Brooklyn Nets: 3 takeaways from upsets over Jazz and 76ers

Reviving their gritty play style from years past, the Brooklyn Nets knocked off two tough opponents this week even without Kevin Durant (and later Kyrie Irving).

When the news broke detailing Kevin Durant’s upcoming absence from play due to a COVID-19 exposure, most expected the Nets to fall down a rabbit hole, especially after the team dropped back to back games against the Washington Wizards and Atlanta Hawks.

Although fans acknowledged the likely reality awaiting them with Durant sidelined, Brooklyn’s uninspiring play at the time still left most expecting to see at least some improvement on the team’s behalf during their upcoming contests. After blowing out the Utah Jazz and then knocking off the formerly 7-1 Philadelphia 76ers, the Nets gave their fans a late, but greatly appreciated, final Christmas gift.

Against Utah, Kyrie Irving set the tone early, making every single shot he put up during the first quarter, tallying 18 points during the period. The Nets entered the second quarter with a 35-15 lead and never looked back, eventually winning 130-96. Thanks to a pregame meal featuring Alfredo sauce, Jarrett Allen also put together a career night, bullying Rudy Gobert while putting up 18 points, 19 rebounds, and two blocked shots.

But with Irving absent due to “personal reasons” for team’s next contest against a Philadelphia squad riding a five-game win streak, the odds grew even taller against Brooklyn. While paying homage though to their New Jersey roots with some flashy threads, the Nets dismantled the 76ers, winning 122-109.

Joe Harris shined brightest, scoring 28 points and hitting 6-of-9 shots from deep. Caris LeVert stepped up as well, coming close to a triple double with 22 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds. Contributions from role players like Taurean Prince and Jeff Green also came at the perfect time, with the two wing players combining for 27 points. A collectively sound defensive effort by the Nets helped relieve some headaches from the team’s prior games as well, with the Nets limiting Philly superstars Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons to 11-of-27 shooting.

Things certainly appear to be moving well now within the Brooklyn basketball machine, which convincingly passed both these difficult tests. With this acknowledged, here are some takeaways following the two upset victories.

3. Jarrett Allen is the Team’s Starting Center

Calls for Jarrett Allen to remain the team’s starting center echoed throughout Brooklyn seemingly from the moment DeAndre Jordan signed with the Nets, and no argument exists to silence them at this point after Allen outplayed both Gobert and Embiid this week. Exhibiting an improved touch around the rim, attacking with more confidence than ever before, and moving exceptionally well as a defender, Allen’s play gave way to endless applause and essentially warranted zero complaints.

But beside his statistical feats, Steve Nash seemed to trust Allen more as a starter as well. With the team shorthanded, Nash relied heavily on the big man, granting him a season-high 31 minutes against the Jazz. During the next game, Nash announced his plans to once more start Allen against the 76ers hours before anyone else. With Nash publicly handing Allen the keys during an incredibly dire situation for the team, it really illustrates his faith regarding former Longhorn.

Playing well and with his coach’s support, expect Allen to start during future games barring any injuries or major setbacks. This certainly bodes well for the Allen himself, the team, and potentially even DeAndre Jordan as well.

Against the 76ers, Jordan showed a bit more pop and aggressiveness especially as a defender, possibly motivated by Allen’s recent surge. Although no rivalry exists between Jordan and Allen, proved often by their friendly teacher/student relationship, the youngster’s growing abilities might inspire Jordan to kick things up a notch himself.

It certainly feels nice for the Nets to finally know which center to send out with the starting unit, and a re-vamped DeAndre Jordan off the bench is just icing on the cake.

2. Nets Figuring Out How to Defend

Before knocking off the Jazz and 76ers, the Nets seemed like a team with serious defensive complications. Although they hung around to win, Brooklyn surrendered 141 points to the Atlanta Hawks last week. A few days later, they allowed a lowly Wizards team to put up 123 points. Failing to rotate fast enough, struggling to cover the ball handler on pick and roll plays, and inexcusable defensive rebounding breakdowns stood primarily responsible for the high scoring totals, and consequently the team’s 3-4 record at the time.

But against the Jazz, the Nets conceded only 96 points, and let up just 109 points to the Sixers. Before facing Brooklyn, Utah averaged 112 PPG this season, while Philadelphia averaged 115.

So what changed for the Nets? Well, Steve Nash’s remixed starting lineup this week certainly was a contributing factor. Bruce Brown rose from benchwarmer to starter against Utah, and showed off the on-ball defensive skillset which made him a former fan favorite with the Detroit Pistons.

Additionally, Jarrett Allen’s playing time increase affected Brooklyn’s defense as well. As a faster, more agile, and — most importantly — a more willing defender than Jordan, whenever Allen took the floor, the team appeared much more sturdy while aiming to lock things down.

From a more general standpoint, though, the Nets seemed far more active with their defensive schemes and efforts. Although their pick and roll defense looked shaky once more against Philadelphia, Brooklyn still closed out on shooters much faster than before, and most importantly rebounded with more vigor. While Allen and Brown deserve additional nods for this, players like Harris, LeVert, and even Jordan off the bench made a difference as well.

The Nets remain a more offensive-minded team with their defense still a work in progress. However, these encouraging signs shows that Brooklyn is headed in the right direction.

1. Nets Learning to Play as a Team

With Durant and Irving collectively averaging a league leading 55.3 points per game, a growing narrative that the depth which the Nets formerly boasted about no longer exists became quite popular after the team dropped to 3-4. LeVert, the team’s assumed “third star,”  struggled the most notably to provide relief for 7/11, shooting 38% from the field before this week.

Landry Shamet also drew criticism, especially after an 0-for-9 game against the Charlotte Hornets, which led to the team’s first loss this year. Even bubble standout Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot experienced some irritating inconsistencies while shooting the ball, especially from three. Without a doubt, the Nets missed Spencer Dinwiddie’s presence as a depth piece, who stood as a rock for the team over the last five years and is now out for the season with a torn ACL.

But with Durant and eventually Irving off the floor, Brooklyn’s less-talked-about players caught fire against Utah and Philadelphia. LeVert and Harris lead the way, with the pair averaging 42 points per game during the two contests. The Nets flashed their roster’s versatility, especially against the 76ers, corralling an incredible 53 points off the bench en route to victory.

With the team having demonstrated how deep their team runs after winning games with ease even while missing their star players, the Nets just need to learn how to best apply said depth alongside the Durant/Irving punch. Although these two elements for Brooklyn have yet to operate compatibly together, the re-emergence of Harris, LeVert, Allen, Green, and Prince cannot go ignored, nor can the talent which we all know Durant and Irving still wield.

The Nets just need to figure out how to tie it all together, which remains a good burden to bear, as it leads one to believe that Brooklyn’s most productive days as a team still lie ahead us. Under a rookie head coach, that might take some time, but surely seems worth the wait once it is accomplished.

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