The Nets have been a perennial playoff team, but after losing to the Memphis Grizzlies 111-106, they now find themselves outside of playoff contention. The two teams traded blows in an intense game that left many wondering why the NBA’s 8th seed is stronger than its 1st.
The “grizzlies vs nets 2022” is a blog that highlights the standings of the NBA. The Nets’ loss to the Grizzlies this week highlights a glaring hole in their NBA Championship dreams.
The Brooklyn Nets were thrashed by the Memphis Grizzlies on Jan. 3 in Brooklyn, and the rout cannot be dismissed as a “poor night.”
Memphis thrashed the Nets as if they were made out of Monstars from Space Jam. Ja Morant, like he frequently does, embraced the challenge of facing a premier NBA club, scoring 36 points to lead the Grizzlies to victory. Desmond Bane, a contender for Most Improved Player, added 29 of his own.
While Memphis’ backcourt scored a lot of points, the Grizzlies were significantly more effective in the trenches. In doing so, they exposed a major hole that might jeopardize the Nets’ chances of winning the NBA championship.
On the boards, the Grizzlies annihilated the Nets.
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The Grizzlies didn’t simply dominate the Nets in terms of rebounds. On the boards, they virtually doubled Brooklyn’s production.
For the game, Memphis outrebounded Brooklyn 61-33. The big men went for loose balls, with Steven Adams getting seven offensive rebounds and Brandon Clarke snagging four of his own. In the first half alone, the Grizzlies grabbed 23 offensive rebounds and scored 18 second-chance points.
Meanwhile, the Nets were helpless on the defensive end. Nic Claxton only had three rebounds throughout the game. Kevin Durant also only grabbed three rebounds. Memphis also outscored the Nets 62-52 in the paint, so Brooklyn didn’t put up much of a fight below the hoop.
After Kevin Durant yelled at his teammates during a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, it was an indifferent performance, and definitely not one Nets supporters expected. The performance raised new questions about Brooklyn’s future.
Is the Nets’ physicality and mental toughness lacking?
On January 3, 2022, Kevin Durant reacts late in the second half of a game against the Memphis Grizzlies | Elsa/Getty Images
Despite what Monday night’s game would indicate, the Nets have improved in both rebounding and defense.
Last season, Brooklyn was placed 23rd in defensive rating. In 2021-22, it is ranked sixth in that category, having surrendered over six fewer points per 100 possessions. The Nets are also averaging a full rebound per game and clearing the defensive boards, which is encouraging given their defensive field-goal percentage ranking of second.
Nonetheless, the team’s last two defeats indicate a lack of passion and determination.
In their New Year’s Day showdown with the Lakers, the Nets led by seven points entering the fourth quarter. In the fourth quarter, the Clippers took it to Brooklyn, going into the paint and earning 15 free throw attempts. Despite the fact that this was a weak LA team, it showed no reluctance in continually assaulting Brooklyn’s defense.
The Grizzlies’ defeat called into question their physicality and tenacity to a far larger level. Memphis was persistent in their pursuit of the rim. Adams was unafraid to throw his weight about. The Nets did not have a lead for the whole game and were completely flat in the second half, being outscored 40-26 and giving up six more offensive rebounds.
Brooklyn has a lot of talent. Despite a bad performance on Monday, James Harden continues to show indications of improving on his stellar performances during the Nets’ trip to LA. Kyrie Irving is about to return to the NBA.
When skill isn’t paired with a feeling of battle and determination, though, it becomes meaningless.
When it comes to the trading market,
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Prior to the February trade deadline, the Nets do not have a lot of cap room to work with. Nonetheless, they would be wise to seek targets capable of re-energizing the squad via hard work and determination.
Many teams are anticipated to be interested in Larry Nance Jr., who could provide the Nets with some two-way grit and hustle. Robert Covington, a fellow Portland Trail Blazer, is another guy to keep an eye on if Brooklyn can match his salary. There are other choices, such as a winger like Danuel House or a low-cost acquisition like Torrey Craig. In any case, the Nets are expected to chase experienced additions if at all feasible.
A thrashing by the Grizzlies has exposed possible flaws in Brooklyn’s championship quest. What will the Nets do to improve the situation and create more intangible value?
Basketball Reference provided the statistics.
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The “grizzlies vs nets tickets” is a glaring hole in the Nets’ NBA Championship dreams. The Nets are currently sitting at 0-1, and their chances of winning the NBA Championship have been put on hold.
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