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OKLAHOMA CITY – Even with the second-highest goalscorer in the NBA, the Brooklyn Nets tied a franchise record for most points in a regulation game on Friday, dropping 147 points over the Oklahoma City Thunder in a 22-point victory.
“We’re getting there. … We’re moving slowly on both sides of the pitch,” said coach Steve Nash. “We had some defensive difficulties at times, but we are getting stronger with our game plan defensively. Offensively, you start to see a little more fluidity. You see James [Harden] able to handle the game like that and manipulate defense. “
Per quarter, the Nets scored 36, 40, 39 and 32, building an early lead and scoring consistently throughout the game. They shot 57% from the field, hit 19 3 points and had 33 assists.
With Kevin Durant sitting as part of a rest plan as he continues to recover from his Achilles injury, Kyrie Irving and Harden have taken the reins, combining for 50 points – 25 each.
“We’re picking up a pace, obviously offensively,” said Harden. “But also defensively. We are learning our strengths and weaknesses and things we can improve on.”
The Nets’ offensive explosion continues to grow, 10 of their last 11 games featuring at least 110 points. But they were also, to put it mildly, mediocre defensively. The Thunder, who entered the game last in offensive efficiency, still racked up 125 points shooting 46.5 percent from the ground.
“There is a growing familiarity at both ends of the floor. [But] we have a long way to go defensively, ”Nash said. It is not our strong point or our strong point, but we have to be clear with our game plan and speak up and participate in our actions. “
Harden and Irving spent various parts of the game orchestrating solo as Nash staggered their minutes. But there were also long periods in which they clashed, Harden doing his usual isolation thing, while Irving brought out his finishing ability in painting.
“I’m always going to say that I won’t take any day for granted. It doesn’t often happen in history where you have this band together at this point,” Irving said. “Some of the guys were starters on their respective teams last year; some are MVP contenders. And to have all that collective talent and not make the most of it, we would be doing ourselves a disservice. Want to keep pushing each other. and to hold each other accountable. “
Harden attributed the improvement in overall communication within the squad, with assignments, covers and adjustments being clearly announced throughout the game. Irving and Harden led the standings, but the game’s balance was also impressive, with nine players in total finishing in double digits.
“It’s very satisfying every time you get a win but every time the whole team plays well and you do great things as a collective group it definitely stands out above the rest,” said Irving. .
The Nets have won four in a row and are 6-2 since their trade with Harden. There have been tough times, with Harden on extended scopes less involved in the attack, or a drop in Irving’s effectiveness, but the chemistry has developed, Nash said, and he only expects ‘to improve.
“Offensively I think the guys have a feel and a rhythm for each other, how the guys like to play, where they like the ball, how they like to move, cut and play,” he said. .
Harden said the Nets are watching the process, noting it will only get more difficult as the season progresses. As the games get bigger and the season shrinks, the spotlight will be more on the chemistry of the Nets and their execution.
“We’re going to be challenged every night; we’re going to get everyone’s best luck,” Irving said, “but what we’re doing now is just finding continuity to use the strengths that we have. “
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