GT: Nets vs. Sixers 2/11 6:00pm

[Minnamaker]

I don't get the negative vibes here tbh. I'm totally hyped about this game lol. I thought is was a joy to watch despite the offensive struggles, but I like hard fought grinders anyway. I mean, it is obvious that we will struggle offensively the entire season. That's just how it's gonna be. JV will not be able to magically erase our lack of starplayers. Philly is a good defensive team too, it's not like we played against a lottery team. We don't have THAT guy, who every team needs in times when buckets don't come easy. It's just the way this team is build now.

BUT this was the best defensive game I saw a Nets team play since I'm a Nets fan and that is for over 20 years now. This group is amazing defensively. They not only have the talent to be good, they also have joy and take pride in playing defense. I love the way they approached the game. We had quick rotations, quick hands, were physical and still composed (most of the time). We can switch everything with todays starting five. I think the potential is just amazing. This could have easily be a W. We should have gotten to the line a couple of time late in the game. Philly were hitting a couple of desperation heaves too. It's a tough loss, but a great game. I mean, they are legit contenders and probably one of the worst matchups for us because of Embiid and we still almost got the win.

I agree that JV could have done a couple of things differently late in the game. We could have substituted offense for defense and with this group we need more player movement leading to more ball movement. But cut JV some slack here. This was the first game with a new group. We just don't have that closer and need to trust each other going foward. While I don't believe in CamT, I think he is an important peace nonetheless and I hope he surprises. But overall, I think wins will come by player movement + ball movement. We are probably going to rely on threes a ton too (which is always a cause for inconsistency).

I am just really looking forward to watching this group and taking a look at what they can achieve this season. With KD and KY we obviously had a higher ceiling, but we had so many flaws defensively and you never new what kind of team shows up, i.e. what effort they would bring (especially KY). I have the feeling that this team will play their hearts out every night. And I will gladly take that.

[Sharcm1]

Because it showed exactly what they are lacking. It’s going to be the trend I feel. Knicks fans complain about them not being able to close games. I always said to my dad, who’s a Knicks fan, that they can’t close games because they don’t have that star player who can get his shot whenever and get the calls. They don’t have a closer and the nets went from having two to none, although I believe cam can be that player but JV would have to play him for that to happen.

[Minnamaker]

Of course this is going to be the case. Now we finally have to stop playing stupid slowball iso ball in the 4th. We finished the game the way we would with kd and ky on the team and that has to change. Don't get me wrong, we obviously have to get a starplayer to be consistent, but that's a problem for the offseason. This year we have to finish games with what we have. First of all we need to play in transition as much as possible. Philly did a good job of slowing the game down in the second half though. Second we have great catch&shoot players. I want to see some Warriors style set plays for CamJ, Harris and Watanabe in half court. (We probably won't see many as this needs team practices). And if that doesnt work, let's see what dinwiddie, CamT and Bridges can do if they need to be "the guy". Maybe we get some surprises.

We won't win a championship, maybe not even a playoff series. There are other odds to overcome too. Like we will probably be disrespected by officials going on. But we are finally playing the right way defensively and I love it. The way we defend we can stay in the game with anyone.

I'm also excited of watching Bridges and CamJ develop. Who knows, maybe we really see one of them becoming a three level scorer. It's their opportunity. I mean we are in rebuilding mode, obviously we lack that closer, but we are in great position nonetheless

[MGrand15]

This game was super encouraging. Embiid is not a good matchup for our team, Philly got an extra friendly whistle, and our defense was still incredible. We also missed a ton of EASY shots at the end. Cam and DFS missed some bunnies and open 3s. Some were just misses, we also rushed a lot because the team was scared of Embiid. And we got zero calls all game.

This is a brand new team. Mistakes are expected but the team looked like they've been together all year until the last 6 minutes. Vaughn also needs to figure out the rotation and also who's good at what. That'll take some time.

Like at the end, i felt like we needed to let Bridges close. He was getting great looks in the midrange. Making good decisions. Let him try to be that guy. Dinwiddie was just over dribbling. I think Embiid had guys hesitant.

This team is gonna be tough. Super fun to watch. The starting lineup looks fn great. We need to find a way to get Cam going for longer stretches. I thought his stints were super disorganized. Sumner needs to play. Mills needs to sit. We need to run more stuff for Cam Johnson and Bridges.

[Karate Diop]

The thing with Cam is giving him the green light now will be doing him a disservice later... There's still plenty of areas for improvement and the prudent thing to do so that he doesn't become another Jordan Crawford, Marshon Brooks, etc. is to teach accountability and iron out the kinks now.

If he keeps at it, his time will come.

[MrDollarBills]

This game was super encouraging. Embiid is not a good matchup for our team, Philly got an extra friendly whistle, and our defense was still incredible. We also missed a ton of EASY shots at the end. Cam and DFS missed some bunnies and open 3s. Some were just misses, we also rushed a lot because the team was scared of Embiid. And we got zero calls all game.

This is a brand new team. Mistakes are expected but the team looked like they've been together all year until the last 6 minutes. Vaughn also needs to figure out the rotation and also who's good at what. That'll take some time.

Like at the end, i felt like we needed to let Bridges close. He was getting great looks in the midrange. Making good decisions. Let him try to be that guy. Dinwiddie was just over dribbling. I think Embiid had guys hesitant.

This team is gonna be tough. Super fun to watch. The starting lineup looks fn great. We need to find a way to get Cam going for longer stretches. I thought his stints were super disorganized. Sumner needs to play. Mills needs to sit. We need to run more stuff for Cam Johnson and Bridges.

Yeah it's crazy to me that ppl are calling for Vaughn to be fired and overreacting to a game against one of the East's top teams when none of these guys have any chemistry on offense and haven't had one practice to implement offensive sets with the new players. The fact that we took them to the wire and played stifling defense are great signs. We need to figure some things out but I'm pretty excited about what we'll look like after ASB

[Netaman]

the game sort of showed what we're lacking but it also showed that bridges can get a good look at the end of a game, dinwiddie will on occasion look like a closer, and that Cam T/Simmons can both integrate somewhat effectively.

I think starting DFS was a fine decision against a team with Embiid and obviously through most of the game they were ahead in part because of that decision and their overall D. but going forward i think they need to prioritize someone who can create more offense next to dinwiddie whether that's cam, simmons, or oneale.

I think the end of game unit is where Vaughn is going to have to go through the most trial and error finding what group works. it would be a big help if cam is on the floor at the end because he can create. he just needs to do so with the intent of not just playing hero ball but finding the team good shots.

[Riconet]

That was a really exciting game.

I already like this Nets team more than the KD-Bozo teams. This is definitely the best defensive Nets team since they moved to Brooklyn. And the chemistry seems great.

Unfortunately, given the Nets' reliance on the 3, they will be vulnerable to streaky offense, as we saw last night, and the opponent will usually get to the line more.

Even so, I think this team can beat anyone in the East in the playoffs other than Boston and Milwaukee.

Joe Harris seems reborn -- maybe the departures have ratcheted down the pressure he feels.

He made some mistakes down the stretch, but I love Dinwiddie. He's a leader. That dunk at the end was fantastic. And he came so close to forcing OT with the deep 3.

[MGrand15]

NBA confirms what everyone with eyes saw. That Dinwiddie turnover where he got leveled by Harden should've been a foul. Would've been 2 free throws for Dinwiddie up 1 with 12 seconds left. Completely changes the game.

[MrDollarBills]

DFS should remain a starter. Do you guys not see how beautiful the defense of the first unit is? 4 high IQ defensive players switching and recovering. No way do i change that.

[Netaman]

DFS should remain a starter. Do you guys not see how beautiful the defense of the first unit is? 4 high IQ defensive players switching and recovering. No way do i change that.

who starts is less of an issue than who finishes. the group that started the 4Q was simmons, thomas, oneale, dfs, harris and JV rightfully kept them in for like half the quarter because they were playing well. harris hit some shots, simmons got a bucket inside, cam hit a midrange and had that 1 strong take for a layup.

at 96 points up by 9 with about 7m left he subbed claxton for simmons and bridges for harris so the 5 on the floor were dfs, clax, thomas, oneale, bridges.

that group didn't score for 3 minutes so he subbed in dinwiddie and cj for oneale and cam t. that group extended the scoreless streak until Dinwiddie's dunk just under 2 minutes to get them to 98 points. that 5 minute stretch from 7 minutes to 2 minutes is where they lost the game.

the L2 report had the refs missing the foul on dinwiddie so he should have had free throws in addition to the 3 ball when time expired. bridges had the in and out layup. so i think the good news is their last 2 minute execution was ok. they actually got what they needed with the set piece isolation takes from their 2 best players. 3 good looks/fouls and 1 open deep 3 that went in but late.

so the issue was more the offense getting stale and unable to generate anything before they went to last 2 minute execution.

i think JV actually mostly pushed the right buttons. he kept the unit that was working on the court and he kept Cam T on the court specifically because he was scoring and making good decisions. the offense got bogged down with the full starting group in though, which is why i think there's still a glimmer of simmons having a role on this team. he is probably the best playmaker they have and that group does lack a playmaker. in 36 total minutes he's 6 for 10 with 12 points, 11 boards, and 7 assists in the new world over his last 2 games. just 2 turnovers. if DFS isn't shooting well, subbing Simmons or Oneale for him in the closing lineup makes sense because they can also D up though that will depend on matchups.

[3pt_chucker]

This game was super encouraging. Embiid is not a good matchup for our team, Philly got an extra friendly whistle, and our defense was still incredible. We also missed a ton of EASY shots at the end. Cam and DFS missed some bunnies and open 3s. Some were just misses, we also rushed a lot because the team was scared of Embiid. And we got zero calls all game.

This is a brand new team. Mistakes are expected but the team looked like they've been together all year until the last 6 minutes. Vaughn also needs to figure out the rotation and also who's good at what. That'll take some time.

Like at the end, i felt like we needed to let Bridges close. He was getting great looks in the midrange. Making good decisions. Let him try to be that guy. Dinwiddie was just over dribbling. I think Embiid had guys hesitant.

This team is gonna be tough. Super fun to watch. The starting lineup looks fn great. We need to find a way to get Cam going for longer stretches. I thought his stints were super disorganized. Sumner needs to play. Mills needs to sit. We need to run more stuff for Cam Johnson and Bridges.

Yeah it's crazy to me that ppl are calling for Vaughn to be fired and overreacting to a game against one of the East's top teams when none of these guys have any chemistry on offense and haven't had one practice to implement offensive sets with the new players. The fact that we took them to the wire and played stifling defense are great signs. We need to figure some things out but I'm pretty excited about what we'll look like after ASB

I wanted JV gone for awhile, so it's not some "overreaction" to one game. He's not a bad coach, this much is obvious but he's limited in areas I think hurts with a team like this.

He has subpar ATOs, funky rotations (clearly has favorites), personally I hate the switch everything defense regardless of personnel scheme(Nets lead the league in switching), every 4th Q the team abandons ball movement and he leads the league in calling a timeout as the team is about to score and then the ATO is an iso brick. Great coaches can make adjustments on the fly which I rarely think JV does.

He's great at motivating players and coming into the game with a good plan and holding players accountable, which is why he's an ok coach. I just feel that if there is an opportunity to upgrade at HC, the Nets should do it.

[gigantes]

JV... has subpar ATOs, funky rotations (clearly has favorites), personally I hate the switch everything defense regardless of personnel scheme(Nets lead the league in switching), every 4th Q the team abandons ball movement and he leads the league in calling a timeout as the team is about to score and then the ATO is an iso brick. Great coaches can make adjustments on the fly which I rarely think JV does.

<snippity-snip>

"Great coaches can make adjustments on the fly.."

That's interesting. Do you mean signaling or calling out useful things from the bench?

Could you give me an example or two, 3ptC?

[MGrand15]

This game was super encouraging. Embiid is not a good matchup for our team, Philly got an extra friendly whistle, and our defense was still incredible. We also missed a ton of EASY shots at the end. Cam and DFS missed some bunnies and open 3s. Some were just misses, we also rushed a lot because the team was scared of Embiid. And we got zero calls all game.

This is a brand new team. Mistakes are expected but the team looked like they've been together all year until the last 6 minutes. Vaughn also needs to figure out the rotation and also who's good at what. That'll take some time.

Like at the end, i felt like we needed to let Bridges close. He was getting great looks in the midrange. Making good decisions. Let him try to be that guy. Dinwiddie was just over dribbling. I think Embiid had guys hesitant.

This team is gonna be tough. Super fun to watch. The starting lineup looks fn great. We need to find a way to get Cam going for longer stretches. I thought his stints were super disorganized. Sumner needs to play. Mills needs to sit. We need to run more stuff for Cam Johnson and Bridges.

Yeah it's crazy to me that ppl are calling for Vaughn to be fired and overreacting to a game against one of the East's top teams when none of these guys have any chemistry on offense and haven't had one practice to implement offensive sets with the new players. The fact that we took them to the wire and played stifling defense are great signs. We need to figure some things out but I'm pretty excited about what we'll look like after ASB

I wanted JV gone for awhile, so it's not some "overreaction" to one game. He's not a bad coach, this much is obvious but he's limited in areas I think hurts with a team like this.

He has subpar ATOs, funky rotations (clearly has favorites), personally I hate the switch everything defense regardless of personnel scheme(Nets lead the league in switching), every 4th Q the team abandons ball movement and he leads the league in calling a timeout as the team is about to score and then the ATO is an iso brick. Great coaches can make adjustments on the fly which I rarely think JV does.

He's great at motivating players and coming into the game with a good plan and holding players accountable, which is why he's an ok coach. I just feel that if there is an opportunity to upgrade at HC, the Nets should do it.

Your opinion is your opinion but I think some of this isn't fair. Nets have been statistically the BEST team on ATOs this year. At least they were 30 days ago. We're also 3rd in the league in close games at 20-10. So we're usually pretty damn good in the 4th.

I'm a big fan of Vaughn but considering the circumstances, it's hard to totally judge him. We've had a lot of guys in and out. A lot of nonsense with Kyrie, KD, and Ben. I think these final 25 games will be important but in my eyes, he's earned the job. But the job has changed since 3 weeks ago. Now he has to maximize Bridges, Claxton, Thomas, Ben, Johnson, etc. Development is more of a factor.

[3pt_chucker]

JV... has subpar ATOs, funky rotations (clearly has favorites), personally I hate the switch everything defense regardless of personnel scheme(Nets lead the league in switching), every 4th Q the team abandons ball movement and he leads the league in calling a timeout as the team is about to score and then the ATO is an iso brick. Great coaches can make adjustments on the fly which I rarely think JV does.

<snippity-snip>

"Great coaches can make adjustments on the fly.."

That's interesting. Do you mean signaling or calling out useful things from the bench?

Could you give me an example or two, 3ptC?

Simple things like switching up offensive sets to attack weak defenders or how a team is defending you or changing defensive coverages(Spoelstra is the master at this).

Nets basically run the same thing on defense all game. Switch all screens and conditionally switch certain screens (usually flare screens) depending on the 2 defenders. Many games I've seen other teams use that to their advantage and attack the switching over and over and over. Many times the switch isn't even necessary. It's why Boston cooks the Nets everytime. IMO much better to have your best defenders fight over a screen when possible than give up a simple screen that lets Tatum/Brown match up with Curry/Mills etc. Yuck.

To be fair, JV started sprinkling zone in and he's been more aggressive at doubling star players and sending different coverages, compared to the beginning of the season. So maybe with more time he'll allow the defense to be more flexible especially with better defenders. I doubt it though.

On offense, far too many time the Nets allow other teams to hide weak defenders on the floor. It's been a big gripe I've had with the team for awhile. Even when KD was here, the Nets would let midgets/poor defenders stay on floor and not run actions that allow the Nets to get easy shots.

His ATOs are probably the thing I dislike the most. I miss the days when Kenny's ATOs would almost always lead to an easy open shot because he schemed up a good play. JV's ATO's are always lets run iso to get a midrange opportunity or some kind of 1v1 with the best player/matchup. That's fine but the success rate is really low.

I feel like JV is basically Thibs-lite. Has good attributes that can allow the team to compete, win and function well but is a bit inflexible. Maybe this is nitpicking, but I just feel like a better coach will take the team to another level. *Shrugs*

[Riconet]

I wanted JV gone for awhile, so it's not some "overreaction" to one game. He's not a bad coach, this much is obvious but he's limited in areas I think hurts with a team like this.

He has subpar ATOs, funky rotations (clearly has favorites), personally I hate the switch everything defense regardless of personnel scheme(Nets lead the league in switching), every 4th Q the team abandons ball movement and he leads the league in calling a timeout as the team is about to score and then the ATO is an iso brick. Great coaches can make adjustments on the fly which I rarely think JV does.

He's great at motivating players and coming into the game with a good plan and holding players accountable, which is why he's an ok coach. I just feel that if there is an opportunity to upgrade at HC, the Nets should do it.

Well, the layup that Bridges missed in the last minute vs Philly was an ATO, right? That was a pretty good play that got Bridges a very makeable layup.

[MrDollarBills]

Hey someone has to make the game thread for tonight, I lost us the last one

[Keith Van Horn]

Hey someone has to make the game thread for tonight, I lost us the last one