For the uninitiated and uninformed, the NBA preseason has started. On Thursday night the lowly fancied Brooklyn Nets played the Detroit Pistons in Brooklyn. This was a chance to see how players were progressing under the new coaching staff. Coach Kenny Atkinson got to premier what his philosophy is. In some cases this was a chance for players to make their NBA debut. Though the preseason games mean nothing in terms of standing, or rating, the results are always looked upon with interest. After last night’s performance, there is an air of Positivity evident in the Barclays Center.
Positivity Evident in Nets Preseason Game
The Nets Won
Led by newly acquired point guard Jeremy Lin, the Nets defeated the Pistons. That means, the Marks – Atkinson era is off to a winning start. Lin scored a game high 21 points while shooting seven out of eleven from the field, including five of eight from downtown. On paper that looks fantastic as he only played 17 minutes. However, there is a vine of him blowing a lay-up after coming up with a steal. Not his finest hour. But Lin had just one assist, meaning his passes were not leading directly to points. As a point guard that must improve and it will.
Brook Lopez, the team’s other headline player, contributed eight points in 13 minutes of action. He even showed off his improvement by going one for two from behind the arc. However Lopez grabbed two rebounds. Lopez is the team’s center and more is expected of him in terms of rebounding, though it has never been his strength. Luis Scola and Joe Harris were the other players scoring in double figures with Justin Hamilton also contributing nine points.
Points of Immediate Concern
Though the Pistons lost, they showed where the Nets need to improve and quickly. All – Star center Andre Drummond was a monster inside for the Pistons. He scored 17 points and grabbed game high 21 rebounds. As a team the Nets were out-rebounded on both the offensive and defensive ends. The Pistons collected 52 rebounds to the Nets 37. That gap must be closed quickly moving forward. The Nets had 21 assists from their 35 made field goals. Not bad but Atkinson may want that to be a bit higher. The Nets got outscored in the paint 40 to 32, but made up for it by shooting 14 – 34 from behind the 3-point stripe.
There is Good News as Well
Defensively, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson had a plus-minus rating of plus 20, while Trevor Booker contributed five rebounds and two steals. Booker also contributed three assists and a plus-minus rating of plus 11.
Players Reactions Were Measured
Jeremy Lin: "My job is to bring the best out of my teammates. I shot the ball well, but still need to learn." #Nets pic.twitter.com/T8U5YDKl4m
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) October 7, 2016
Brook Lopez: "It was a promising and exciting first game. It'll come from continuing to play together." #Nets pic.twitter.com/Py6EXDMVQc
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) October 7, 2016
Closing
For a first game, it went pretty well. The Pistons can challenge for a high seed in the eastern conference this season. This game has encouraged the hometown faithful. Even media personalities got into the action.
#Nets get dribble penetration, move the ball exceptionally well, loaded with workers and have shooters. Vegas said 20 wins? Take the over.
— Alan Hahn (@alanhahn) October 7, 2016
Owner Mikhail Prokhorov was in attendance as well. He is showing support by attending his first preseason game since 2010. There is a long season ahead with many challenges, many obstacles. That said, it’s better to be 1-0, instead of 0-1. Isn’t that right Knicks fans!
