Category Archives: Analytics

As we know, the Nets go into Chicago for games 3 and 4 up against the gun after falling flat in game 2 against Tom Thibodeau’s defense.

Throughout the game, Steve Kerr validated Nets fans everywhere by criticizing the Nets for playing Wallace and Evans together for large portions of the game. Kerr repeatedly stated what I and many Nets fans have been saying for a while. When the Nets go with Wallace and Evans at once, they play two pieces the opponent does not have to guard, which means that the other 3 Nets are forced to dribble into Fort Knox to try to get a shot off against a defense loading up on them. When the Nets go big with Wallace and Humphries, the problem remains. Going smaller would enable the Nets to put a fourth shooter in the floor, at least force the Bulls to account for that player, and open up some driving lanes for Deron Joe and Brook. Kerr would relate back to this example whenever Watson was on the floor and point to how much more open and spaced driving lanes were.

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All to often, Nets possessions see the following happen:

-Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, or Brook Lopez attack the paint, and dribble into 2-3 defenders, leading to the inability to get to the hoop and a forced shot.

-Williams runs a pick and roll with Lopez. Both defenders blitz Williams, Reggie Evans’ defender guards Lopez and Evans at the same time, Gerald Wallace’s defender also cheats into the paint to clog things further.

-Williams runs a pick and roll with Evans or Kris Humphries. The big man’s defender blitzes Williams so he passes off to Evans or Humphries. Not threats offensively, they pass right back to Williams who has to start the possession anew.

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