The Nets have suffered from injuries, outbreaks, core player absences and more, but they are still number one in the East. For this "hard-won" top position, the whole team wants to hold this position. In the Christmas war game, Harden single-handedly led the team, relying on the efforts of Mills, Clarkston, Bembry and other players, defeated the Lakers on the road and continued to stabilize this throne. The NBA has been fully open this season (fans are on the floor), so home field advantage is still important for teams in the playoffs.
Recently, there is also good news: Irving, who has been away from the season for more than 2 months, is finally returning. According to Shams, Irving will return on January 6 or January 13 and will make his season debut. Nets win 3 steps to win the championship: 3 people in combination, give up 2 substitutes, reuse 1 rookie! Dark Underworld 2 is always the X factor.
3 people in combination
For the Nets, the first step in winning the title is the big three. Last season, they played only 9 games together (including the playoffs), how could they beat the Bucks, how could they win the championship? So this season is the best opportunity. But no one expected: Irving would be "kicked out" of the team for refusing to be vaccinated. However, due to the outbreak of the epidemic and the efforts of Durant and Harden, Irving has returned.
Although it is only an away game, it is still a "3-man combination", at least better than last season. Under the current situation that New York City's epidemic prevention policy remains unchanged, the team must ensure that the Big 3 is healthy, integrated and integrated to win the championship. If New York's epidemic prevention policy changes, Irving may also participate in all the competitions.
Waive 2 substitutes
For the Nets, there is definitely a need to strengthen the interior this season, and one Griffin alone is not enough. So, the team signed two former All-Star interior players: Aldridge and Millsap.
The 36-year-old is in good shape, averaging 14 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game, shooting 57.3 percent from the field. However, Millsap only had 3.3 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1 assist, shooting 35.1% from the field and 24% from three-point range. Nash used Griffin and still uses Millsap more, which really doesn't make sense!
There is also a substitute player, who has also been widely criticized by fans, he is the substitute point guard Jerwan Carter. He averaged 2.3 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game, shooting 26.8 percent from the field and 28.6 percent from three-point range. These two bench players should be dropped to make the Nets' bench play better.
Reuse 1 rookie
Since giving up 2 substitutes, you should divide the time among others. At the time of the Nets' employment shortage, the team's top 3 rookies performed eye-catchingly, namely Edwards, David Duke, and Thomas. However, when the team is in order, the only player who can get the opportunity to play is Thomas.
After Irving's return, Thomas's positioning will be affected, and the playing time may be reduced. But Nash's reuse of Thomas' line shouldn't shift. In terms of technical characteristics, Thomas's scoring ability is very strong, and it has the advantages of a nerve knife and a microwave oven, which will play a decisive role in key moments. In his last six games, he has scored in double figures in five of his last six games. Therefore, this time is the most test of Nash's coaching ability.
Dark Underworld 2 is always the X factor
In addition to the above 3 conventional ways, there is another X factor on the road to the Nets' championship, that is, the Spurs' second oldest man: How mills and Aldridge are in shape. In the past 30 or so games, they have secured their starting position. Mills is a trusted scorer with 14.3 points, 2 rebounds and 2.6 assists, shooting 45.2% from the field and 44% from three-point range. During his time with the Spurs, he proved himself to be a big heart player.
Aldridge returned with illness, averaging 14 points, 5.7 rebounds and 0.9 assists per game this season, shooting 57.3% from the field and 36.7% from three-point range, making him a very efficient interior player. The best thing about these two veterans is not the regular season, but the playoffs. Once the Nets are on track this year, the probability of winning the championship this season will be high.