The Brooklyn Nets are a team to fear in the eastern conference, given their recent run, boasting a 9-game winning streak. Coach Jacque Vaughn has a 20-6 record since being promoted up the rankings. The superstar duo of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving continue to showcase their elite offense.
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The Nets in December:
— 1st in offensive rating
— 3rd in net ratingThey are now 3rd in the East. pic.twitter.com/yG0rlfR9pe
— StatMuse (@statmuse) December 27, 2022
Their latest wins against strong contenders like the Bucks and Cavaliers have made the league notice them without a doubt. Unable to get a spot on Christmas day, the Nets would visit Cleveland, with Durant and Irving combining for 64 points.
Another noteworthy observation has been the turnaround in the Brooklyn team’s defense, with KD and Nic Claxton stepping up, followed by Ben Simmons returning to his old self, a former All-NBA First Team Defense. Thus it’s finally good news for the Nets fans, who have been pretty patient, considering the off-court drama surrounding their team.
Monday night’s win over the Cavaliers had veteran and Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett heap praises of the Nets but not without offering some advice.
Kevin Garnett spills the beans on Brooklyn Nets’ 9-game winning streak.
A top 75 player of all time, there is no denying The Big Ticket can talk basketball. Addressing the Nets’ spectacular run off-late, the former MVP highlighted how the Joe Tsai team was able to flip a tumultuous off-season into something fruitful, tweeting the following.
They still need an anchor, but the Nets flipped a chaotic summer into a great blend of veteran depth and elite talent… 🚀🤷🏾♂️
— Kevin Garnett (@KevinGarnett5KG) December 27, 2022
Nonetheless, Garnett did have a valuable piece of advice for Coach Vaughn and his crew, highlighting the lack of an anchor. The 6ft 11″ veteran makes a valid point, evident from the over-dependence on KD and Irving on the offensive end of schemes. There is a need for a 3rd scoring option.
While the likes of Yuta Watanabe, Seth Curry, and Royce O’Neal chip-in during crucial times, there is a need for that 3rd scorer, who can help lift the load off the Slim Reaper and Uncle Drew while also running the offense for the supporting cast when required.
Can T.J. Warren return to his Bubble mode?
Recording a 23-point performance on 9-for-14 shooting against the Cavs, ironically marking two years since Warren had his last 20-point game. Sadly, a navicular stress fracture in December 2020 would result in him missing almost two back-to-back seasons until he signed with the Nets during the summer.
The former Pacers guard’s 53-point performance against the Sixers in the Bubble made him an overnight sensation. Warren averaged 30+ PPG in the 8-games he played at Disney Land, earning him an All-NBA Bubble First Team selection.
Also read: “I Feel Like Kevin Durant”: Jayson Tatum Calls Out Fraudulent Quotes About Himself