Inside The Nets

The biggest takeaways from the Nets’ blowout loss to the Nuggets

In what can be called a schedule loss, the Nets were blown out by defending champions Denver Nuggets.

Peter Sunjic

© Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
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After a massive win over the Phoenix Suns the night before, it was natural for the Nets to come into the Mile High City and look a step slower. The Denver Nuggets capitalized on an exhausted Brooklyn team as they got a win 101-124.

It was a humbling loss, but it was expected, given that Denver was well-rested. They were also playing at Ball Arena, where they had home-court and altitude advantages. This was a disappointing loss, but there were some valuable takeaways for Vaughn's squad.

The Nets have to distribute the ball more

The Nets have the 8th-best offensive rating out of every team in the league at 118.6; however, that was not evident in the game against the Nuggets. The team has to improve with sharing the ball because they are too reliant on isolation plays either from Mikal Bridges or Cameron Thomas.

When the first two scoring options have off nights like this against Denver, it's best to share the basketball and find the best shots. Spencer Dinwiddie did his best in this game with eight assists, and Trendon Watford and Day'Ron Sharpe who had six and five, respectively.

Moving ahead, Mikal and Cam need to step up their playmaking. At the same time, Coach Jacque Vaughn must devise plays to open up three-point opportunities for players like Cameron Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith, boosting the team's offensive strength.

Brooklyn has to improve with their third quarters

Coming out at half-time, the Nets average the 17th-best points in the third quarter per game. That is a below-average number for the Nets, as they should be better at scoring to start the second half.

In the game against the Nuggets, Brooklyn fell behind 38-28, making it challenging to come back. The team needs to enhance both offense and defense, especially addressing their fatigue and sluggishness in the third quarter.

Watford has the potential to be a permanent rotation player

Trendon Watford was impressive again for the Nets as he scored eight points, grabbed four boards, and dished out six assists. He was an all-around threat for the Nets and was also defending well.

He is on a one-year contract worth $2,019,706, showing flashes of being a real rotation piece. The Nets should do their best to integrate him into the squad because he is producing at 23.

They will now visit the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on December 16 to capitalize on the Dubs' struggles with a bounce-back win.

The Nets get trounced on the second night of back-to-back by the Nuggets

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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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