Game 29 Video Breakdown
Dec 27, 2009 Nets vs. Timberwolves, Video Breakdown, Xs and Os
I know it has been a while since I last did a video breakdown, but it was finals weeks for the last two weeks, so I haven’t had a whole lot of time to go over videos. So we are going to continue the video breakdown series starting with the Nets game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. There are a lot of good things to take away from this game, but there were also some bad defensive plays.
On offense, you are going to see the the difference having 3 point shooters make. I have talked about it a little bit before, but when you have shooters, it forces teams to stay close with them. That makes helping out on defense harder, and it also makes doubling Brook Lopez harder. The Nets lost this game on the defensive end though. They got dominated in the paint, and part of it was poor rotation, allowing the Timberwolves to get easy lay-ups. We are going to take a look at some examples after the jump.
Thoughts on the Game: Yi’s Big Return is for Naught
Dec 24, 2009 2009-2010 Regular Season, Nets vs. Timberwolves, Thoughts On the Game
Howlin Twolf, View from the Couch, Yi Interview, Kiki Vandeweghe Interview
For Nets fans, there was a lot to be frustrated about in last night’s 103-99 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves: getting bullied in the paint and the glass by Al Jefferson (28 points, 7 rebounds) and Kevin Love (13 points, 16 rebounds), Johnny Flynn (22 points, 5 assists) running amok for three quarters, an unfortunate (but correct) call reversal by the refs that ended up giving the T’Wolves the ball back, up 2, with about 25 seconds left in the game, and a bizarre final possession that saw the Nets down 4, yet playing for one shot (and not even getting one off).
But rather than focus on the negative – and let’s face it, at 2-27, there’s just a lot of negative about the New Jersey Nets this season – let’s try to accentuate the positive. And to do that, I have to start with Yi Jianlian.
After missing the past 7 weeks with a knee sprain, I wasn’t expecting much from Yi in his return. Despite some ruminations in practice earlier this week, he wasn’t going to start, and Kiki Vandeweghe stressed he was going to get limited minutes. Add in the fact that Yi has a track record of not being very sharp coming off an injury, there was little reason to believe he was going to be a factor last night.
Instead, Yi forced Kiki’s hand and ended up playing a spectacular 30 minutes where he scored 22 points on 7-12 shooting, including 4-6 from three. After looking a bit tentative when he first checked in the game, picking up a couple of fouls and committing a turnover, Yi got a fast break dunk off an outlet pass from Keyon Dooling, and never looked back. He hit his first three at the top of the key at the 1:24 mark, and when the Wolves kept leaving him open in the second quarter, he responded by making three more long jumpers, including another three from the left corner at the 9:37 mark.
What was even more impressive was that Yi was calling for the ball all night. He wanted to shoot. When he drilled a three from the top of the key with about 3:20 left in the game to cut Minnesota’s lead to 92-90, Yi emphatically thumped his chest. It was just a surreal sight – the otherwise mild mannered Yi finally looking like a go-to guy in an NBA game.
And it wasn’t just scoring. Yi was active on the glass, grabbing 8 boards, and fighting against some pretty tenacious rebounders in Love and Jefferson.
Unfortunately, the Nets couldn’t fully reap the benefits of having a big man who could shoot out on the floor because Brook Lopez was just so bad all night. It’s forgivable given just how good Brook has been this season, but Lopez looked off from the get-go, botching a couple of lob passes from Devin Harris in the post. He did have a nice passing game going early (7 assists total), especially with Courtney Lee (20 points, 8-16 shooting, 3-4 from three), who got two baseline dunks in the first quarter off dishes from Lopez. But he finished the game with 9 points, and was 5-10 from the free throw line – a routinely solid part of his game. One of those free throws would have cut the Minnesota lead to one with less than 30 seconds left in the game, making the foul a more logical call for the Nets (keeping it to one possession max). Just imagine what kind of two-man game could have been established if Brook was banging around in the post and if Yi was drilling his jumpers with the same efficiency? That dream scenario will have to wait at least another game. Then again, the Nets have rarely been able to put together a complete game this season, with all of their key guys contributing at the same time, for all four quarters.
Read a few more thoughts after the jump. Read the rest of this entry »
Quick Recap: Minnesota Timberwolves 103, New Jersey Nets 99
Dec 23, 2009 2009-2010 Regular Season, Nets vs. Timberwolves, Quick Recap
The battle of the league’s two-worst teams went to the Minnesota Timberwolves, as they edged the Nets 103-99 at the Izod Center tonight.
- The Nets looked like they would have the ball, down two, with about 25 seconds left when refs initially called a turnover for the T’Wolves, but they took an official timeout and reversed it, giving the ball back to Minnesota, who hit their free throws down the stretch to win their 6th game of the year. The Nets meanwhile have to wonder where they’re going to get their wins from.
- On a major positive note, Yi Jianlian returned from his 7-week hiatus and was outstanding, scoring 22 points off the bench on 7-12 shooting, including 4-6 from three-point land.
- The Nets backcourt was strong as well. Devin Harris went for 23 points on 9-17 shooting (and 8 assists), Courtney Lee had 20 points on 8-16 shooting (3-4 from three) and Keyon Dooling chipped in with 12 points off the bench.
- Brook Lopez, on the other hand, probably had his worst game of the season. He had 10 rebounds and 7 assists, but only scored 9 points and was 5-10 on his free throws, including a critical miss with about 28 seconds left that would have cut the Minnesota lead to one.
- Minnesota outscored the Nets 56-30 in the paint and outrebounded them 46-37. The inside scoring was helped by Al Jefferson (28 points, 7 rebounds), while Kevin Love was a monster on the glass (13 points, 16 rebounds).
- Johnny Flynn continues to torture the Nets, going for 22 points and 5 assists.
- For the game, the Nets were 9-17 from three-point land, one of their best games from long-distance of the season.
Game 29 Preview: Nets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Dec 23, 2009 2009-2010 Open Thread, Game Previews, Nets vs. Timberwolves
28 games ago, the Nets had a chance to beat the Timberwolves and avoid any of this record nonsense, but it didn’t work out like that. While the Timberwolves has been just as bad as the Nets (and some claim they have been worse than the Nets), the Timberwolves now have Kevin Love playing for them, and he doesn’t seem to be showing any effect of the injury. Here are the line-ups.
Mark is going to be around here handling the comments, you can find me over at ESPN’s Daily Dime Chat.
UPDATE: Rafer Alston is out tonight. Yi and Dooling are back.
Devin Harris vs. Jonny Flynn
Something that I have started to notice when rewatching the games is that Devin looks to create too much contact when he drives the lane. Devin is great at getting to the line, but sometimes he tries to create the contact, doesn’t get the call, and he ends up flinging up a shot that has no chance of going in. I think he needs to worry about making the lay-up more than he needs to worry about creating the contact. That being said, I still think he will get the best of Jonny Flynn tonight.
Advantage: Devin Harris
Courtney Lee vs. Corey Brewer
Corey Brewer has always showed flashes of being a solid player (see his dunk on Derek Fisher), but now he seems to be putting it all together. He has averaged over 14 PPG in his last 6 games. Courtney Lee was at practice and his shot looked smooth when I was watching. He looked under control and he wasn’t fading. Let’s hope that he can carry it over into the game.
Advantage: Push
Trenton Hassell vs. Damien Wilkens
OK. Trenton Hassell and Damien Wilkens could very well be the same person. They both have the same skill-set, and they both are getting way too much playing time on their respective teams. An interesting stat though, Timberwolves are 5-8 in Wilkens’ 13 starts.
Advantage: Push
Josh Boone vs. Kevin Love
I was expecting a slow start for Kevin Love coming back from injury. To me, rebounding is all about timing, and when you miss something like 20 games, one would think it would take him a little while to get in the swing of things. Nope. Kevin Love does all of the little things right, and that makes him a monster on the boards. Josh Boone is not.
Advantage: Kevin Love
Brook Lopez vs. Al Jefferson
Al Jefferson just looked off the last time these two teams played. That was to be expected since he was coming back from major knee surgery. I haven’t had the chance to watch many Timberwolves games since, but you could expect Brook Lopez to have another big game against the Timberwolves.
Advantage: Brook Lopez
Bloggers Talk: Minnesota Timberwolves
Dec 23, 2009 Bloggers Talk, Nets vs. Timberwolves
Ah, the Minnesota Timberwolves … While the Nets had a lot go wrong for them to start the season 0-18, probably nothing was more critical than their season opening loss to the Wolves after leading by 17 points in the second half. Still, we shouldn’t let our bitter hatred for the team prevent us from catching up with Patrick Hodgdon from Howlin Wolf about the T’Wolves.
NAS: Despite the fact that the Wolves had a few more wins than the Nets, there are a few NBA pundits who think the Nets are the better team. Make your case as to why the Wolves, are, at the very least, better than the Nets.
Well the answer to this question ties in to your third as well. Basically Kevin Love is the difference for the Wolves right now who are playing much better with him than they were before him. Without him I think you could make a case for the Nets but with him I think the Wolves hold the edge.
NAS: Nets fans have already started the John Wall watch. Any buzz in Minnesota about the prospective #1 draft pick in 2010?
Definitely a lot of buzz here. It would be pretty high comedy if the Wolves were to finally land the #1 pick with Wall on the board especially after everyone tore them apart for all their point guard love this past summer. That being said they would then have the market cornered to an extent with 4 very good young point guards and the ability to trade away two of them for some help on the wing. I am pretty confident that Kahn could look like a genius here but others (cough, Matt Moore @ HP, cough) think I’m off the deep-end drinking the kool-aid.
NAS: How has Kevin Love looked since his return from injury?
Really, really good. I should have a post up shortly on just how good he has been. Short version: Love is arguably our best player at 4 different things: rebounding (best in the league arguably), passing, shooting, and defending. He’s been the same beast on the boards as he was as a rookie if not better and has even added 3-point range to his game which this team desperately needs. It’s amazing to have a power forward who can not only stretch the D with his range but grab 4+ offensive rebounds as well.
NAS: And speaking of injuries, is Al Jefferson getting some of his explosiveness back? Watching him on opening night, there just seemed to be something off about him.
It’s been pretty up and down for Al this season but lately he’s been looking more like himself. He’s at about 80-90% back I’d say. Putting up 20/10 but not the 25/12 he was before he went down last season.
Lawrence Frank Has Lost Whatever “Magic” He Had
Nov 3, 2009 Analysis, Coaching, Front Office, Lawrence Frank, Nets vs. Bobcats, Nets vs. Magic, Nets vs. Timberwolves, Nets vs. Wizards, Opinion, Xs and Os
Going into this season, Lawrence Frank’s record record as a coach was 225-225. Exactly .500. After last night’s loss, Lawrence Frank is now 4 games under .500 for his coaching career. This season’s start has taken him from a winning coach to a losing coach, and whatever “grace period” his magical start to his coaching career bought him is now fading away. A lot of Lawrence Frank supporters (are there even any of those anymore) point to that 14-0 start as an example for what type of coach he is. Frank’s trip below .500 proves that this might not be the case. This being said, I am not delusional. I wasn’t expecting the Nets to be 4-0 right now, but with what is going on right now (we scored 7 points in a quarter against the Bobcats) you need to look at the coach for an explanation. When you do that, you find that Lawrence Frank is responsible for a whole lot of head-scratching moves in this short season:
Rotations
I don’t know if it is just me, but these rotations just seem off. I know the Nets are young, and they have been hit with a bunch of injuries, but even still. When you have a young team (and the Nets are indeed young, they have the youngest starting lineup in the NBA), it is the coaches job to put his team in positions that make being successful easier. It is like Lawrence Frank is trying to do the exact opposite.
Some examples after the jump:
Thoughts on the Game: Heartbreak Tonight
Oct 28, 2009 2009-2010 Regular Season, Nets vs. Timberwolves, Thoughts On the Game
To quote the immortal Alec Baldwin from one of my favorite movies, State and Maine, “Well, that happened.”
What else can you say? The New Jersey Nets 2009-10 season started off with a bang – a comfortable, double-digit lead. The big man in the middle absolutely dominating. The new rookie off the bench having a stellar debut. The game ended with a punch in the gut. And I only say gut because I’m trying to be kind to the actual part of my anatomy that was crushed by the last second offensive rebound and putback by Damien Wilkins (natch when the Nets were going with their “small” lineup of Harris-Lee-TWill-CDR-Lopez) giving the depleted Minnesota Timberwolves the 95-93 victory at the Target Center in Minnesota tonight.
These are the kinds of games that give recappers nightmares. As I’m watching through three quarters, the postgame reaction is basically writing itself. If you can just forget the closing minutes and go back to when the Nets led by 19 points in the second half, you’ll remember an absolutely incredible performance from Brook Lopez. All eyes have been on Lopez since the summer when the Nets traded Vince Carter, their number one scoring option. Analyst and fans alike wanted to know if Lopez could grow from his 13 and 8 rookie season and become a go-to guy on the offensive end, while still playing solid defense. If tonight’s game was any indication, Brook Lopez should start getting his plane ticket to Dallas ready for the NBA All-Star game. Lopez had 16 points, 8 rebounds, 4 blocks and 3 assists … at the end of the first half. He finished with 27, 15, 5 and 4 respectively. Brook was scoring from all over the court, 18-20 foot jumpers, post moves, high-post pick and rolls with Devin Harris. For three quarters, the Wolves had no answer for Lopez, and YES commentator Ian Eagle even joked at one point that it looked like a scrimmage out there for him.
The other major plotline was the debut of Terrence Williams. TWill did everything you could ask of him in his 31 minutes. He was forced into action early when Chris Douglas-Roberts got into foul trouble in the first quarter, and Williams never looked back. He scored 15 points, showing off his jumper, and his aggressive moves streaking towards the rim. During a two minute stretch in the first quarter, he got into a two-man game with Lopez, who was settled at the high post to run a couple of give-and-go sets, producing four quick points for Williams. He also showcased some of his versatility, grabbing 10 rebounds. On the whole, he looked comfortable and poised out there, being aggressive on defense, and only making a handful of careless turnovers on overly-fancy passes that concerned me during the preseason.
Quick Recap: Minnesota Timberwolves 95, New Jersey Nets 93
Oct 28, 2009 2009-2010 Regular Season, Nets vs. Timberwolves, Quick Recap
The Minnesota Timberwolves (1-0) defeated the Nets (0-1) 95-93 in Minnesota last night on a heartbreaking last second shot by Damien Wilkins.
- Well, we knew this team would take its lumps this season, but the Nets lead throughout this game by as many as 19 points, but were outscored 31-15 in the 4th quarter and just seemed lost and lethargic on the offensive end when it matter most.
- Brook Lopez was dominant for three quarters before falling apart with the rest of his team in fourth. Still, he finished with 27 points, 15 rebounds, 5 blocks and 4 assists.
- Yi Jianlian finished with 17 points and 12 rebounds, but committed a lane violated with 1:47 left on a Brook Lopez free throw which costs the Nets a point.
- The Nets held the Wolves to 37 percent shooting but turned the ball over 22 times.
- Terrence Williams had a spectacular debut, scoring 15 points and 10 rebounds, but was sitting in the game’s waning moments until the final play.
- The much talked about “Wildcat” rotation of Devin Harris-Courtney Lee-Chris Douglas-Roberts-Terrence Williams-Brook Lopez did not see a lot of time on the court, but was on the floor for the final play, where the small lineup was beat on an offensive rebound and a putback.
- Jarvis Hayes left the game in the first quarter with a hamstring injury.
Game 1 vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Oct 28, 2009 2009-2010 Open Thread, Game Preview, Nets vs. Timberwolves
It is finally here. Opening day. I am so excited for this game, I can barely control myself today, I just keep looking at my clock, waiting for it to be 8:00.
- This will be your open thread. I am kind of merging open threads and the previews I used to do last year, so don’t hesitate to discuss the game in the comments section.
- For those who entered the NetsAreScorching Regular Season Pick ‘Em Contest, don’t worry, I didn’t forget. I got the entries all lined up, and you will be getting the first set of standings on Sunday.
—
Nets Starting Lineup
- PG – Devin Harris
- SG – Courtney Lee
- SF – Chris Douglas-Roberts
- PF – Yi Jianlian
- C – Brook Lopez
Timberwolves Starting Lineup
- PG – Jonny Flynn
- SG – Corey Brewer
- SF – Damien Wilkins
- PF – Ryan Gomes
- C – Al Jefferson
Their Mismatches
Jonny Flynn vs. Devin Harris - Before all of you go crazy, let me explain. I know this is a stretch, but I didn’t have a mismatch, and I needed something to write here. Jonny Flynn loves getting into the lane, and Devin (who may still be banged up) hasn’t been a great defender here since arriving in Jersey. If Flynn gets into the lane, that will lead to open 3 point shots and Brook Lopez picking up fouls.
Our Mismatches
Chris Douglas-Roberts vs. Damien Wilkins – I already mentioned it in the scout posted earlier, but Damien Wilkins is the T-Wolves version of Jarvis Hayes. A good veteran shooter who can hit the open 3 and play ok defense. When CDR is playing against 3s like Wilkins I am all for him starting there. CDR will be able to take Wilkins to the hole and shoot over him tonight. CDR can take a big step forward tonight with a big performance.
Matchup Of The Night
Brook Lopez vs. Al Jefferson – This is going to be a fun match-up to keep your eyes on tonight. This actually could be an all-star match-up in a few years. Jefferson is terrific offensively, and he uses his athletic ability to get around bigger men and scoop up rebounds. Brook uses his size and polished post game to score, and his size is what allows him to get rebounds. I wouldn’t be surprised to see both guys put up a double-double tonight.
Keys To Victory
Keeping Their PGs Out Of The Lane - Minnesota has three quick PGs that will probably end up getting time. None of them are great shooters, but they are all quick guards who just want to attack the basket and get in the lane. If that happens this could lead to 3 point kick outs, fouls for Brook and Yi, and easy baskets for Al Jefferson. What Devin and Rafer need to do tonight is just play off of their PGs, giving them the shot while preventing them from getting into the lane.
Defending The 3 - The T-Wolves don’t have a lot of great shooters, but they have guys who can hit open threes. We have showed all preseason that we can’t really defend the 3, so don’t be surprised if they hit 5-10 on us. Their biggest threat from 3? Last year’s Final Four MOP Wayne Ellington.
Get Brook His Touches - For this team to be successful, Brook needs to get a good amount of touches. This game especially, Al Jefferson is a great offensive talent, but he struggles defending bigger centers in the post. If the Nets are able to take advantage of this, this could go a long way in getting a win tonight.
Make Their Starters Work/Get Starters In Foul Trouble – The Timberwolves aren’t the deepest team in the NBA, and with the injury to Kevin Love, one of their bench pieces now has to start. If the Nets can get Al Jefferson or Ryan Gomes tired or in foul trouble, it is a big time advantage for them because there is a huge drop-off in talent coming off the bench.
Prediction
Current Record: 0-0
I like the Nets in this one. I feel like the Nets are better at every position (including Yi), and they are deeper than the Wolves too. Plus, Kevin Love isn’t playing. I think the Nets are going to win going away (10 points or more).
Bloggers Talk: Minnesota Timberwolves
Oct 28, 2009 Bloggers Talk, Nets vs. Timberwolves, Pregame Report
While Sebastian and I pride ourselves on trying to give you Nets fans as much statistical information as possible before every game, we’re never shy about deferring to people who know their teams the best. So before “momentous” games and home games, we’re going to try and tap a fellow member of the NBA blogsphere for a short little question and answers session to give you guys some more insight about that night’s matchup.
First up is Patrick Hodgdon, from the fantastic Minnesota T’Wolves TrueHoop blog, Howlin’ T-Wolf. We also answered some questions for his site earlier today:
NAS: A lot of NBA fans who don’t follow the Wolves heard a lot about your team, via Ricky Rubio news this summer. Despite that, how do you feel the team has come together during the preseason?
Hodgdon: Well, the Wolves had a tough preseason to say the least but it can be mostly linked to injuries. Losing your second best player in Kevin Love and having your best player in Al Jefferson sidelined as well doesn’t particularly help a team that is trying to integrate 10 new players (almost 11 since Corey Brewer is returning but was out all last year) and implement new head Coach Kurt Rambis’ half Pat Riley uptempo showtime, half Phil Jackson triangle offense. Anyone that has ever tried to run the triangle knows its very tough especially at the beginning (I had the opportunity to have one of my coaches growing up who had played for Tex Winter teach us the triangle so I know first hand it’s really tough) and that you need a lot of time to learn your teammates tendencies in order to keep the all-important spacing the triangle demands. So when your two best players are on the sidelines early there are plenty of growing pains left for the Wolves to go through. That being said the Wolves did come together and win their last two preseason games in which both Corey Brewer looked like a legit lottery pick for the first time this year, coming off knee surgery, and Jonny Flynn looked like a legit point guard. Their last preseason game was their 3rd in 4 nights and they won it in the second half mostly off their energy, which is a good sign for a team that is going to have to win a LOT of games off their energy if you know what I mean.