New Jersey Nets Breakdown: New Jersey's Energy Yields Net Gains

The Nets looked like champions in dissecting the Nuggets 114-70. Granted, the final score had as much to do with Denver’s lethargy and mistakes than anything New Jersey did, but the effort and unselfishness New Jersey played with at both ends of the court was inspiring. Inspiring enough where the Nets will easily make the playoffs—easily—if they duplicate that energy level for the rest of the year.

Defense

Defensively, New Jersey loaded up the strong side on defense, keeping defenders at the top of the circle to prevent pressure-release passes, and a defender on the weak-side post to prevent any lob shenanigans the Nuggets might be up to. When the Nuggets did try to force an alley-oop against that alignment, Ryan Anderson was in perfect position to break up the pass.

The Nets help defense was willing and unselfish, always rotating to pick up cutters dropping down, while being able to recover to their original assignments.

The Nets were also well-prepared for Denver’s habit of throwing diagonal passes from either wing to the opposite box after Denver would set a  baseline cross-screen or drop a cutter down.

The best indicator of just how active and well-prepared New Jersey was, was the number of deflections they recorded. According to assistant coach Brian Hill, the Nets recorded 34 deflections in the first half—an exceptional number—with countless more in the second half.

The Nets were quicker on the offensive glass (16 offensive rebounds) and to every loose ball.

In one-on-one situations, Trent Hassell effectively locked up Carmelo Anthony.

Against Hassell, Carmelo went 1-4 from the field, drew a foul (went 1-2 from the line) and committed a charge. Against Jarvis Hayes, Melo went 1-1, with a turnover, a non-shooting foul, and a shooting foul leading to two made free throws. Against Vince Carter, Carmelo earned a trip to the line, hitting one of two free throws, and broke Vince Carter’s ankles to set up a made jumper.

New Jersey’s transition defense was outstanding, thwarting several three-on-two and one-on-one breakaways. Most impressive was Hassell single-handedly contesting a Dahntay Jones layup on the break, forcing a miss.

The Nets pressured and shadowed J.R. Smith, forcing him to overdribble in tight quarters and make all sorts of bad decisions.

Devin Harris flashed quick feet in not letting Chauncey Billups drive around him to the hoop.

While Brook Lopez was unable to keep Nene from blowing by him off the dribble, Josh Boone did any outstanding job of matching Nene’s quickness, and holding strong on a number of power moves that would wipe out most defenders.

If Ryan Anderson tended to get outmuscled, he was always active, fighting on the glass, rotating, hedging screens, and drawing charges.

Give the Nets credit for coming out with an abundance of energy and total focus. It’s no small surprise that energy translated into holding Denver to just 70 points.

Offense

Devin Harris’ first step is long, quick, and lethal. He always put pressure on Denver’s help defense by attacking the rim, earning himself 17 trips to the free throw line (making 14). He also hit two of his five threes, including a pull-up. That ability to pull-and shoot has transformed Harris from a lithe penetrator into a complete all-around offensive threat. Harris also has improved court vision and can make any pass. He was—and is—New Jersey’s best player.

Vince Carter’s jumper was off, and he was largely ineffective. While he did hit a spectacular driving layup plus a foul, he made many more mediocre plays than highlight ones. Airballing a post jumper against Carmelo, losing his handle at the rim twice, going to the ball lazily on an inbounds pass, resulting in a bobble and turnover, the truth is, Carter rarely made things happen when he was entrusted with beating his man one-on-one.

What Carter did do was play with tremendous unselfishness, drawing defenses by using screens, and making the right passes once Denver’s help rotated around. Carter’s unselfishness was evident with his eight assists, and his ability to facilitate was his best attribute.

The question becomes, if a good defense forces Carter to beat them with scoring, can he, considering he’s been largely unreliable against good defensive opponents throughout his career?

The Nets took advantage of Denver sinking in to prevent penetration by setting up a shooter in the strong side wing, and a triangle on the opposite side of the court so cross-court passes could move from the paint to the opposite elbow, to the corner before Denver could rotate. Ryan Anderson, Keyon Dooling, and Jarvis Hayes took advantage of New Jersey’s crisp ball movement to shoot a combined 6-14 from downtown.

Though he botched two of his three layups, Trent Hassell hit three of the five elbow jumpers Denver gave him. Any offense Hassell provides is gravy, but if he can hit his share of jumpers, it will give Lawrence Frank more of an impetus to keep Hassell’s defense in the game, if he’s contributing on offense too.

Brook Lopez got in early foul trouble, but recovered to contribute 15 points and nine rebounds. Lopez is big, strong, and shows a nice touch around the basket, which is his biggest strength because he’s not explosive.

The Nets got good production off their bench from Hayes, who’s tough and can shoot; Boone, who finishes well, cuts well, and sets rock-solid screens; and Dooling, who can shoot, penetrate, and manage a game. When Bobby Simmons and Eduardo Najera come back from injuries, New Jersey’s bench will be even further strengthened.

The key to New Jersey’s playoff hopes will be consistent effort and Vince Carter. Too many times this year, the Nets come out devoid of energy and don’t look to penetrate and get to the basket. Most of that comes when Vince Carter doesn’t look to penetrate and put pressure on defenses.

So the onus is on Carter to come ready to impose his will every day. Lawrence Frank has done a terrific job of molding his team into one that can earn a postseason berth. If Carter won’t provide the spark to push his team over the top, his season, like his career, will be a disappointment.