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The significant takeaways from the Nets' fourth-straight loss
Brooklyn was dealt their fourth-straight loss by the New Orleans Pelicans, 104 to 91. It was one of the most stagnant games for the Nets, as they couldn’t build their rhythm. The Nets did not get going on offense, which led to the Pelicans dominating almost every possession.
Coach Kevin Ollie was disappointed with the first-half performance with the stale offense and the nine turnovers. While Brooklyn bounced back in the second half, it was too late because the Pelicans already had the momentum.
There are significant takeaways from this loss, which has become an unfortunate trend for the Nets.
Brooklyn needs more contributors on offense
The Nets shot 36.9% from the field, summarizing the team’s offense issues. Cameron Thomas was stellar again, scoring 25 points to lead the Nets, while Mikal Bridges chipped in with 15 points.
That’s not what Nets fans expect from Bridges and the rest of the team, as they can improve on offense, but they’re not playing the way they need to. Former coach Jacque Vaughn set the template of playing with pace and energy, but he couldn’t get the most out of this team.
Under Coach KO, the team wants to play like that, but the players aren’t in the best position to thrive. Lonnie Walker IV has struggled over the past few games at a time when the Nets need him to produce off the bench. Brooklyn wants to succeed, but everyone in the supporting cast for Thomas should be more assertive.
Nets’ lapses stop their momentum
For most of the game, the Nets rebounded well, but in the second half, they gave up multiple second-chance three-pointers, which halted Brooklyn’s momentum. The Nets are a good team but have significant mental lapses that lead to unfavorable results.
Sometimes, they just switch off during possessions and make careless turnovers. That should be unacceptable for a team looking to compete for a Play-In spot, but this result is another step in the wrong direction for the team’s goal of getting to the postseason.
Day’Ron Sharpe deserves his flowers
Even if the Nets lost, there were some bright spots for the team. Cam Thomas led the team in scoring again, cementing his place as the star. Day’Ron Sharpe also deserves plaudits for his performance, as he grabbed a career-high 17 rebounds off the bench.
He is proving why he deserves to be a long-term piece for the Nets, and he might get good enough to force conversations of choosing between him and Nic Claxton in the future. In the meantime, he is thriving as the Nets’ first big man off the bench.
