Inside The Nets

Day'Ron Sharpe is looking forward to the Nets' all-important games against the Atlanta Hawks

The Nets have two of their season’s biggest games coming up soon.
Peter Sunjic|
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Brooklyn Nets

The Nets are sitting in the 11th seed of the Eastern Conference with a clear shot of making it into the Play-In Tournament spots. Brooklyn is four games behind the tenth-seeded Atlanta Hawks, but the former can make up some ground in the next two games.

Coach Kevin Ollie and his team could go within two games of the Hawks if they can win the two matchups between the teams. It will be a big challenge, a fact that Day’Ron Sharpe and the team know.

“Looking to win both of the games. We need both of them. We’re trying to get into the Playoffs, and they’re the tenth seed,” Day’Ron said to the media after losing to the Magic. “We’re coming in fully focused so we can come and win both of the games and make the Playoffs… We just gotta recollect, get past this game in the past, and get ready for the next two.”

Trae Young is out for Atlanta

As the Hawks’ biggest star, Trae Young is the team’s catalyst for success. Unfortunately, Coach Quin Snyder and the team lost Trae to a hand injury, which would take him out for at least a month.

That is a vital period for the Play-In Tournament race, as the Hawks need to create separation from the Nets as soon as possible. However, that is tough for the team to overcome since Coach Ollie’s team has struggled this season.

This injury could be the opening Brooklyn needs to catch up to Atlanta and potentially usurp them. The Nets have the talent to do so but are still struggling due to a mix of injuries and coaching struggles with a new interim tactician.

The Nets need to win both games

By winning both games against Atlanta, the Nets could catch up to their rivals. It would be a massive change in the race for a Play-In spot, but the Hawks would still have the advantage. Making the most out of every opportunity is something Brooklyn thrives on, and that must happen against the Hawks.

Cameron Thomas is not yet cleared after rolling his ankle, which means Mikal Bridges will be the go-to guy for Brooklyn. At the same time, Coach Ollie must create the best playbook possible for the Nets to make them strong enough to compete. 

A depleted Brooklyn Nets team gets blown out 108 to 81 by the Orlando Magic

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Peter Sunjic
PETER SUNJIC

Peter's journey with basketball commenced in the first grade, and it has since evolved into an integral part of his life. Standing on the brink of a potential professional playing career, Peter ultimately chose to pursue a degree in Political Science and Journalism in Zagreb, Croatia. Despite this academic pursuit, his deep-rooted love for the game of basketball endured, undiminished. Now, as a writer and editor, Peter finds an avenue to channel his unwavering passion for basketball-related news and analysis. Whether it's deciphering the latest happenings or delving into the lore of old-school basketball, he covers every corner of the NBA world.

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