Inside The Nets

The biggest takeaways from Nets' deflating loss vs. Timberwolves

The Nets suffered another disappointing loss to fall to 21-35 on the season.

Peter Sunjic

© Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
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Brooklyn’s struggles continue, even with the head coaching change. The latest setback for the Nets was the team’s 101-86 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. It was a deflating result, given Coach Kevin Ollie’s team was competitive for the first three quarters.

Cameron Thomas and Mikal Bridges combined for only 33 points, but they had to put up shots to alleviate the Nets' offensive issues. 

Diversify offense

Despite having an off night, Cam and Mikal were still Brooklyn’s top two scorers. That amplifies the Nets’ need for more consistent offense from the supporting cast. Nic Claxton had 12 points, but he’s not a reliable shot-creator, as his offensive game revolves around finishing lob passes and scoring on putbacks.

Instead, Ollie must find a way to integrate Dennis Schroder, Lonnie Walker IV, and Cameron Johnson in more offensive sets. Putting all the offensive load onto Thomas and Bridges’ shoulders is not a good move because they need to get more open looks by moving off the ball.

Better three-point looks

The Nets made a season-low six three-pointers. Under former head coach Jacque Vaughn, the Nets were one of the best three-point-shooting teams in the league, as they generated looks with pace in transition or a drive-and-kick offense in the half-court.

Only Cam Johnson made more than one three-pointer, as the team shot 6-for-36 from beyond the arc. 

Ollie needs more work with his rotations

Since this is only Ollie’s second game in charge, the interim head coach still has some wiggle room. Running Dorian Finney-Smith as a small-ball center can work, but it would be best to have Ben Simmons running the show, surrounded by four other shooters.

The Nets still has 26 games left in the season, and they are only 3.5 games behind the tenth-seeded Atlanta Hawks. By addressing the issues, Ollie can take this team to the Play-In Tournament and make a case for being hired as the permanent head coach. In the meantime, the team still needs to keep fighting and improving.

Nets falter late vs. Timberwolves, Ben Simmons suffers leg injury

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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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