“Nets need to be a better defensive team”: Isiah Thomas explains how Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving can beat LeBron James and the Lakers

Isiah Thomas says that the Brooklyn Nets will win the 2021 NBA title only if they play better on the defensive end of the floor.

The Brooklyn Nets, led by KD and Kyrie, have been off to a mediocre start in this 2020-21 NBA season. They are currently 3-3 and are boasting losses to the Atlanta Hawks, Memphis Grizzlies, and the Charlotte Hornets.

The Nets are an offensively driven team. With players such as Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Caris Lavert, it is hard not to be a top offense in the league.

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The Nets did take a hit early on this season as Spencer Dinwiddie has been ruled out for the season with a partially torn Achilles. Brooklyn Head Coach Steve Nash said in regards to this, “It’s a big loss because of his versatility, skillset, size, speed, defensive ability. We’ll miss him dearly.”

Isiah Thomas claims the Brooklyn Nets need to play better defense

With all the top-heavy offensive firepower the Nets boast, they tread on the lower end of the spectrum when it comes to defensive ability.

Kevin Durant, a man who has come back from an Achilles tear, is arguably the Nets’ best defensive player.

Isiah Thomas let them know about their shortcomings on the defensive end of the floor. He said, “In order for this team to really be a championship team, they are going to have to continue to become a better defensive team.”

“In order for this team to be an elite team…they’re going to have to continue to be a better defensive team.” @IsiahThomas on the Nets finding their rhythm on defense. pic.twitter.com/p4wEEuSF8Z

— NBA TV (@NBATV) January 3, 2021

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Thomas also called for the Nets to find a 3^rd star to mesh with Irving and Durant and be a facilitator for the two All-Stars. With this being Steve Nash’s first coaching job, he will experiment with different lineups and combinations.

LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the Lakers built their championship success from the defensive end. The same goes for Kawhi Leonard and his 2019 Raptors. Try as you might, you cannot win a ring without some sting on defense.