© Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Key takeaways from the Nets' crushing overtime loss to the Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers visited the Barclays Center with a 9-25 record, meaning the Nets were odds-on favorites to win the game. Unfortunately, Brooklyn did not get the dub because Portland kept in step and pulled away in overtime, winning 127-134.
Mikal Bridges set the tone with a game-high 42 points, while Anfernee Simons led the Blazers with 38 points. They had massive performances, but Malcolm Brogdon finished the game with eight crucial points in overtime to help the Blazers get their tenth win and give Brooklyn their 21st loss of the season.
Mikal is finally regaining his jump shot
It has been a rough period for Bridges as he has struggled with offensive efficiency. This was a massive performance from him, marking his third 40+ point game of the season. He was hitting from all over the court, shooting 15-26 from the field and 4-8 from beyond the arc.
Despite the crushing loss, having Mikal play like this again is a step in the right direction. The Nets should also expect better support for him in the future because Cameron Johnson was the closest scorer to him with 17 points.
Cameron Thomas only played 18 minutes, scoring nine points. He got hit by an inadvertent elbow from Day'Ron Sharpe, forcing him back to the locker room and prompting Coach Jacque Vaughn to rely on Mikal's offense.
The Nets continue to concede too many three-pointers
Over the last 14 games, the Nets rank dead-last in opponent three-point percentage at 43.1%. This is a worrying stat because the Nets' defensive scheme allows that to happen, considering they usually play in the drop.
This did not happen in the win against the OKC Thunder as Nic Claxton switched to smaller guards, but he had to play in the drop scheme against Portland. Simons and the rest of the team capitalized as the Blazers hit 20 three-pointers on only 38 attempts, good for 52.6% on long-range shots, which is unacceptable for Vaughn's squad.
Losing Day'Ron Sharpe is a big blow for the Nets
Day'Ron Sharpe has been superb in his third professional season with the Nets. He has become a premier backup big for Claxton, averaging 7.5 points and seven rebounds per contest. Over the last month, he has become a nightly double-double threat, helping Brooklyn maintain a solid paint presence when Clax sits down.
Unfortunately, Day'Ron suffered a knee strain and will likely miss the Nets' next game. The team hopes no issues pop up because he has been vital in their success this season.
