What’s Wrong With The Nets?

The Nets are currently not looking good. In the first game versus the Bucks in the second round of the playoffs, James Harden was immediately injured. Nonetheless, the Nets got an easy 2-0 lead versus the Bucks, but that went as fast as it came. The series is now at a game 7 and unless Kevin Durant carries the Nets on his back, they will be the most stacked roster ever to have a second round exit.

First, let’s talk about what went wrong. Obviously the Nets werent expecting James Harden to get injured so fast, but you cannot blame that injury for the Nets current situation. James Harden was injured in the begining of the first quarter in game one and the Nets were able to get a 2-0 lead without him, so you cannot blame him for being in this 3-3, game 7 situation; but you can blame Kyrie’s injury. It was not Kyrie’s fault or anyones fault at that that Kyrie injured his ankle, but no matter what, this caused the Nets downfall.

Secondly, let’s talk about what the Bucks are doing right. Putting PJ Tucker onto KD was a genius idea, and it worked out to perfection. PJ Tucker is shutting down KD as much as anyone can hope for, even though Kevin Durant is playing at MVP level. Jrue Holiday has been an excellent defender this series and now that he doesnt have to guard James Harden or Kyrie, he will have a much easier time getting blocks/steals as we can already tell. Giannis has been getting fed the ball as usuall, and it has been working. For the last 4 games, everyone on the Bucks have been playing their roles to perfection.

Finally, what the Nets can do to overcome this Bucks team. First off KD needs to do more pick and pop threes or pick and roles to avoid PJ Tucker. Every time KD can switch off of Tucker, that’s an easy basket. Second off, with Kyrie and James Harden likely not playing for game 7 Blake Griffin will need to step up and have an “amazing” game. By amazing I mean 20+ points and 10+ rebounds to relieve some of the scoring pressure off of Kevin Durant. The Nets will have a tough game 7 ahead of them, but they can overcome the Bucks.