Running and gunning. #WeGoHard pic.twitter.com/mJbbvQcITP
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) October 29, 2017
The Brooklyn Nets suffered yet another home blowout Sunday, in a 124-111 loss to the Denver Nuggets.
- Denver Nuggets (3-3)
- Brooklyn Nets (3-4)
- NBA Box Score
- Barclays Center: Brooklyn, New York
After taking off to a larger than life start this season, Brooklyn has dropped two straight at home in blowout fashion. It seems the young Nets had to take the time to remind us they are just that: young.
As was the case Sunday, when Brooklyn lost a 14-point lead in the second quarter that was never recovered. The Nuggets saw a lead as great as 26, behind a 40-21 routing of the Nets in the third quarter.
Nikola ?➡️➡️➡️➡️Paul pic.twitter.com/LEgXIYvxoS
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) October 29, 2017
It was Paul Millsap and Nikola Jokic that led the way for Denver, combining for 34 points and 25 rebounds on the night. Young guard Jamal Murray had a breakout performance in addition, pouring in 26 points against Brooklyn’s lifeless defense.
Point-center. pic.twitter.com/E0bnyg8Hw1
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) October 30, 2017
After tweaking his ankle against the Orlando Magic last Wednesday, lead guard D’Angelo Russell continues to struggle. He posted 12 points and 8 assists against Denver, behind 3-12 shooting from the field and a season-high 6 turnovers.
That pass from @Dloading and the finish by @CarisLeVert! ? pic.twitter.com/Jdu0eiJGHy
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) October 29, 2017
Russell and head coach Kenny Atkinson insist that the Nets franchise face is 100 percent, but his play is saying the opposite. Brooklyn’s coach told The New York Post he may just need some time to find his rhythm.
“I do think — this is every NBA player, and other sports, too — when you have a little injury it takes a little time to get your rhythm, just get it back. And I’m sure he’s searching for it. He’ll get it back. He started the season really strong and got dinged up a little. I think it’s a question of rhythm.”
A silver lining for the Nets can be found in the young Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who started the game 6-6 from the field, before ending 8-12 for 18 points.
6 for 6 from the field
2 for 2 from the line@IAmCHAP24 is on a mission ? pic.twitter.com/2LTXVIxML4— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) October 29, 2017
While Russell did struggle, he looked very comfortable playing off the ball against Denver. This was in part credit to the continued productivity from backup point guard Spencer Dinwiddie.
After scoring a new career-high in a win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, he put on a repeat performance last night against the Nuggets. Dinwiddie posted 22 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists on 50 percent shooting from the field.
The entire Nets starting five finished with a negative plus or minus rating, while the opposite stands true for the Nuggets.
Forward Trevor Booker led Brooklyn in that category, with a plus-20 on the evening. He scored tallied 8 points and 8 rebounds off the bench.
It was a story of defense, and overall effort for Brooklyn. The failure to contain Denver’s big men, and the Nuggets’ entire offense along the perimeter resulted in a loss. They saw the same issues against the New York Knicks‘ big men rotation this past Friday.
As they move forward, addressing the defensive tendencies down low, and adjusting the offense to Russell’s weak spots will give them better chances in their next game.
The young Nets will look to get their spunk back in their next game on Tuesday. Brooklyn is hosting the Phoenix Suns ahead of a five game road trip. Tip-off is at 7:30 PM EST.