Brooklyn, NY: After falling short of expectations for the first 28 games, The Brooklyn Nets seem to have found some inspiration.
Last month the Nets fired Coach Avery Johnson after going 3-10 in December. Some say it was Deron Williams’ fault. Some say it was the lackluster play of Joe Johnson. Either way, the Nets are playing like the team they were “supposed” to be.
Once hiring coach P.J Carlesimo, they have managed to go 6-1, averaging a few points more a game and jumping the ESPN Power Rankings from 16 to 5. They’ve been rebounding 2.4 more times a game, seeing a huge increase in Center Rebounding, which was 9.2 under Avery and 15.2 under Carlesimo. You can credit that to Reggie Evans playing more minutes and, some may say, a more aggressive Brook Lopez.
Statistically, the Nets are a better team with Deron Williams on the floor. You’ve seen a more effective backcourt with him and Joe Johnson since firing Avery. Their outside shot selection has improved, which is key, considering they take 2/3 of their shots from behind the arc.
Something that must be considered, however, are the turnovers they are creating in this 6-1 run. They are fourth in the league, with 16.4 a game. Another thing to consider is that their opponents are shooting 68 percent from the free-throw line, something that will not continue for the rest of the season.
All in all, the Nets are now playing the basketball that the Brooklyn faithful were waiting for. They re-emerged as a forceful team in the Atlantic Division. Only time will tell if they can keep it up or fail to meet the already high expectations.
Romel LeHerison: PureSportsNY