Inside The Nets

Coach Jacque Vaughn's "radical truth" is helping the Brooklyn Nets

The Brooklyn Nets have been embracing the radical truth under coach Jacque Vaughn.

Peter Sunjic

© Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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Throughout the 2023/24 season, the Nets experienced fluctuations, but their recent surge has been remarkable, winning their last four games and demonstrating their potential when in peak form.

Royce O'Neale gave a glimpse into why the Nets have been playing much better recently: they have been speaking about the "radical truth" in the locker room. They're having honest conversations, acknowledging each other's game because they believe in the skills of every player on the court.

"I wanted to establish an environment where you can speak the truth and be transparent," Vaughn said. "It is radical as far as what you typically see in the NBA, but I thought this group could lean into that, and it would make us better."

The team has played much better recently

When coach Jacque Vaughn started to preach telling the radical truth, the team began to play much better. 

They are improving their offensive game and stepping up their defensive intensity, with players like Royce O'Neale and Dennis Smith Jr. leading the charge. They are coming off the bench and becoming the spark plugs the Nets need to win more games.

The team looks more locked in than before, which has led to some massive victories, including the blowout of the red-hot Orlando Magic and the close win over the Atlanta Hawks. Bridges truly shined in those games, and his teammates provided valuable support, contributing to the team's success.

Another part of the Nets' game that has improved is their inside presence. They are not only scoring more points in the paint, highlighted by a season-high of 71 points against the Washington Wizards, but they are also dominating on the glass. 

During the Wizards game, Nic Claxton and Day'Ron Sharpe joined forces to secure an impressive 26 rebounds, showcasing their dominance in the paint.

The Nets are responding well to the radical truth

The team's commitment to holding each other accountable is a crucial element, fostering honesty and a collective drive to point out and rectify mistakes. 

Recognizing their potential for better performance, as underscored by O'Neale, adds a valuable perspective to their journey.

"Yeah, the truth — the radical truth — calling each other out, knowing we can play way better. We just can't just come out [and] half-ass it, play lower than what we're capable of, and we had to pick it up," O'Neale said.

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Peter Sunjic
PETER SUNJIC

Peter's journey with basketball commenced in the first grade, and it has since evolved into an integral part of his life. Standing on the brink of a potential professional playing career, Peter ultimately chose to pursue a degree in Political Science and Journalism in Zagreb, Croatia. Despite this academic pursuit, his deep-rooted love for the game of basketball endured, undiminished. Now, as a writer and editor, Peter finds an avenue to channel his unwavering passion for basketball-related news and analysis. Whether it's deciphering the latest happenings or delving into the lore of old-school basketball, he covers every corner of the NBA world.

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