The Brooklyn Nets we’ve been waiting for
The Brooklyn Nets have won t 18 of their last 20 games, and currently sit at the #2 seed in the East.
The Nets have turned the page to a new leaf following a tumultuous start of the season. The NBA-best 12-game win streak from the Brooklyn Nets has turned heads, winning 18 of their last 20 games against notable ball clubs (Cavs, Bucks, Pacers, and Heat). Throughout December, the Nets have proved why they’re the best team in the east. Aside from the stellar play of their Dynamic Duo, the Nets’ defensive constitution has been the difference maker. The Nets were atrocious on the defensive end just a season ago and ranked poorly across all defensive statistical categories. Coach Vaughn has got his players to buy into the defensive system this season. Coach Vaughn credits the Nets' run to a wave of confidence and belief. Nets' star Kevin Durant spoke candidly to the media about how he's approached the season turnaround.
Coach Jacque Vaughn Changes Nets Culture
Coach Vaughn has commanded leadership and a will to compete on the defensive end. Since taking over as the head coach, Brooklyn has ranked in the top 5 in defensive rating (111.1) and net rating (4.2). The Nets lead the league in blocks (7.0). A massive improvement from a lack-lustered defensive Nets team that once sat at the bottom of the pack in all defensive categories. Now Under coach Vaughn's stewardship, the Nets' are one of the top defensive teams in the NBA. All season the Brooklyn Nets searched for their identity as a ball club, and with Coach Vaughn at the helm, they’ve seemed to find their nitch.
“It's belief and that's a huge part of the NBA, Vaughn said. Is the confidence and belief, no matter what situation you can come out on the other side.”
The exuberance of Coach Vaughn has been on full display throughout the Nets’ magical run. But, Coach Vaughn has his eyes set on the process. The Eastern Conference Coach of the Month will face a unique challenge in the following weeks with the absence of Kevin Durant. KD sustained an MCL Injury in the third quarter of the Nets’ 102-101 victory over the Heat. Durant will be re-evaluated in two weeks with a hopeful timetable to return. Despite the injury, KD surpassed Dominique Wilkins on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. Durant has climbed through the ranks of the MVP award this season, averaging 30 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 5.4 on 56% shooting.
"We walk into every game believing 'All right if we stick to this template, this structure that we have, we'll be fine regardless of what goes on in the game”. - Kevin Durant
The real question is can the Brooklyn Nets survive without their star Durant? Last season the Nets went 5-12 in games without Durant. However, this season the Nets have Kyrie Irving back as a full-time player and at an elite level. The Nets bench is significantly better than a season ago while the addition of Simmons adds interior rim protection. The absence of Durant is a golden opportunity for Ben Simmons to step up into an elevated leadership role. Simmons has anchored the defensive tasks as well as rebounding this season. Simmons will need to be assertive on the offensive end to give the Nets a fighting chance on their upcoming road trip. The Nets' upcoming schedule includes a five-game road trip with games vs. the Warriors, 76ers, and Lakers. The Nets look to get even in their rematch against divisional rival Boston Celtics. We’ll see if the Nets to sustain their level of play without the presence of Kevin Durant or will a ghost from their past come back to haunt them.
