Inside The Nets

What we learned from the Brooklyn Nets' close loss to the Knicks

Brooklyn almost won another game but fell apart in the fourth quarter again.

Peter Sunjic

© Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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The Brooklyn Nets had a stable 85-76 lead heading into the fourth quarter, but Coach Jacque Vaughn's team struggled to get going in the final period yet again. It was eerily similar to what happened against the Clippers a few nights back when they conceded a 22-0 run in the final five minutes.

Unfortunately, the Nets lost another close game, which has become a worrying trend. The team has played in multiple close matchups but still needs to work on the late-game execution. Brooklyn has to improve in this area because performances like Mikal Bridges scoring 36 will keep getting lost behind the result.

Now, here are some significant takeaways from what happened during the loss to New York:

Bridges is better when he’s actively moving off the ball

Mikal had a superb game powered by a career-high of seven three-pointers. It was one of the most impressive games he’s ever had for the Nets because he combined his off-ball expertise from his Phoenix Suns days with the number-one guy mentality he built during the past year in Brooklyn.

The other Nets players could operate freely because they knew Mikal was always looking for an open shot by cutting and popping out for corner threes. Dorian Finney-Smith, in particular, had a great game with seven assists, with a large chunk helping set up Mikal for shots.

The Nets should stay consistent with their performances

The Nets should perform like how the team did in the three quarters across both games against the Clippers and the Knicks. Brooklyn was moving the ball well and making the defenders’ lives harder.

Coach JV must convince his team to play with the most energy possible. The players need to be scrappy on defense and effective on the offensive end of the game. It can go a long way because the previous two games have shown the Nets’ ceiling as a top-caliber team.

Cam Thomas deserves point guard reps

While Coach JV opted to use Dennis Smith Jr. for most of the crunchtime, it could’ve been a chance for Thomas to showcase his improved playmaking on the big national TV slate. Cam has evolved as a passer, which can be his path back to the starting lineup, but he needs the minutes to play that role to prove himself.

If Vaughn recognizes this, the Nets can return to winning ways because Thomas deserves more reps as a floor general, as he brings so much to the team’s overall offense, especially with reliable scoring.

The Brooklyn Nets suffer a close loss to the New York Knicks

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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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