Magic Johnson claims Brooklyn Nets the biggest threat to Boston Celtics going to NBA Finals
The Brooklyn Nets have played incredible basketball over the past few months. Since Sean Marks relieved Steve Nash from head coaching duties in November 2022, the team has been on a roll.
Magic Johnson, the basketball Hall of Famer, believes that the Nets are the biggest threat to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference. At the moment, the two teams are on top of the East, separated by only 1.5 games.
"As of today, the Brooklyn Nets are the biggest threat to the Boston Celtics going to the NBA Finals," the basketball legend tweeted.
Unfortunately for the Nets, finishing at the top will be rather difficult. Not only is the conference very competitive, but the team will be without its best player, Kevin Durant, for at least one month.
Magic Johnson believes that Brooklyn Nets can go all the way to NBA Finals
After opening the 2022-23 season with a 2-5 record, the Brooklyn Nets and Steve Nash mutually agreed to part ways. While Nash wasn't a bad coach, he simply wasn't a good fit for the team.
Without him, the team went on a big win streak that started in late November 2022. The win streak extended to 12 games and ended in January 2023, which was very impressive.
As of today, the Brooklyn Nets are the biggest threat to the Boston Celtics going to the NBA Finals.
The Nets have dealt with a lot of issues over the past few years. From Kyrie Irving refusing to get vaccinated to Kevin Durant requesting a trade in the offseason. However, Sean Marks has done a great job keeping the team together, and it's paid off.
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Since the Nets parted ways with Nash, Jacque Vaughn has taken over the team as its head coach. Magic Johnson believes that keeping Vaughn on the team is a recipe for success.
"Nets Owner Joe Tsai and GM Sean Marks, what are you waiting for?" Johnson tweeted. "Sign Jacque Vaughn to a long-term contract. He’s earned and deserves a long term deal. This is the best I’ve seen the Brooklyn Nets play!"
It's hard to disagree with the LA Lakers legend since the Nets are 25-8 under Vaughn. However, it will be interesting to see how they finish the season.
Kyrie Irving has been phenomenal
Magic Johnson has also praised Kyrie Irving, who has been playing fantastic basketball this season. In 30 appearances, the 6-foot-2 guard has averaged 26.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game.
Besides putting up All-Star-worthy numbers, Irving was also praised for his late-game heroics.
Kyrie Irving is back playing at an All Star level. He’s been unstoppable when the game is on the line in the fourth quarter!
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Considering that Durant will be out for at least a month, Irving will most definitely have a bigger role with the team. However, we will have to wait and see if this will be good enough to keep the Nets close to the top of the conference.