Brooklyn Nets: Week 2 Coach Analysis

Nets struggle most guarding middle PNR

For the Nets, they don’t stick to using just one of the aforementioned choices. Kenny Atkinson likes to change tactics depending on the situation. However, one area where the Nets have really struggled with their pick-and-roll coverage is defending the set when it is initiated in the middle of the floor. On these plays Brooklyn either uses the show or blitz options to defend the action. Yet, opponents have been quick to pick up on this and make the proper adjustments. The ball handler is often left with two defenders on him and he makes the simple pass to the roll man who is around the free throw line most of the time.

With two players on one guy it forces the rest of the defense to have to help and recover despite facing a 4-on-3 disadvantage. Watch below as both the Knicks and Hornets split the trap on the ball by feeding the middle and get easy looks (Kristaps Porzingis dunk and Marvin Williams open corner three) out of it. Atkinson might need to change how he has his team defend these plays as they have yet to show the ability to properly close out or cut off the remaining players on the floor from getting open shots.