OKLAHOMA CITY – Even with the second NBA top scorer seated, the Brooklyn Nets hit the franchise record Friday for the most points in a regular game, falling 147 to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a 22-game winning streak. points.
“We get there … we’re slowly moving towards both ends of the floor,” coach Steve Nash said. “We fought defensively at times, but we became more solid with our game plan defensively. Offensively, you start to see a little more fluidity. See James [Harden] able to manage the game well and manipulate the defense “.
By quarters, the Nets scored 36, 40, 39 and 32, getting an early lead and scoring consistently throughout the game. They shot 57% from the field, scored 19 triples and had 33 assists per team.
With Kevin Durant sitting as part of a rest plan as he continues to work after his Achilles injury, Kyrie Irving and Harden took the reins, combining for 50 points – 25 feet.
“Obviously, we’re picking up an offensive pace,” Harden said. “But defensively too. We’re learning our strengths, our weakness and the things we can improve on.”
The Nets ’offensive boom has been steadily rising, with 10 of their last 11 games with at least 110 points. But they have also been, to put it kindly, mediocre on defense. The Thunder, who entered the final game in offensive efficiency, still added 125 points as they shot 46.5% from the ground.
“There is a growing familiarity, at both ends of the floor. [But] “We have a long way to go in defense,” Nash said. “It’s not our strong or strong dress, but we have to be clean with our game plan, talking and participating in our actions.”
Harden and Irving spent several parts of the game orchestrating solo while Nash staggered his minutes. But there were also long stretches in which they played each other, with Harden doing his usual thing of isolation, while Irving made his ability to finish in painting shine.
“I’ll always say I won’t take a day off for sure. That doesn’t often happen in the story where you have this group together right now,” Irving said. “Some of the boys were the starters of their respective teams last year; some of the boys are MVP candidates. And to have all this collective talent and not get the most out of it, we would do ourselves a disservice. We want to continue. pressuring each other and making us mutually responsible. “
Harden credited the improvement in overall communication between the group, with tasks, coverage and adjustments that were clearly convened throughout the game. Irving and Harden were at the top of the scoreboard, but there was also an impressive balance, with nine players finishing in double figures.
“It’s very satisfying when you get a win, but as long as the whole team plays well and you do fantastic things as a collective group, you definitely stand out from the rest,” Irving said.
The Nets have won four in a row and have gone 6-2 since changing to Harden. At times, there have been some tough times, with Harden stretching out for less time involved in offense, or Irving’s efficiency, but the chemistry has been building up, Nash said, and it’s something he just waits for. improve.
“Offensively, I think guys have a mutual feeling and rhythm, how they like to play, where they like the ball, how they like to move, cut themselves and play with each other,” he said.
Harden said the Nets keep an eye on the process, noting that it will only get harder as the season progresses. As the games get bigger and the season shortens, there will be more prominence on the chemistry of the Nets and how they run.
“They’ll challenge us every night; we’ll get the best shot of everyone,” Irving said, “but what we’re doing now is finding continuity to use the strengths we have.”