GT: Nets @ Hawks 12/28 7:30pm

[ArksNetsSince99]

1. I hate those shots too but those iso shots are more about getting a shot up as late in the clock as possible and avoiding a turnover. The hero ball looks ugly when it doesn't work but there is some actual strategy behind it.

You may be right, MGrandy.

But... I could have sworn the shot-clock was generously larger than the game-clock at that point. Can someone check the replay, please?

Kyrie's #1 priority as a team player right there was to lean on his incredible ball-dribbling in order to make them foul against a deadeye foul-shooter.

Instead he decided to go all Iverson/Kobe.
A terrible decision which with four seconds left is absolutely unforgiveable if you know Bball 101.

So... am I wrong?

I was under assumption we started the possession with 29,2 game clock , I think there was 5 seconds difference

[GTR11]

1. I hate those shots too but those iso shots are more about getting a shot up as late in the clock as possible and avoiding a turnover. The hero ball looks ugly when it doesn't work but there is some actual strategy behind it.

You may be right, MGrandy.

But... I could have sworn the shot-clock was generously larger than the game-clock at that point. Can someone check the replay, please?

Kyrie's #1 priority as a team player right there was to lean on his incredible ball-dribbling in order to make them foul against a deadeye foul-shooter.

Instead he decided to go all Iverson/Kobe.
A terrible decision which with four seconds left is absolutely unforgiveable if you know Bball 101.

So... am I wrong?

I was under assumption we started the possession with 29,2 game clock , I think there was 5 seconds difference

It was, ge shot the ball with 3 seconds remaining.

https://youtu.be/GDYvWIZ_yaQ

If he makes that shot it's a game, have we get rebound it's a game etc etc. There's plenty of ways this game could've ended. Well it ended with hail mary contested shot.

I agree with other guys, we needed set play for KD to close the deal. Instead we ran ISO play with 3 defenders on him, while our guys just stood there and watched.

Closing games with ISO KD is nothing new.

Kyrie closed the game vs Trashtors on pull up 3. Today it didn't went in. However, it's a great look for a player like Kyrie who shoots lights out right now.

Yet again, yes JV/Kokoskov need to find better ways to close out games. Especially when it comes to KD ISO. HE SHOULD NOT CLOSE GAME ON ISO PLAYS PERIOD.

[gigantes]

1. I hate those shots too but those iso shots are more about getting a shot up as late in the clock as possible and avoiding a turnover. The hero ball looks ugly when it doesn't work but there is some actual strategy behind it.

You may be right, MGrandy.

But... I could have sworn the shot-clock was generously larger than the game-clock at that point. Can someone check the replay, please?

Kyrie's #1 priority as a team player right there was to lean on his incredible ball-dribbling in order to make them foul against a deadeye foul-shooter.

Instead he decided to go all Iverson/Kobe.
A terrible decision which with four seconds left is absolutely unforgiveable if you know Bball 101.

So... am I wrong?

I was under assumption we started the possession with 29,2 game clock , I think there was 5 seconds difference

But it was like ~five seconds to give, wasn't it?

Fine, whatever... but details matter in the end, and we need to do better as a team IMO.

Agree / disagree...?

[GTR11]

Actually they ran a play that KD scored on 3 times. Credit to ATL they adjusted and send help from 2 sides so KD will see 3 players on him.

Doing some film study right now.

We again doing triangle plays. KD has some poor vision if we be 100. Kobe executed these plays much better.

[Minnamaker]

1. I hate those shots too but those iso shots are more about getting a shot up as late in the clock as possible and avoiding a turnover. The hero ball looks ugly when it doesn't work but there is some actual strategy behind it.

You may be right, MGrandy.

But... I could have sworn the shot-clock was generously larger than the game-clock at that point. Can someone check the replay, please?

Kyrie's #1 priority as a team player right there was to lean on his incredible ball-dribbling in order to make them foul against a deadeye foul-shooter.

Instead he decided to go all Iverson/Kobe.
A terrible decision which with four seconds left is absolutely unforgiveable if you know Bball 101.

So... am I wrong?

I just looked it up, as I was curious too. The possession startet with 29.9 on the clock. Vaughn took a time-out with 21,9 on the clock and 16 on the shot-clock. Maybe that's why you thought the shot clock was longer than the game clock. Irving took the shot with 4 on the shotclock, 10 on the game clock. He could have waited a couple of seconds longer, but IMO if he felt good taking this shot and as he was hot in the fourth, I think taking it was fine, instead of chucking one up at the buzzer.

Overall I'm glad about the W. Prior to the game I thought this could be a loss after 2 big games. And indeed the team came out sloppy and with a lack of focus. We will not show our A game every game, but it's a good sign, that we still are able to come away with a win.

[Papi_swav]

I agree we have another level we can unleash. Kyrie is great but he has flaws too. He shys away from situations at time, like he should be bringing the ball up the court instead of KD or even O'neale for that matter but for some reason he shys away. Another thing that I can't stand is he makes so many mental lapses, he gets caught dazing around alot and he ALWAYS switches on the pick and roll. he has to fight over the screens sometimes because it causes a mismatch and he gave up a wide open 3 in this game because of it.

KD is dang near perfect I'll be honest but those double teams still seem to be his big weakness. But the team needs to learn how to run out to help him. They just seem to stand around when he gets doubled idk why. Vaughn is going to have to draw some plays up and they must practice this alot before playoffs come.

Simmons needs to be better. He needs to start taking some shots, he gives up a 6 ft shot near the basket to kick it out to a 3pt shooter instead of banking it off the back board. And he thinks he's Kareem Abdul Jabbar out there with all the hook shots, dude just get a form and shoot it, IDC if he becomes a back board abuser just get it thru. And he needs to knock down some of his free throws, he's starting to look like Shaq out there. But his defense is A+ and his passing is great.

No team is perfect and there will be some wrinkles here and there but as long as we win it's all good. Some games will be ugly, that's just how a long season goes, and some times the team will be lackadaisical. We make a minor tweak here and we should be heavy favorites. A minor trade and a buyout signing should put us over the top. We don't have that many holes.

[gigantes]

1. I hate those shots too but those iso shots are more about getting a shot up as late in the clock as possible and avoiding a turnover. The hero ball looks ugly when it doesn't work but there is some actual strategy behind it.

You may be right, MGrandy.

But... I could have sworn the shot-clock was generously larger than the game-clock at that point. Can someone check the replay, please?

Kyrie's #1 priority as a team player right there was to lean on his incredible ball-dribbling in order to make them foul against a deadeye foul-shooter.

Instead he decided to go all Iverson/Kobe.
A terrible decision which with four seconds left is absolutely unforgiveable if you know Bball 101.

So... am I wrong?

I just looked it up, as I was curious too. The possession startet with 29.9 on the clock. Vaughn took a time-out with 21,9 on the clock and 16 on the shot-clock. Maybe that's why you thought the shot clock was longer than the game clock. Irving took the shot with 4 on the shotclock, 10 on the game clock. He could have waited a couple of seconds longer, but IMO if he felt good taking this shot and as he was hot in the fourth, I think taking it was fine, instead of chucking one up at the buzzer. ...

Oh, snap-not, really?!

Still though, their last possession... it felt like they only had a couple seconds left to make a play, which doesn't seem to add up, you know?

But regardless of my bitching, credit to JV for recognising that they were out of TO's right there. What a huge difference that made.

Strange to be all amazed by a coach making a 'bball 102' play right there, but after years of Steve Nash being a useless statue, it's nice to finally have an engaged coach who makes a difference.

[MrDollarBills]

Considering how Simmons was scared to even touch the ball in October, i think he's coming along nicely. Last night wasn't his best game but overall he's been solid.

I think he needs to consider trying to get to the line more. FT reps from now til April will be good for him. I don't care if he shoots 50%. Drawing fouls puts us in control of the game and forces players to the bench.

[NetsWorld]

Everyone has to really just chill; we are 23-12 and 21-6 since Vaughn took over. Vaughn is doing very well thus far and they have so far turned the season around. I like that we are getting more two day rests so KD doesn't get exhausted. My new prediction so far for ECF will be Boston/Brooklyn. I don't want to say my prediction but I am not putting lofty expectations on this team so they don't fall short. Nets are a championship level team but we still have three months until the real season begins. We have 47 games left and you cannot focus on one isolated game, the only thing they can do is study film and make adjustments. End of the day, some of the players who perform well in their roles underperformed this game hence Kyrie/KD had to take over. No one else was making shots and Atlanta's perimeter defense gave the Nets trouble, hence KD/Kai had to go off in the end.

[njnets62892]

Wasn't the prettiest game but not every win can be. This team has been playing a good brand of basketball since JV took over. I wouldn't hand wring about whether we're a true contender right now (though the metrics are pointing towards yes). Health and keeping Kyrie/Tsai from saying anything dumb are the 2 most important things. They'll be right there if that happens.

[MrDollarBills]

Everyone has to really just chill; we are 23-12 and 21-6 since Vaughn took over. Vaughn is doing very well thus far and they have so far turned the season around. I like that we are getting more two day rests so KD doesn't get exhausted. My new prediction so far for ECF will be Boston/Brooklyn. I don't want to say my prediction but I am not putting lofty expectations on this team so they don't fall short. Nets are a championship level team but we still have three months until the real season begins. We have 47 games left and you cannot focus on one isolated game, the only thing they can do is study film and make adjustments. End of the day, some of the players who perform well in their roles underperformed this game hence Kyrie/KD had to take over. No one else was making shots and Atlanta's perimeter defense gave the Nets trouble, hence KD/Kai had to go off in the end.

Road games are where stars are supposed to.

I had no issue with any of Kyrie's shots in the 4th. He's the better scorer off the dribble and he was able to create separation in the mid range.

My issue is that KD needs to check his ego. He just cannot be the primary ball handler. It's his team, yes. But he's got to give the ball up, and get it back in positions where he can elevate for a quick mid range J or an open 3. All that dribbling gets him into trouble. He had two good plays from the top of the key but then committed critical turnovers once the pressure ramped up.

Give Kyrie the ball and run some two man action.

[NetsWorld]

Everyone has to really just chill; we are 23-12 and 21-6 since Vaughn took over. Vaughn is doing very well thus far and they have so far turned the season around. I like that we are getting more two day rests so KD doesn't get exhausted. My new prediction so far for ECF will be Boston/Brooklyn. I don't want to say my prediction but I am not putting lofty expectations on this team so they don't fall short. Nets are a championship level team but we still have three months until the real season begins. We have 47 games left and you cannot focus on one isolated game, the only thing they can do is study film and make adjustments. End of the day, some of the players who perform well in their roles underperformed this game hence Kyrie/KD had to take over. No one else was making shots and Atlanta's perimeter defense gave the Nets trouble, hence KD/Kai had to go off in the end.

Road games are where stars are supposed to.

I had no issue with any of Kyrie's shots in the 4th. He's the better scorer off the dribble and he was able to create separation in the mid range.

My issue is that KD needs to check his ego. He just cannot be the primary ball handler. It's his team, yes. But he's got to give the ball up, and get it back in positions where he can elevate for a quick mid range J or an open 3. All that dribbling gets him into trouble. He had two good plays from the top of the key but then committed critical turnovers once the pressure ramped up.

Give Kyrie the ball and run some two man action.

I completely agree with the KD part, and I scream the same thing to the TV when I see him asking for the ball off an inbounds pass from the other side of the floor. Simmons was their and he wanted to handle the ball; Simmons/Kyrie need to bring the ball up court and he needs to fall back and just get his shot. Love that you brought it up because I was thinking the same thing. Simmons pushes the pace and our offense performs well whereas KD stagnates it and it forces the D to blitz him and he coughs it up.

[Paradise]

The 2nd best record in the NBA officially belong to the Nets. What an incredible turnaround.


The ball did stick some last night but I do think Vaughan didn’t adjust well with not using another ball handler.

[Eatgreenz]

I this point in his career KD has to just play offense like Dirk. Everything from the midrange elbow face ups and postups, shooting catch n shoot 3's. Point KD has to never be a thing

[NetsWorld]

The 2nd best record in the NBA officially belong to the Nets. What an incredible turnaround.


The ball did stick some last night but I do think Vaughan didn’t adjust well with not using another ball handler.

I forgot that I AND1'D your post and accidentally undid it

[Hello Brooklyn]

This team will be far better if Simmons can get into form offensively.

His defense is close to what it once was.

His offense was never great but it was certainly better than the nothing he is giving us now.

If he can start attacking the rim again and hitting FTs then it gives us another weapon we can use.

We are also missing Harris who will be a huge boost.

[ChuckS]

Everyone has to really just chill; we are 23-12 and 21-6 since Vaughn took over. Vaughn is doing very well thus far and they have so far turned the season around. I like that we are getting more two day rests so KD doesn't get exhausted. My new prediction so far for ECF will be Boston/Brooklyn. I don't want to say my prediction but I am not putting lofty expectations on this team so they don't fall short. Nets are a championship level team but we still have three months until the real season begins. We have 47 games left and you cannot focus on one isolated game, the only thing they can do is study film and make adjustments. End of the day, some of the players who perform well in their roles underperformed this game hence Kyrie/KD had to take over. No one else was making shots and Atlanta's perimeter defense gave the Nets trouble, hence KD/Kai had to go off in the end.

Road games are where stars are supposed to.

I had no issue with any of Kyrie's shots in the 4th. He's the better scorer off the dribble and he was able to create separation in the mid range.

My issue is that KD needs to check his ego. He just cannot be the primary ball handler. It's his team, yes. But he's got to give the ball up, and get it back in positions where he can elevate for a quick mid range J or an open 3. All that dribbling gets him into trouble. He had two good plays from the top of the key but then committed critical turnovers once the pressure ramped up.

Give Kyrie the ball and run some two man action.

KD had 26 points, 8-17 (47%), 16 rebounds, 8 assists at a 2:1 assist/turnover ratio, and 2 blocks. Some reading this board might think he had a bad game. I think he did what superstars are supposed to do on the road.

I have some disagreement about critical turnovers once the pressure ramped up. He had two passing turnovers in the second quarter and ONE in the fourth. The emphasis on the latter seems to have drowned out his overall excellence for the night. Those are not ego or ISO problems, just in the normal course of the offense. His only ball handling/dribbling turnover was in the 3d quarter. It was followed by a Hawk's two pointer, just as a missed shot might.

It seems to be a lonely opinion, but I believe his clutch play in crunch time actually won the game for us. After Atlanta tied the game with 1:48 left his 2 field goals were our only points. (He was 2-4 in the fourth, hardly ISO crazy.) He quickly scored to put us ahead again, and then again right after Collins scored to tie. (No disrespect to Kyrie who was awesome.)

[MaxZaslofskyJr]

So, I had to listen to the game on Atlanta Radio due to the League-Pass blackout. (shades of tuning into WJRZ and Spencer Ross broadcasting out of Teaneck, NJ!). Anyway, the Hawks play-by-play guy was somethin' else. Every other minute it was "blah blah got mugged by the Nets", "refs need to give the Hawks a break".... "didn't they see [insert name of Brooklyn player] travel?"...etc . What a HOMER. I mean, I've heard homers before but this guy was King Homer. I think that in 3 days I can watch the replay. It'll be interesting to view reality!!

[GTR11]

Everyone has to really just chill; we are 23-12 and 21-6 since Vaughn took over. Vaughn is doing very well thus far and they have so far turned the season around. I like that we are getting more two day rests so KD doesn't get exhausted. My new prediction so far for ECF will be Boston/Brooklyn. I don't want to say my prediction but I am not putting lofty expectations on this team so they don't fall short. Nets are a championship level team but we still have three months until the real season begins. We have 47 games left and you cannot focus on one isolated game, the only thing they can do is study film and make adjustments. End of the day, some of the players who perform well in their roles underperformed this game hence Kyrie/KD had to take over. No one else was making shots and Atlanta's perimeter defense gave the Nets trouble, hence KD/Kai had to go off in the end.

Road games are where stars are supposed to.

I had no issue with any of Kyrie's shots in the 4th. He's the better scorer off the dribble and he was able to create separation in the mid range.

My issue is that KD needs to check his ego. He just cannot be the primary ball handler. It's his team, yes. But he's got to give the ball up, and get it back in positions where he can elevate for a quick mid range J or an open 3. All that dribbling gets him into trouble. He had two good plays from the top of the key but then committed critical turnovers once the pressure ramped up.

Give Kyrie the ball and run some two man action.

KD had 26 points, 8-17 (47%), 16 rebounds, 8 assists at a 2:1 assist/turnover ratio, and 2 blocks. Some reading this board might think he had a bad game. I think he did what superstars are supposed to do on the road.

I have some disagreement about critical turnovers once the pressure ramped up. He had two passing turnovers in the second quarter and ONE in the fourth. The emphasis on the latter seems to have drowned out his overall excellence for the night. Those are not ego or ISO problems, just in the normal course of the offense. His only ball handling/dribbling turnover was in the 3d quarter. It was followed by a Hawk's two pointer, just as a missed shot might.

It seems to be a lonely opinion, but I believe his clutch play in crunch time actually won the game for us. After Atlanta tied the game with 1:48 left his 2 field goals were our only points. (He was 2-4 in the fourth, hardly ISO crazy.) He quickly scored to put us ahead again, and then again right after Collins scored to tie. (No disrespect to Kyrie who was awesome.)

Most people here hold KD to a higher standard than anyone else. It's frustrating to see him struggle to make a pass out of double teams. It's not like we solely blame him, entire team especially coaches get it too. As a vet who spent over decade in the league and savant of the game, I don't see any reason this shouldn't be corrected.

If you think KD is the only one who taking blame. I think you need to reread what guys said. Kyrie and JV took heat too.

At the end of the day we want KD to do great and win that chip to silence haters. A lot of GSW and OKC fans still after him for that specific issue.

[NetsWorld]

I need someone to help me here, me and some Celtic homers are going at it on the general board. Bisme37 hit me with a warning on the general board and allowed his member to get away. Can I complain about this? Come on fellow Nets fans, let’s shut these mofos down