Nothin' But Nets
Fansided

Brooklyn Nets vs. Charlotte Hornets Takeaways and Grades

By Tj Porreca

Feb 7, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard forward Marco Belinelli (21) attempts to control the ball while being fouled by Brooklyn Nets guard Joe Harris (12) during the second half of the game at the Spectrum Center. The Hornets won 111-107. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 7, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard forward Marco Belinelli (21) attempts to control the ball while being fouled by Brooklyn Nets guard Joe Harris (12) during the second half of the game at the Spectrum Center. The Hornets won 111-107. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Feb 7, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward center Frank Kaminsky (44) looks to pass the ball as Brooklyn Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie (8) defends during the first half of the game at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 7, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward center Frank Kaminsky (44) looks to pass the ball as Brooklyn Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie (8) defends during the first half of the game at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /

Takeaways

1. The Nets spent the first half stuck in neutral

Charlotte currently sits in the ninth seed in the Eastern conference playoff picture. The Hornets have issues of their own, as they snapped a losing streak by beating the Nets. But the Nets did not do themselves any favors in the first half. Brooklyn scored a total of 37 points in the first half, 16 in the first quarter and 21 in the second quarter, for their worst first half of the season. The Nets did make the game close in the final minutes, but if they had played better in the first half, the comeback in the second half may have been more manageable, or perhaps not necessary at all.

MUST READ: Nets Should Feel Good About Culture

2. The Nets cut down on the turnovers, but there were still too many

Compared to some of their recent games, the Nets did actually cut down on their turnovers. Brooklyn turned the ball over 15 times after turning the ball over 21 times on Super Bowl Sunday. Unfortunately, 15 turnovers is still too high for a Nets team that needs to make smarter passes. In comparison, Charlotte turned the ball over just seven times. The Nets were able to cut down their turnover margin in comparison to the Toronto game, but when the number in question is 21 turnovers, it can’t get much worse. If the Nets can learn from this game and continue to decrease their turnovers consistently, it could go a long way toward winning games.

MUST READ: Opinion: Bogdanovic Trade Should be Imminent

3. The Nets fought in the second half

Too many times this season, the Nets have come out of the halftime break flat, and it has been detrimental to their chances of wining. After a listless first half, it could’ve been a tough second half. Entering the third quarter, the Nets had just 37 points. But Brooklyn fought back, scoring 35 points in both the third and fourth quarter’s. Yes, the Nets ultimately lost, but this game could have gotten out of hand easily with Brooklyn already trailing in the third quarter. Instead, the Nets did not quit, and nearly pulled off a comeback victory.