In A Net-shell: Recap of the “New” Brooklyn Nets
Heading into the All-Star Break, the new additions prove that the team is still a playoff contender.
Now let’s review the first week of the “New Nets”:
Snapping the losing Streak
On Monday night, the Brooklyn Nets ended their 11-game losing streak in a 109-85 victory over the Sacramento Kings. This game also saw the debut of Seth Curry and Andre Drummond after the blockbuster trade that sent James Harden to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Curry looked great in his first game as a Net, leading the team in scoring 23 points with 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Drummond also contributed 11 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Ben Simmons, who was also part of the trade, was seen on the sideline cheering on his teammates.
If I’m being honest, the Nets played one of the most FLAWLESS first quarters I’ve seen in a while. With a fast-paced offense, the Nets outscored the Kings 35-24 and took great care of the ball with zero turnovers in the first quarter. It was the type of Nets basketball fans WANT (and deserve).
It’s also important to note that this was a team effort, with five Nets scoring in double figures. Joining Curry and Drummond was Cam Thomas with 14, LaMarcus Aldrige and Bruce Brown, both with 19 points. Brown did it all on both ends of the floor, setting season-highs in points, assists (6), steals (5), and blocks (3).
Bruce Brown said sharing the ball played a role in the win. ''We were just getting out in transition a lot more than we used to. Get out and run everybody pushing it, finding anybody just playing together,” he said.
A Stunning Comeback
Wednesday night was even more exciting when rookie Cam Thomas led the team to a thrilling 28-point comeback win against the New York Knicks, 111-106.
Thomas scored 16 in the 4th quarter, including a 29-foot dagger which effectively ended the game. The kid’s a walking bucket.
Y'all better get used to seeing this
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) February 17, 2022
ICE COLD @24_camthomas 🥶 pic.twitter.com/mIRwSUwSKS
When asked about how Thomas handled the game, Nets head coach Steve Nash said, “He made the game-winner and all that, but he made a bunch of plays down the stretch,” adding, “We went to him, a rookie carrying the load in a rivalry game like this in the Garden, it shows what’s inside of Cam.”
Way to lead us tonight 24…
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) February 17, 2022
The Nets struggled early on, shooting 1-for-13 from the 3, the Knicks capitalized on this, making six 3-pointers leading 38-18 to end the first quarter. Second-quarter didn’t look too great for the Nets (the Knicks making their shots and playing more physical, didn’t help either) and went into the half down 44 - 65.
Everything changed in the second half. They played a more physical game, made great plays, shared the ball, and guys were stepped up. Nash said, “At halftime, we said this is a test of a character.”
I don’t know about you, but considering they made a 28 point comeback, this team’s pretty resilient.
Seth Curry commented, “We’re playing a fun brand of basketball where everyone’s involved and everyone’s making plays.” Five Nets scored in double figures including Thomas (21), Curry (20), Aldridge (18), James Johnson (14), and Drummond (11).
Tough Loss
While they played great in the last 2 games, the Nets weren’t able to close out a win against the Washington Wizards, losing 117-103 on Thursday.
For most of the game, it was evenly matched. There were 10 lead changes and nine ties, but towards the end, the Wizards were able to pull away with the win.
Patty Mills led the Nets offense, playing close to 30 minutes, scoring 22 points, including 5-of-7 behind the arc (a small preview of what’s to come in his in the All-Star Weekend’s 3-point performance). Cam Thomas also put up 20 points, but it just wasn’t enough.
I do have to give props to Washington’s Rui Hachimura, Ish Smith, Corey Kispert, and Dani Avdija. All of whom played a big role in their win against the Nets.
Moving Forward
The Nets will face the Boston Celtics on Thursday, February 24.
There are no current updates to when Kevin Durant will return or when Ben Simmons will play his first game. Personally, I think there’s a good chance we’ll see Simmons in a Net uniform right before they face the Sixers on March 10th.
Kyrie Irving on the other hand is a whole different issue (for obvious reasons), but there’s still some hope he’ll play home games. New York City Mayor Eric Adams called the city’s vaccination rules “unfair,” but added he’s struggling with changing the rules since it could “send out the wrong message.” Anything can happen.
Anyway, tune in to All-Star Weekend tonight to check out Patty Mills in the 3-point contest, and Sunday night, when Team Durant faces off against Team Lebron in the All-Star Game.
