Courtesy: Bleacher Report
This offseason, when the Brooklyn Nets team was “put together,” many critics pointed fingers and called the Nets an assortment of different names. Critics claimed they would never work, Jason Kidd can’t be a coach and the whole thing will be an utter disaster.
So far, it looked like critics hit the nail right on the head. That is, until 2014 came around. Since the start of the new year, the Nets are 8-1. In those seven wins, they beat some notable teams, including: Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks. It looks as if the Brooklyn Nets are beginning to build chemistry, an identity and are learning to win together. It is finally exciting to be seeing the idea of the Brooklyn Nets actually come together on the hardwood.
Without a doubt, the they have looked like a different team recently. In their most recent win; the Nets completely destroyed their rivals, the New York Knicks, 103-80 at Madison Square Garden. It was their first out of three regular season match ups between both “Big Apple” teams.
The Nets have made a spectacular turn around and it has been done without the help of their starting center, Brook Lopez, who will miss the rest of the season rehabilitating a broken foot.
Brooklyn’s revitalized its season because of many reasons; their stars are starting to click with each other, their bench is being productive on both ends of the court and Joe Johnson is deadlier than ever. Also, I believe the biggest key to Brooklyn’s successful turn around was patience. The team was patient with each other and because of it they play as a solid team and everyone has found their roles.
Courtersy: ESPN
This new year has showed great hopes for the players and coaches. Jason Kidd looks more like a coach to the Nets than ever before. They hit rock bottom early in the season, but I believe their strong veteran core is a reason for not giving up. Currently, the Nets are 18-22 and their most recent win over the Knicks moved Brooklyn up to the 7th seed in the Eastern Conference.
Their season hasn’t gone as planned so far, but it is important to never overlook that they still have a good roster and a solid bench. The Nets’ season is far from over.
They have a chance to save their season, they have made a great turn around, and they are the only New York team in playoff contention. This is what makes Brooklyn the Eastern Conference wild card for the rest of the season and possibly the playoffs.
