© David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
What we learned from the Nets' embarrassing 50-point loss to the Celtics
The Nets had a promising second half in the first night of the back-to-back against the Boston Celtics. Brooklyn failed to live up to that encouraging performance as the Nets lost by a massive 136-86 scoreline. Mikal Bridges and Trendon Watford were the only two players in double figures with 10 and 15 points.
It was an embarrassing result for Coach Jacque Vaughn and the Nets, especially since they still have Playoff aspirations. A team as good as Brooklyn should not be losing this way, especially when they only lost by eight points the night before. Unfortunately, this was a crushing loss that led to some significant takeaways from the loss.
The Nets have regressed with rebounding
Brooklyn averages 44.4 rebounds per game, which is eighth in the league. Compared to them, Boston averages 47.3 boards per game, topping the NBA. Al Horford was not present for this game, which meant the Nets would’ve had an advantage with rebounding, especially since Day’Ron Sharpe was playing.
Every Celtics player except Svi Mykhailiuk grabbed four rebounds. The gang-rebounding tactic the Nets used in previous games was absent, as they were out-rebounded 51 to 31. That led to better opportunities for Boston, leading to the 50-point win for them.
Brooklyn is different with or without Ben Simmons
Brooklyn almost had a complete lineup for this game, with the only exception being Ben Simmons. The Aussie guard sat out the second night of a back-to-back to maintain his lower back injury. He is vital to Coach Vaughn’s system as a playmaker and defender, which the Nets needed against Boston.
His skill set is crucial because he takes charge on offense to help get open looks for the rest of the Nets. Transition offense is the centerpiece of Coach Vaughn’s preferred system, and playing without Ben leads to a slower style. All-Star Weekend will allow Ben to get healthy because the Nets need him on the court.
It is fair to have concerns about the Nets
Brooklyn sports a 21-33 record heading into the All-Star break and 2.5 games behind the 10th-seeded Atlanta Hawks. There is a chance for the Nets to recover and battle for a spot in the Play-In Tournament.
However, there are concerns about the Nets because this could be a devastating season for Brooklyn. The team does not have draft picks in the next couple of years, so they need to cash in on the value of this team and keep building around Cameron Thomas and Mikal.
