3 early observations from the Brooklyn Nets' start to the season
The Brooklyn Nets have made a mediocre start to the 2022/23 NBA season and have lost two of their first three games (1-2).
Brooklyn survived a late thriller over the Toronto Raptors at Barclays Center on Friday. However, they lost to the New Orleans Pelicans (Wednesday, 130-108) and Memphis Grizzlies (Monday, 124-134).
With their battle against fellow East contenders the Milwaukee Bucks less than 48 hours away, here are three early observations from the Nets' season start.
#1. Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving setting the tone early
The Brooklyn Nets understand the importance of having Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant on the roster. They know that without the All-Star duo, it is impossible to fight for the NBA championship.
As a result, it is their performance that will determine how far the Brooklyn Nets go this season.
In Wednesday's opener vs. the New Orleans Pelicans, Kevin Durant led the way with 32 points on 11/21 shooting, but Kyrie Irving was limited to just 15 points on 6/19 shooting.
Two days later, both superstars played at the highest level and were one of the main reasons for the team's victory.
Durant finished with 27 points, on 8/18 shooting, and scored four of Brooklyn's last seven points, including a big three with the score tied at 102. Irving led his team in scoring with 30 points, on 11/24 shooting and 5/13 from beyond the arc.
The multi-time All-Star went for 13 fourth-quarter points, including a go-ahead two-pointer, which put the Nets in front by two (100-102) and put an end to Toronto's 12-0 run.
Against the Grizzlies, the superstar duo combined for 74 points, scoring 37 each, with Durant posting 17 in the third and Irving 21 in the fourth. He also offered his analysis of the game in the post-game interview.
''The 3-point line killed us,'' Durant said afterwards. ''It was that 3-point line that separated us. The fact that they knocked down more 3s than us, that's the name of the game now. Even if you're not playing well or up to par with your opponent, if you're making 3s, you give yourself a chance.''
Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving know that this may be their last chance to win something together in Brooklyn, as Irving's contract expires at the end of the season.
After a turbulent offseason, they are both extra motivated to go all the way and their offensive productivity will be key to the team's success.
#2. Ben Simmons' aggressiveness brings excitement to the Brooklyn Nets
After missing the past two seasons, Ben Simmons is finally back on the floor. His debut against the New Orleans Pelicans was disappointing, with passivity being his main characteristic against Zion Williamson and co.
The former All-Star turned things around really quickly as he put in an all-around performance Friday vs. the Raptors.
He gained confidence after hitting his first two shots and put a lot more pressure on defense. He eventually finished with six points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and two blocks, but most importantly, he was aggressive on both ends.
Nets coach Steve Nash shared his thoughts on Simmons' performances.
"A step up for Ben. From the jump he was more aggressive. He got in the paint, every time he gets in the paint he causes problems.
"He's starting to show the player he can be, and I still think he's got a ways to go, so really proud of him. He shook off the first night, and I thought he was much more aggressive in an important game for us," head coach Steve Nash said afterwards.
On Monday, Simmons had just 7 points, on 2/5 shooting, along with three rebounds and eight assists, and was fouled out for a second time this season.
He has scored 17 points with 14 fouls so far and Brooklyn wants him to stop committing so many fouls easily.
The Brooklyn Nets view Ben Simmons as the third superstar on the team and expect him to return to his All-Star performance in his early years with the Philadelphia 76ers.
At the moment, they have no intention of setting the bar high for the young point forward, but they want him to get better game after game and play with the same aggressive mentality.
#3. The supporting cast stepped up vs. the Raptors
As mentioned above, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving will determine the team's success this season. However, the Nets can’t have the superstar duo trying to do everything on the floor.
That's why the performance of the supporting cast will be crucial for the Nets moving forward.
Against the New Orleans Pelicans, the role players scored 57 of Brooklyn's 108 points, with Patty Mills leading the way with 16 points on 5/10 shooting and 4/9 from beyond the arc.
Against the Raptors, the supporting cast scored 47 of the Brooklyn Nets' 109, with some of them coming in crunch time, like Royce O'Neale's three-pointer with 15.3 seconds to go (105-108). Against the Grizzlies, this number decreased to 43.
Nic Claxton gave some insight on his progress and what the Nets need to do as a team.
“I’m just more comfortable, more confident. We need other guys to step up. We can’t have Kyrie and KD trying to do everything. Just playing my game and my teammates are doing a good job of instilling confidence in me," Nic Claxton said after having 19 points and 11 rebounds in the contest.
Coach Nash created a deep roster this season and the return of injured guards Seth Curry and TJ Warren will bring two more weapons to the offense.
Until that happens, the Brooklyn Nets will attempt to create a winning streak that will improve their confidence as well, starting with Wednesday's game vs. the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum.
