Brooklyn Nets: With a Flick of the Switch

From the desk: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION

PLAYOFFS: ROUND ONE
Nets defeat Celtics; 4-1

I - BKN 104; BOS 93

II - BKN 130; BOS 108

III - BOS 125; BKN 119

IV - BKN 141; BOS 126

V - BKN 123; BOS 109

The Curious Case Of Game Three

Not only does Flatbush defeat and eliminate the Celtics in five games of the first round of these playoffs, the Brooklyn Nets quite literally inflict upon Boston the equivalent of an organizational compound fracture.

President of Basketball Ops Danny Ainge has since announced his retirement.  For the moment, his departure renders the Celtics in a state of disrepair, as in out of order, as in broken (hearted).  Lest we forget, this Celtics team is the one former Nets general manager Billy King so graciously helped Danny Ainge build and/or construct by providing him with so many years of high-end draft selections in exchange for Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce.  But it wasn't until Tuesday that the Celtics actually realized their failure, considering they just got ousted by the underwriters of their own playoff viability.  This is to say Sean Marks and the Nets have been to the depths of the NBA standings and are presently moving on to round two against Milwaukee at Boston's expense.

Now that the Nets are moving on, having eliminated Boston in commanding fashion, I must ask what the hell happened in game three?  They led by as many as 15 points, then trailed at one point by 17 points only to lose by six points.  James Harden led Flatbush with 40 points, and Kevin Durant scored 39 points.  But Jayson Tatum dropped 50 points that night ... and I say, so what.

Brooklyn won game one by eleven points, then took game two by a considerable 22 points.  Then came what I can only describe as an internal short circuit.  They troubleshoot it and seemingly cleared it.  Because the Nets win game four by 15 points, then close out the series with a 14 point margin of victory.

Talk about a flick of the switch ...

Brooklyn Nets Finish Strong In Opening Victory Over Boston Celtics

From the desk: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION

PLAYOFFS

ROUND ONE

SATURDAY
BOSTON CELTICS  93

BROOKLYN NETS  104

FINAL

Here we go!

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

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

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

🏀

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

From the desk: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

JAMES HARDEN COMING TO BROOKLYN

Big trade!

Sean Marks finally has his Big Three.

Am I happy about it?

Not at all ...

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

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

HELLO

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

GOODBYE

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

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

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

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

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

Brooklyn Nets: For Jarrett Allen, Time is of the Essence

From the desk: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

"Center of Attention"

In Sean Marks, we trust, right?

Jarrett Allen is my favorite player.  Let's get that out of the way.  I was not pleased to hear his name mentioned in off-season trade rumors and would have been downright irate had he been included in a rumored deal for James Harden.  But I digress ...

Allan's contract status is the matter at hand.  Brooklyn's center of attention and the Nets recently failed to reach an agreement on an extension by the required deadline.  Thus, he becomes a restricted free agent at season's end.  This is just capitalism at work.  I have no compunction letting the market set Allen's price, so long as I know the Nets are committed to matching any potential offers.  And there's the rub.  Jarrett is effectively playing out the rest of the season to establish his future worth.  If all goes according to plan, Jarrett's annual value is due to spike from its present level of just under $4 million towards much higher and more cap and tax problematic sums.

Lest we forget, Caris LeVert last season signed an extension that was well celebrated by fans.  At this stage, I would also argue Spencer Dinwiddie is more expendable than Jarrett Allen.  

But the real phantom menace at play here is veteran DeAndre Jordan, who came loosely linked together with KD and Kyrie Irving.  He is taking up time and space that formerly belonged to Jarrett Allen.  In four games to date (two exhibitions, two regular-season), DeAndre Jordan started each time with Allen coming off the bench.  Jordan in the pre-season played 17 minutes and 19 minutes, respectively; Allen punched in 15 minutes and 17 minutes.  Through four games, Coach Nash has so far kept his starting lineup intact.  But whereas Jordan's playing time has remained consistent at 17 minutes against Golden State, then 19 minutes at Boston, Jarrett Allen's minutes were bumped up to 20 against the Warriors, and 21 minutes against the Celtics.  

Regular Season:

• Jordan vs. G.S. - 17 minutes, 11 rebounds, 4 points, 1 block.
• Allan vs. G.S. - 20 minutes, 7 rebounds, 8 points, 2 blocks.

• Jordan vs. BOS - 19 minutes, 7 rebounds, 4 points, 2 blocks.
• Allan vs. BOS - 21 minutes, 11 rebounds, 9 points, 4 blocks.

Albeit a small sample size, the numbers both collectively and individually speak for themselves.  No team in their right mind turns away 38.5 minutes, 18 rebounds, 12.5 points, and 4.5 blocks per game at center.  For the moment, it's a good problem for the Nets to have, but for how long?  Jarrett is averaging just 20.5 minutes a game.  He hasn't averaged as little as 20 minutes a game since his rookie season.  This, after spending the last two seasons as a prominent performer on an emerging playoff contender, punching the clock for 26.3 minutes per game.  Said another way, Allen, a starter for most other league teams, is theoretically deprived of a half-dozen minutes per game.  What Coach Nash has planned for Jordan and Allan moving forward remains to be seen.  Allen won't be 23-years old till next Spring.  Jordan, although very likable, is ten years Allen's elder.  Injuries can come into play for all we know.  But as they say: time is money.  In Allan's case, minutes are now his primary unit of value.  

So, what's a restricted free agent to do in the meantime?  

I guess learn from Jordan and Amare Stoudemire and prove himself an indispensable component of the Nets.

Circling back to Sean Marks, he continually reiterates the merits of being a disciplined organization, one that sticks with the plan, all the while prioritizing team and organizational culture.  Well, Jarrett Allen has been no less instrumental in establishing said culture than any player to don a Brooklyn Nets uniform.

Brooklyn Nets: Steve Nash is the New Dude of Flatbush

From the desk of: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

Sean Marks Doubling Down on His Investments; Goes All In With Steve Nash

Sean Marks was afforded considerable time for contemplating a new head coach - six months to be exact.  Granted, COVID froze everything in place.  But it didn't prohibit Sean Marks from donning a mask and shopping outside the bubble.  Meanwhile, the pundits entertained us with talk of Mark Jackson, Jason Kidd, Tom Thibodeau (until he was hired by the Knicks) and even Gregg Popovich.  That would have been something, I thought.  Add in the obligatory Jeff Van Gundy click bait and everything seemed like another day at the office.  The head coaching scuttlebutt only picked up again after Brooklyn's exit from the playoffs.  After which, Jacque Vaughn's name was rightfully added to the list of candidates.

But unbeknownst to almost everyone the decision had already been made.  Sean Marks didn't need to go very far either.  His candidate already resided in the Big Apple.  Which is to say Brooklyn's new head coach has been safe and socially distanced from the minds of every NBA executive and credentialed media member this whole time.  

Tom Thibodeau is a damn good coach.  I wanted him like I wanted Pop or Jackson.  But knowing what we know now, well, therein lies the silent assassin that is Sean Marks.  All that is so in the box.  Only now after being illuminated can I say with confidence that Thibodeau would have been a terrible fit for Brooklyn, much like the others, sans Pop(?).  In the first place I couldn't envision, say, Thibodeau yelling at Kevin Durant or Kyrie Irving to get back on defense.  But it's really not about that or any of the aforementioned candidates.  Sean Marks is running a proactive organization.  MSG, on the other hand, is still operating a completely reactive shop therefore making Thibodeau the right guy for them to restore order on the floor.  Brooklyn is beyond that.  Pundits may not want to admit this just yet, but Sean Marks is the one pulling the wagon in this town.  Since taking over Brooklyn the Knicks have been steps behind his every move.  Insofar as the rest of the league, that's where Kyrie Irvin and Kevin Durant come in.

Ask yourself this question: would you rather have Kenny Atkinson or Steve Nash coaching Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irvin?  The Nets organization and fans are indebted to Kenny Atkinson for all his efforts.  He helped elevate this organization like no one's business and deserves all his due credit for this emerging situation in Brooklyn.  I liked him and appreciated him, and was dismayed like many other fans when the team and him parted ways.

Steve Nash does not have coaching experience.  I get it.  But does that mean he lacks experience with X's and O's, or does that mean he lacks interpersonal skills and the ability to negotiate multiple personalities, or that he lacks the requisite leadership qualities, or all three?  Because if these are just some of the criteria, I'm checking off the boxes.

Is this the right man to maximize Kyrie Irving's and Kevin Durant's potential together on the floor?  All the focus has been on Steve Nash's relationship with Kevin Durant and rightly so.  Nash will indeed coach him, but Durant trusts Nash unconditionally.  Who wouldn't want to perform under those conditions.  Then there's the enigmatic Kyrie Irvin.  Nash has been here long enough to have New York City coursing through his veins.  He and the New Jersey native will at least connect on that level.  However, Nash is not an authority figure.  He is a former NBA player and member of the Hall of Fame who behind closed doors could probably still toast Irving in a game of twenty-one.  Nash's acumen and resume are something Irving can grasp and respect.  When loners respect someone they quickly submit with little issues, and we know Kyrie has a few.

Durant and Irvin already have their uniforms, but they've lacked for playing time.  All that's about to change.  What the Nets needed moving forward was a coach for who these two stars would be willing to go through a brick wall.  Brooklyn has lots of brick walls.  

I believe Steve Nash is a brilliant hire ... now.

Never saw it coming.

That's how Sean Marks operates.

Brooklyn Nets: Wait Till Next Year is Dead Ahead

From the desk of: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION

2019   PLAYOFFS   2020

Raptors def. Nets; 4-0

I - TOR 134; BKN 110

II - TOR 104; BKN 99

III - TOR 117; BKN 92

IV - TOR 150; BKN 122

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There is also a new head coach up for discussion.

Change is most certainly on the horizon.

But make no mistake, the future has arrived.

Brooklyn Nets: Why Sean Marks is the Sharp End of the Stick

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

HEAD COACH KENNY ATKINSON and BROOKLYN NETS 

MUTUALLY AGREE TO PART WAYS

I'm stunned.  Never saw this coming.

Shocked?  Not really.

Make no mistake.  Kenny Atkinson has a fan in me.  Coach was absolutely the right man for the job.  He served the Nets very well, nurturing a rebuilding club and coaching them up into a burgeoning contender.  Last year's playoff appearance has Atkinson's name written all over it.  What transpired along Flatbush Avenue was pure home grown.  And Atkinson was a leading force behind the organization, the fans, and Brooklyn itself, finally solidifying a long term relationship together.  So, yeah, Sean Marks nailed it when he hired Kenny Atkinson.

Sure Coach had some X and O issues, and suffered occasional bouts of game mismanagement.  What coach doesn't.?

Player conspiracy?  You tell me.

However, an analytics driven system predicated on the high screens and pick and roll, over dependence on three-point shooting, and ruinous fourth quarter meltdowns had become all too predictable.

After three seasons of steady improvements, Sean Marks this last off-season upped the ante.  Expectations changed, injuries be damned.  The Nets presently have a precarious hold on seventh place in the conference standings with just 20 games left to play.  Kenny Atkinson indeed helped get the Nets to this point.  But let's be honest, he rarely deviates from the plan.  In the midst of year four, it cost him.  Now Sean Marks wants more.  I believe in his narrative about needing a new voice in the locker room.  In fact, the more I ponder Saturday's action the more I agree with the decision.  Next season the dynamic in the Nets locker room is sure to change.  I view this as Sean Marks jumping in front of the situation.  While the timing seems odd, I applaud his conviction.  Above and beyond the position of head coach, I want the general manager of the organization operating with proactive confidence rather than in some panic riddled reactive manner.

And this is what makes Sean Marks the sharp end of the stick.

Brooklyn Nets: Flatbush Opens Eighth Campaign Poised to Expand Turf

From the desk of: THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

YEAR EIGHT

FRIDAY
New York Knicks
vs.
Brooklyn Nets
FROM
FLATBUSH AVENUE

SINCE THE FIRST MOMENT SHOVELS SCOOP DIRT AT GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONIES, BROOKLYN FOR BETTER OR WORSE REMAINS ONE STEP AHEAD OF THEIR EAST RIVER RIVALS.

More better than worse ...

Kings County native and real estate developer Bruce Ratner in 2004 reveals plans to purchase the New Jersey Nets with the intent of relocating them into a new arena proposed for construction in downtown Brooklyn.  On more than one occasion his vision appears dead on the drawing board.  For six long years protests and seemingly endless litigation stymie any and all forward progress.  A sudden contraction of the national economy further compromises Ratner's finances and development efforts.

With Ratner bogged down in court, New York Knicks owner James Dolan in 2005 is able to successfully devote his full attention and financial resources towards thwarting a more tangible threat posed by a New York Jets stadium being proposed for construction atop Manhattan's west side rail yards.  However, Dolan's victory over NYC's politico and the Jets is short lived.  By 2010 Bruce Ratner not only wins court approval to move forward with construction of an arena, but also secures an infusion of needed capital courtesy of new partner Mikhail Prokhorov.

On March 11, 2010, fifty-three years after the Dodgers play their last game at Ebbets Field, groundbreaking ceremonies take place for Barclays Center ironically in the same general location Walter O'Malley had once hoped to secure for his baseball club bordered by Flatbush Avenue and Atlantic Avenue.  Back here in the future, Ratner's legal victory makes certain direct inner-city competition will soon be arriving at James Dolan's door step.  This time there's nothing J.D. can do to prevent this from happening.

Later that summer Mikhail Prokhorov launches the first salvo in what becomes known as the Billboard Wars when he commissions a building-side mural featuring Jay-Z and himself just a few blocks away from Madison Square Garden along Eighth Avenue.  James Dolan strikes back with a rather clever purchase of billboard space located within the Atlantic Yards footprint itself.

Hostilities ratchet up in February of 2011 upon outbreak of the now infamous Melo War.  Carmelo Anthony makes it clear he wants out of Denver and is a handshake agreement away from authorizing a sign and trade to the New Jersey Nets.  That is until Jim Dolan catches wind of it and launches himself headlong into the Carmelo Anthony trade negotiations like a charging bull through a fine china shop.  Dolan tramples general manager Donnie Walsh with an utter lack of compunction, and is equally dismissive of head coach Mike D'Antoni en route to securing one of the league's perennial scoring threats.  But to his great dismay the Nets are the next morning's lead story, arresting tabloid and sports radio attention away from the Knicks with a stunning overnight acquisition of well regarded point guard Deron Williams from the Utah Jazz.  A squabbling media rages throughout the day debating which team executed the better deal.  Because there is a point guard involved, the consensus says Nets.

With Barclays Center scheduled for opening by the 2012-2013 season, James Dolan also in 2011 orders a billion dollar renovation of Madison Square Garden.

• Question: Were it not for Barclays Center does James Dolan renovate a his tax-sheltered building that really isn't his?

Neither Carmelo Anthony or Deron Williams perform up to their team's respective satisfaction.  In 2012-13, Carmelo Anthony leads the Knicks to an Atlantic Division title, but they've failed to qualify for the playoffs in the six seasons since.  The Knicks average just 34.2 wins during Melo's five seasons in Manhattan, and just 33.3 wins in the five years prior to David Fizdale's arrival.  Meanwhile the Nets make three straight playoff appearances in their first three seasons at Barclays.  In truth their ill fated acquisition of Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett better serve as springboards into the abyss.  Suffice it to say the Melo/Williams era ends with a whimper.  In 2015 the Nets buy out the remainder of Deron Williams' contract, and by 2017 the Knicks trade Carmelo Anthony to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

A new rebuilding period ensues.  The Nets are first to acknowledge their organizational failures and by 2016-2017 recommit themselves to a grassroots rebuild.  They hire Sean Marks as new general manager who in turn hires Kenny Atkinson as head coach.  Bereft of high draft picks the new general manager and head coach strip down the team, and through organizational discipline manage to effectively and efficiently build it back up.  Agreeably ahead of schedule, the Nets last season put forth a spirited and unified effort resulting in a well earned post-season appearance.  If nothing else it serves to confirm Sean Marks, Kenny Atkinson, and the Nets, have gone about their business in fine manner.

The Knicks on the other hand are far slower in recognizing their blight, and perhaps more stubborn, as well.  I view Sam Mills as nothing more than James Dolan's lone remaining friend in the building, and Scott Perry as a rather inconsequential league executive.  This, along with the Phil Jacksons in life is why I believe the Knicks lag far behind the Nets and continue losing ground by the day.  Lest we forget this is about direct competition.  The Nets are the invaders, and Jim Dolan was made to defend.  To date, he's tried matching them move for move.  Yet somehow continues falling farther and farther behind.  His front offices tried clearing cap space in order to facilitate a free agent haul a first time and came up woefully short.  They retried clearing cap space this past off-season in order to facilitate yet another proposed free agent haul and again fail miserably.  Unfortunately the free agent market proved shy on players motivated to shoulder 20 years of dysfunction and front office futility.  Why bother when today's NBA player can easily make big money elsewhere with far less headaches.

This is precisely why Sean Marks' acquisitions of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant are prime examples of culture, chemistry, competence, and ultimately competitiveness, coming together under the same roof.

It's true ...

But this has never been about the Knicks.  The Nets are foolish to think they can steal fans away from the establishment.  Barclays Center attendance bears that out.  Since day one this has always been about winning over the 2.7 million denizens of Brooklyn.  James Dolan has always benefited from playing in a midtown arena where tourists ensure a sellout every day and night no matter what.  In that respect he is well shielded.  Anywhere else and Dolan's gate receipts would more accurately reflect true fan ire (same holds true for the Rangers).  Brooklyn is a different kinda cat.  Therefore the real test lay ahead.  Last season's organic rise to competitiveness was an endearing experience bringing club and fan closer together than at any other time over the previous six seasons.  That, along with the off-season acquisitions of Kyrie Irvin and Kevin Durant make this easily the most anticipated season in Brooklyn's NBA history.  Whether that translates at the gate remains to be seen.  So far, the pre-season buzz in Kings County is palpable.

But there is no rivalry; not yet; or at least not until the Knicks step up their game.  We're entering Year Eight with no signs of improvement across the river.  A true rivalry would be nice.  In the meantime, bet on Brooklyn.

 OPENING NIGHT

WEDNESDAY

Timberwolves

vs.

Nets

FROM

BARCLAYS CENTER

Nets: A Big Three Grows in Brooklyn

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

ICYMI: 

Were it not for the efforts of D'Angelo Russell 

perhaps the Nets off-season unfolds very differently.

Before a single game of the 2019-2020 season is played, I'd like to offer Sean Marks my heart felt thanks and sincerest appreciation for saving a moribund organization left in ruin by its former general manager, Billy King, whom negotiated a king's ransom for a pair of over the hill court jesters.  This off-season's acquisitions begin a new narrative in Brooklyn which is yet to be written.  When it is Sean Marks will certainly be judged.  For now it can be said his transformation of the Nets in just three year's time is nothing short of remarkable.  How ironic is it that Kyrie Irving leaves the Boston Celtics in order to sign with Brooklyn?  It's downright wicked, I say.  Mark this day.  For the curse of Billy King is broken.

One of Brooklyn's glaring shortcomings last season was a frequent inability for finishing at the rim.  Too often even the best dekes, dribbles, and drives ended erratically.  D'Angelo Russell, Spencer Dinwiddie, Caris Levert, were all guilty: high pick and roll, drive the lane, erratic shot, change of possession.  Kyrie Irving changes that.  I anticipate him fitting into Kenny Atkinson's present system very well.  More to the point, he's more adept as creating his own shot and is a proven accomplished finisher at the rim.

Is he a weird dude?  I don't know.  Weird is as weird does.  And if the Nets are winning, he can be as weird as he wants to be.  In the meantime, will he open himself to Kenny Atkinson's coaching?  I'll let the man speak for himself:

On Monday Kyrie advises us about a man with a goal to fulfill.  On his Instagram Kyrie says he is joining the Brooklyn Nets because "home is where my family is ... Home is where my legacy will continue."  He ends his video saying, "I'm happy to be in Brooklyn."

Sounds like a player motivated to be here.  And why not?  Word of the culture fostered by Sean Marks and Kenny Atkinson has seemingly spread throughout the league.

Although born in Australia, Kyrie attends high school in New Jersey.  Therefore he's no stranger to tri-state area chaos.  After attending Duke, the Cleveland Cavaliers select Irving with the first overall pick of the 2011 draft.  In 2012 he is named NBA Rookie of the Year, and in 2016 with Cleveland captures his first NBA title.  The Nets may potentially shave some minutes from his accustomed allotment so as to not thrust the weight of the world on his shoulders in Kevin Durant's absence.  That may not go over well considering he's accustomed to 33.8 minutes per game.  Then again, averaging just 63.5 games over eight seasons may suggest a need for managing his time regardless.

DeAndre Jordan arrives in Brooklyn with a little help from his friends.  Reports indicate Kyrie and Kevin Durant signed for slightly less money so as to allow their friend being squeezed into the fold.
The soon to be 31-year old eleven year center is averaging a double-double for the last six seasons.  Listed at 6'11", 265 lbs Jordan addresses a second glaring need: interior size and physical presence.

There is plenty time ahead for discussing Kevin Durant's unexpected arrival Brooklyn.  His is a curious situation to say the least.  To that I say nothing ventured, nothing gained.

RESPECT!! Thank you. Be well, and good luck. https://t.co/AckJLvD4yj

— B'klynTrolleyBlogger (@BTB_MikeII) July 1, 2019

Brooklyn Nets: Pair of Premium Free Agents Bum Rush Barclays

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

WELCOME TO BROOKLYN

Kyrie Irving  and  Kevin Durant

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brooklyn Nets: The Start of a Wonderful Relationship

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

Last One Out Turn Off The Lights

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

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

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

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

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

Go Brooklyn.

Go Nets.

#GoingHardTogether

Brooklyn Nets: The Birth of a Cult

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

THE COMMAND CENTER

GAME FIVE

Brooklyn Nets

vs.

Philadelphia 76ers

I believe players across the National Basketball Association are noticing developments taking place in Brooklyn.  I bet they're salivating like a Pavlov dog watching an owner, a general manager, and a head coach, rally behind their players, and together draw a collective line in the sand.

Everyone knows head coaches aren't allowed to criticize referees; and that general managers shouldn't go barging into referee locker rooms; and that owners shouldn't be saying stuff detrimental to the league.  Kenny Atkinson, Sean Marks, and Joseph Tsai are all guilty.  We know it; everyone knows it.  But they couldn't be more right, and at this very moment couldn't be more beloved for it.

As a completely subjective observer, I think this is great!  And I believe other people and potential free agents do too.

The crowds at Barclays Center have spoken.

A basketball cult grows in Brooklyn.

Brooklyn Nets: A Rivalry Breaks Out in Flatbush

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

THAT EMPTY FEELING

Sixers lead series 3-1

I - BKN 111; PHI 102

II - PHI 145; BKN 123

III - PHI 131; BKN 115

IV- PHI 112; BKN 108

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

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

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

Sadly, the results are in.

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

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

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

Then came the game four fracas on Flatbush Avenue.

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

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

REBOUNDS

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

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

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

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

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

I digress ...

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

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

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

On the eve of game one, I said this:

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

On the eve of game four, I said this:

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

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

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

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

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

Good problems ahead.

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

Game Five is Tuesday at Philadelphia.

Brooklyn Nets: A Playoff Team Blooms in Brooklyn

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

NO TANKING IN BROOKLYN

No Outside Help Needed

#WeGoHard

BROOKLYN NETS CLINCH PLAYOFF BERTH 

SUNDAY

Nets     108

Pacers   96

FINAL

Brooklyn Nets: Flatbush Punches Ticket To Post-Season; Triumph Over Bucks and Pacers on Back-To-Back Nights.

It's been five long seasons since the Brooklyn Nets last topped 40 wins.  

During the last four years, the Brooklyn Nets have gone from being a badly flawed playoff qualifier under Billy King, to completely stripping down the entire operation to the ground and rebuilding what is to date a young inexperienced playoff contender under Sean Marks.

Beware: part of being a fan means allowing emotions and expectations to change like the wind.  That said, I hear some declaring Sean Marks' three year rebuild complete.  The Nets turnaround has indeed been remarkable.  If they seem ahead of schedule, they have an effective executive plan, good coaching, and a united locker room to thank.  But I would argue the rebuild is nowhere near complete.  There's so much more which needs to be done.  Granted, their patient grassroots effort is indeed paying earlier than expected dividends.  By no means, however, should Sean Marks all of a sudden alter his blue print now.  I would implore him to continue forwarding his vision.  Be penny wise, draft smartly, and let pragmatism rule the day.

If emotions ruled the day, Kenny Atkinson would have been fired already.  I wonder how those fans and media calling for his head back in November feel about him now.  Upon snapping that near crippling eight game losing streak on Dec. 5, the team went on to post a 33-22 record as they head into Wednesday's season finale.  Sunday's victory over the Pacers improved the Nets record to 41-40 thus ensuring they'll finish the season no worse than par.  With a victory over Miami, Brooklyn would likewise post their first winning record in five seasons.

The Nets stretch run was more like an odyssey, as ten of their last 14 games have been on the road.  They're better for it, having emerged alive and quite well.  In the end, they eliminated any need for outside help by defeating the Bucks and Pacers on back-to-back nights.  They can expect a hero's welcome when they host the Miami Heat in the season finale at Barclays Center on Wednesday.

The Dudes of Flatbush #WeGoHard #BrooklynNets https://t.co/7tC1k8uXPe

— B'klynTrolleyBlogger (@BTB_MikeII) April 7, 2019

Brooklyn Nets: D'Angelo Russell and the Comeback Kings

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

#LinksNYC

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

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

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

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

Road Ahead:

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

Return to Flatbush:

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

Back to Back:

• 4/6 - @ Milwaukee
• 4/7 - @ Indiana

Home Finale:

• 4/10 - MIAMI

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

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

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

See you in L.A.

Brooklyn Nets Creating a Winning Culture and Identity, As Promised

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

23-23 (.500)

Sixth Place Eastern Conference

New arena, new uniforms, new crowd, in a new town - a new owner knew the Nets couldn't just quietly tip-toe into Brooklyn.  At least that's the way incoming tycoon Mikhail Prokhorov viewed things.  Lest we forget his stated goal of winning a championship within five years.  We're now seven years away from Prokhorov's rather bold mandate which former general manager Billy King failed to satisfy.

Insofar as delivering a title: there's really no one person to blame for the way those initial years played out.  They made an organizational decision meant to ignite a new Nets economy in Brooklyn.  That's just the nature of doing business when one capitalist invades the territory of another.

It can be argued both teams during that time operated and transacted rather erratically.  However, none more crippling than the exorbitant price in draft picks Billy King paid to acquire Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce from Boston.  Blame as I may, the owner signed off on it.

And while the trade got Brooklyn this far ...

... by 2015-2016 the win-now plan had proven itself overwhelmingly futile.  On the heels of another January loss at Detroit which saw the Nets record fall to 10-24, Billy King's tenure as general manager ends.

On Sunday, January 10, 2016, Mikhail Prokhorov orders a rebuild:

"By making this decision now it enables our organization to use the rest of the season to diligently evaluate candidates with proven track records.  It's clear from our current state of affairs that we need new leadership.  With the right basketball management and coach in place we are going to create a winning culture and identity and give Brooklyn a team that it can be proud of and enjoy watching." Ryan Bort, Newsday

The Nets hire Sean Marks on Feb. 18, 2016, as new general manager.  In April, the team ends the regular season with a 21-61 record.  Before the month is through, Sean Marks offers Kenny Atkinson his first head coaching position.

• Season One (2016-2017): Oct. 28, 2016, the Nets boast a 1-1 record; it marks their lone moment playing at or above the .500 mark.  On April 8, 2017 they win their 20th game of the season; a 107-106 victory over the Bulls at Barclays Center.  They finish the season with a 20-62 record.

• Season Two (2017-2018): Oct. 27, 2017, the Nets are 3-3, but never again reach .500 for the rest of the season.  This time, however, they win their 20th game of the season by Feb. 26, 2018; coincidentally, another 104-87 victory over the Chicago Bulls at Barclays Center.  The Nets would finish the season with a slightly improved 28-54 record.

This is Kenny Atkinson's third season.  After 210 games, he owns an 71-139 (.338) overall record as Nets coach.  As recently as a month ago - with the Nets in the midst of an eight game losing streak - fans and faux experts across social media were calling for Atkinson's termination.

What say you?

Me?

That was a kneejerk and not very well thought out reaction.  Truth be told, one-third of all Kenny Atkinson's victories as Nets coach have come in the first three months of this season alone.

They won their 20th game of the season on Jan. 5, 2019, against none other than the Bulls; another 117-100 victory at Chicago, no less.  They're now 15-5 (.750) over their last 20 games, and are within five victories of surpassing last year's entire win total.  And with a 23-23 record, they presently occupy sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings.

Despite this relative success, injuries to key players (Caris Levert; Allen Crabbe; Jared Dudley) should not go under spoken.  Yet, adversity seems to have revealed within these Nets an endearing Brooklyn-like resiliency.

Is reaching .500 in January important?

Alas, consecutive benchmark victories against Boston and Houston transpired without Kyrie Irving on the floor, and James Harden essentially playing by himself.  However, where it concerns the Nets I would argue the answer is indubitably, yes.  Sean Marks and Kenny Atkinson somehow adapted and overcame the great mistake left behind by Billy King.  Over the last 2 1/2 years, they've methodically engineered steady improvement to the point where the Nets are now experiencing upwards climb.  The added ability to effectively impact the team through the draft is also back in their control, not to mention their substantial salary cap reserves at the ready. former cap reserves ...

Cycle back to the 2016 mission statement ...

At this point, I believe it safe to say a new basketball culture is indeed growing in Brooklyn; an earnest grassroots effort to build an NBA contender, involving many wonderful and individual player stories, to be sure.  The plan put in place back in 2016 is working.  This year's play bears that out.  As a result, the Nets are becoming increasingly more enjoyable to watch, as promised by Mikhail Prokhorov, and reaffirmed by incoming partner, Joseph Tsai.

Just don't wait for an apathetic local media to start shaking their pom-poms.

Go Brooklyn!