Nothin' But Nets
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Brooklyn Nets: 5 things that must go right to make 2019 playoffs

By Chris Milholen

BROOKLYN, NY - MARCH 17: DeMarre Carroll #9 of the Brooklyn Nets celebrates a win against the Dallas Mavericks on March 17, 2018 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY - MARCH 17: DeMarre Carroll #9 of the Brooklyn Nets celebrates a win against the Dallas Mavericks on March 17, 2018 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Brooklyn Nets
NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 14: Caris LeVert #22 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts to the loss to the New York Knicks at the Barclays Center on December 14, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

The Brooklyn Nets have to learn to win down the stretch

Last season, Brooklyn lost a lot of games in the closing minutes of games. The Nets struggled to pull away late in games and cracked under pressure a lot last season.

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Brooklyn was 12-15 in games decided by five points or less last season and was just 1-5 in overtime games. In all, 30 of the Nets’ 54 losses last season were by 10 points or less.

The Nets will have to battle for the eighth seed this season as the bottom half of the Eastern Conference is building with talent. If the Nets keep choking late in games, this will play a huge role late in the season.

When Brooklyn lost in close games, it was due to the play on both ends of the floor. On the offensive end, the Nets would commonly rush shots or throw up messy shots. If Brooklyn can take good shots and not rush possessions, they will have a better chance of winning.

An argument can be made that the Nets were on the short end of the stick when it came to late-game foul calls but there is nothing that can be done. Spencer Dinwiddie, who was an NBA leader in missed foul calls, publicly criticized the NBA refs over this issue.

On the defensive end, Brooklyn needs to lock down their frontcourt. Opposing teams targeted the Nets’ frontcourt last season in late-game situations. When opposing teams targeted down low late in the game, it would lead to a foul call or a go-ahead basket.

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If Brooklyn can tighten up that frontcourt late in the game, it can make a big difference.