Get Your Bearings
Man, if you would have told me last week that the Nets might still be involved in the playoff race, I would have told you (and probably did) that the chances of that happening were nil.
Well, here they are, clinging to the #8 seed, with their two main rivals for that spot coming into focus in back-to-back games tomorrow and Wednesday.
First up is the Bulls, who have disappointed like the Nets, only perhaps more so (again, I picked them to rule the East - shows you what I know). They changed out some parts, but anyone who thinks getting Larry Hughes for a playoff drive is a good idea should seriously question their sanity. Drew Gooden can play, but with the rest of the parts on this team, the Nets should be able to get their third straight win (and first on the road since the Kidd trade). But again, since there is no figuring out this team, it could just as easily be a bad loss.
Then comes the Atlanta Hawks, who beat the Knicks last night (again), as if this is a major deal somehow. The Hawks now have Mike Bibby, Joe Johnson and a ton of young talent, but they still can't seem to find any consistency. The Nets could very well win this one in a walk at home. Or they could easily blow it.
So, try and get your bearings on this Nets team. Like I said, I had no idea they had the wins against the Cavs and Jazz in them, especially after watching the dreadful midwestern trip. The Nets are getting good, all-around performances from the guys they have to, Devin Harris, Richard Jefferson and Vince Carter, plus they've gotten more and more help from the likes of Josh Boone, Boki Nachbar and Nenad Krstic. Precisely what they need (and what they were lacking) to reach the post season.
Of course, finishing in the #8 spot almost guarantees the Nets will be one and done, since the door prize is a first round matchup with the Celtics. KG, Ray-Ray and Paul Pierce ain't exactly what this crew is ready for.
Can they do it with 16 games remaining? At 28 - 38, they may have to win 10 games to have a shot, and even then they make it with a pathetic 38 - 44 record. Eew, but I guess you have to start somewhere.
The attitude has changed and the confidence is up in the last week or so, but can the Nets sustain it? That's where we need to figure out if the Nets are really, finally, going to change for the better. Full out hustle and energy, fast breaking, defense and just enough of everything else to win sounds like a great recipie.
Now, if only they can bake it up consistently...
Joe
Well, here they are, clinging to the #8 seed, with their two main rivals for that spot coming into focus in back-to-back games tomorrow and Wednesday.
First up is the Bulls, who have disappointed like the Nets, only perhaps more so (again, I picked them to rule the East - shows you what I know). They changed out some parts, but anyone who thinks getting Larry Hughes for a playoff drive is a good idea should seriously question their sanity. Drew Gooden can play, but with the rest of the parts on this team, the Nets should be able to get their third straight win (and first on the road since the Kidd trade). But again, since there is no figuring out this team, it could just as easily be a bad loss.
Then comes the Atlanta Hawks, who beat the Knicks last night (again), as if this is a major deal somehow. The Hawks now have Mike Bibby, Joe Johnson and a ton of young talent, but they still can't seem to find any consistency. The Nets could very well win this one in a walk at home. Or they could easily blow it.
So, try and get your bearings on this Nets team. Like I said, I had no idea they had the wins against the Cavs and Jazz in them, especially after watching the dreadful midwestern trip. The Nets are getting good, all-around performances from the guys they have to, Devin Harris, Richard Jefferson and Vince Carter, plus they've gotten more and more help from the likes of Josh Boone, Boki Nachbar and Nenad Krstic. Precisely what they need (and what they were lacking) to reach the post season.
Of course, finishing in the #8 spot almost guarantees the Nets will be one and done, since the door prize is a first round matchup with the Celtics. KG, Ray-Ray and Paul Pierce ain't exactly what this crew is ready for.
Can they do it with 16 games remaining? At 28 - 38, they may have to win 10 games to have a shot, and even then they make it with a pathetic 38 - 44 record. Eew, but I guess you have to start somewhere.
The attitude has changed and the confidence is up in the last week or so, but can the Nets sustain it? That's where we need to figure out if the Nets are really, finally, going to change for the better. Full out hustle and energy, fast breaking, defense and just enough of everything else to win sounds like a great recipie.
Now, if only they can bake it up consistently...
Joe
posted by Joe Netsfan at 9:28 PM
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