Lawrence Frank from the sidelines in early December, the Nets have posted a 28-18 record.  The Nets are now 23-9 in the new year, and counting.



Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: South Beach Showdown

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

BROOKLYN NETS: The Heat Is On Visiting Brooklyn.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: First Place Raptors Coming To Flatbush

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

BROOKLYN NETS - Inside The Final Quarter Season; The Nets Can Cut Into Toronto's Division Lead Tonight At Barclays Center.

Brooklyn has seemingly turned things around.  They started out the season 10-21 during 2013, but have gone 21-9 in the new year.  The Nets are above .500 for the first time this season, and trail the surprising first place Toronto Raptors by four games in the standings.

Tonight's game at Barclays Center will be the last time these teams meet in the regular season.  The Nets have lost twice to the Raptors this season, which makes tonight's game huge, albeit, in the very weak division.  As the Atlantic Division leader, Toronto owns the third spot in the Eastern Conference.  The Nets are currently sixth, with 21 games left in the regular season.

No one is talking about Lawrence Frank these days, nor of Brook Lopez.  Winning has a way of making distractions go away.  But the Nets haven't been able to shake the injury bug though.  Kevin Garnett will continue to miss games due to his back, while Paul Pierce was lost in the game against the Kings, when he developed a sore shoulder.

The Nets lead Charlotte by 3 games in the Eastern Conference, and Atlanta by 9 games.  The Nets have two more games against Charlotte this season, and just one game left against Atlanta.  This week, Brooklyn will play the first of two remaining games against Miami, then play Washington on Saturday.  They also have difficult match-ups coming against Phoenix, Dallas and Houston.



Mike.BTB

Brooklyn Nets: Evan Turner Bobs And Weaves Sixers To Overtime TKO

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

 

Stand And Fall

BROOKLYN NETS: Evan Turner Dribbled Through The Defense Like They Were Orange Traffic Cones.

Get ball, dribble around four trees donned in Nets jerseys, attempt a floating lay-up with time expiring, and win game. That's exactly what Philadelphia's Evan Turner did.  It was literally that simple.   So much for brotherly love.

Paul Pierce's trey put the Nets ahead 120-119 with 0:16 left in overtime.  After Tuner had an initial shot attempt blocked, Philly maintained possession with 0:06 left.  Turner received the near side inbound pass, and shake-n-baked his way around the left elbow extended, then bowed back into the paint for a lay-up, which could have easily been whistled for an offensive charge.  But no such luck - no whistle - and no time left - the buzzer sounded on Brooklyn's venture into Philadelphia. Nets lose by a 121-120 final.

Just like that, the night went, crush.

Flatbush played without the services of Joe Johnson, and Kevin Garnett.  Even without them, they still scored enough points to win, just like they did against Washington.  But just like against the  Wizards, the Nets were overwhelmed on the glass.  The Sixers outrebounded Brooklyn 49-36, which helped provide Philly with fifteen more field goal attempts than the Nets.  Offensively, it was essentially one shot and done for Brooklyn, who managed just 5 offensive rebounds, while the 76ers cleaned up with 37 defensive rebounds.

The Nets three-point shooting, and their ability to get to the line were what kept them in this game.  But their non-existent interior defense is what ultimately failed them.  More than half of Philadelphia's total points came in the paint.  To be exact, the Nets allowed 66 points in the paint, with none bigger than Evan Turner's pair to end it.  All told, Philadelphia outscored Brooklyn 102-84 from the field.

Evan Turner posted a triple-double.  He led all scorers with 29 points, and issued 10 assists, and pulled down 10 rebounds.

Coach Kidd stuck with an eight-man rotation.  Four Nets starters eclipsed 40-minutes.  Deron Williams posted his own double-double, his second straight, leading all players with 14 assists, while scoring 17 points.  Deron was only 5/12 from the field, but was the only Net to get to the free throw line with any regularity.  Alan Anderson led the Nets with 26-points, followed by 24 from Paul Pierce, who was back in a starting role this game, and also led the team with 10 rebounds.  Shaun Livingston issued 11 assists off the bench.

The loss drops the Nets to 9-17, and 4-10 away from Brooklyn.




Mike.BTB

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

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

 

WEDNESDAY FINAL:

Wizards   113

NETS       107

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



Mike.BTB