The Nets proved they were capable of putting things together during the early stretch of the season. Now, in December, the team has looked to build on that foundation.
After a dominant win over the Wizards on Dec. 8, the Nets improved to 12-9. With six players in double figures led by Mikal Bridges’s 21 points, it was a balanced Brooklyn attack. What stood out from the latest victory was the improving Nets defense. On the season, Washington is shooting 48.4% from the field, tied for fifth with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Nets held it to 41.8% shooting from the field and 24.4% from three-point range, their second-worst shooting night. The worst? The game on Nov. 12, when Brooklyn held the Wizards to 37.5% from the field and 18.2% from three.
That success against the Wizards on Friday underlies a recent positive development. Since their blowout loss against the 76ers on Nov. 19th, the Nets’ defense has started to turn things around. Before Monday’s loss to the Sacramento Kings, over the previous eight games, the Nets held teams to just 111.4 points per 100 possessions. That mark was sixth best in the NBA during that period.
Brooklyn’s loss to the Kings dropped the team’s defensive rating down to No. 15 since the loss to the 76ers, which was well deserved. Sacramento made a team record 25 three-pointers, and a lot of them were wide open:
Jacque Vaughn has spoken before about the need to limit corner threes, and Monday night was a stark reminder of what can happen if they do not.
There is still room to grow. On the season, Brooklyn is last in opponent turnover rate. Over these nine games, it has improved to No. 24, but there is always room for improvement.
Nets On the Rise
On the latest edition of New York Got Game, we joined Dexter Henry to discuss all things Brooklyn Nets.
Dexter and I discussed:
- The temperature amongst Nets fans in this new era
- General discussion of the team and their improving play, led by Mikal Bridges
- The status of Ben Simmons going forward
- The continued ascension of Cam Thomas
- The early struggles of the Nets defense and how they’ve started to turn things around
- The five-game road trip
- The team’s hybrid rebuild
As the Nets’ season continues, Nets Republic will have you covered.