Inside The Nets

Royce O'Neale on how ball movement is helping the Nets succeed

The Nets are moving the ball much better than before, which has led to a better offense.

Marin Gabric

© Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
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After 29 games, the Nets hold the 10th spot in assists per game, averaging 26.4 nightly. Despite already being in the top 10, Jacque Vaughn's team excels when the ball is in motion, leading to increased attempts at open shots. 

The recent games against the Detroit Pistons and Denver Nuggets saw Brooklyn delivering 32 assists, indicating a reinvigorated offense following a challenging losing streak. 

Underrated playmaker Royce O'Neale emphasized the crucial role of ball movement in the team's success.

"I think making the defense collapse, making the right reads. We got guys who can make plays for each other and for themselves," Royce said after the win against Detroit. "Just creating for someone else, getting a different look, going from a good shot to a great shot. It's very contagious; once one person does it, everybody starts doing it."

Seven players in double figures because of superb playmaking

In the game against Detroit, Brooklyn had seven players scoring double figures, led by a game-high 29 points from Mikal Bridges. However, it was not a one-man show because everyone was passing the ball well.

Every Nets player got at least one assist besides Harry Giles III and Trendon Watford, who played a solitary minute apiece. Mikal and Spencer Dinwiddie were the primary playmakers, as they had seven assists each.

O'Neale showcased his playmaking prowess in this match, registering five assists. The Nets delivered an impressive performance, bringing an end to their five-game losing streak and building on the positive aspects demonstrated in their game against Denver.

This should happen all the time for Brooklyn

If Brooklyn wants to succeed, they should stay away from using isolation plays every time they have the ball. Both Mikal and Cameron Thomas are superb isolation scorers, but they should tone it down so the rest of the team can get their rhythm, too.

Utilizing their scoring threat to generate opportunities for teammates, similar to Bridges' performance against Detroit, makes the Nets a formidable opponent. 

Coach Vaughn will surely value this approach, especially given the anticipated contribution of a healthy playmaker like Ben Simmons, who has struggled with injuries. Embracing team-wide playmaking aligns well with the coach's vision for the squad's playstyle.

Ben Simmons on his frustration regarding his injury

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Marin Gabric
MARIN GABRIC

Marin's love for writing developed in high school but was furthered in college when he took a number of creative writing courses. Doing sports writing felt like an extremely natural continuation, as it furthered his passions in both writing and basketball.  Marin loves the feeling of looking at stats after a game and analyzing what each team could've done better or what they excel in compared to the rest of the league. And the ability to do so for his favorite team, the Brooklyn Nets, is quite special in itself. 

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