Jacque Vaughn Issues Challenge to Nets Ahead of Game 2 vs. 76ers
The Brooklyn Nets’ gameplan against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals wasn’t executed to perfection. While the Nets shot better from the field, knocking down 56 percent of their shots and drilling 45 percent of their threes, the Sixers managed to let off 19 more shots on the other end of the floor.
Going into Game 2 on Monday night, Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn doesn’t want to over-adjust. Instead, he simply wants to see better execution out of his squad.
“I think the biggest adjustment for us is to do some of the things that we decided to do in Game 1, but doing it better,” said Vaughn. “So, that will be a great adjustment for us. I think that's where it starts. I think overall, our guys came ready to play. First half, we did some really good things. So, can we bottle that up and, and have some success for the full game [in Game 2].”
The Nets found success on the offensive end of the floor in the first half on Saturday, as Mikal Bridges knocked down ten of his 16 shots from the field, scoring 23 points.
Philadelphia’s second-half adjustments prevented Bridges from getting more than two shots up in 15 minutes of action. With Bridges slowing down, the Nets were outscored 54-34 by the Sixers in the second half.
On Monday night, the Nets want to avoid getting out-shot from beyond the arc and beat significantly on the glass.
“I’d love to get 40 threes up for the game,” Vaughn explained. “You know, I've been preaching that the entire year. So, hopefully, that's a goal for us. Our guys know that. Can we sustain it and be able to get stops to get offensive rebounds, or not let them get offensive rebounds? And for us to get out and get 40 threes.”
While the Nets shot efficiently from three on Saturday, they shot just 29 threes. The Sixers put up 14 more shots from beyond the arc, winning the three-point battle 63-39. Going into Game 2, Vaughn challenges his team to search for different results on Monday.
Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.
