On January 24, Beijing time, the NBA regular season continued, and the Nets lost to the Timberwolves 125-136, losing the game and giving up the First Place in the East. In this game, Irving scored 30 points in 11 of 20 shooting, showing great courage, but his own strength is difficult to cover up many problems of the Nets, and even if he himself plays well, it is also a hidden danger for the Nets.
The Nets' first problem was that Harden's form was too unstable. In this game, Harden sleepwalked again, scoring 13 points and 13 assists on 4-of-13 shooting, but there were 6 turnovers, more than goals. Harden has seen similar situations many times this season, although he can occasionally break out in some games to let people see his past style when he won the MVP, but more often, Harden still frequently makes mistakes and plays iron. Especially when the referee does not give the whistle, Harden's rhythm will often directly collapse, and whether Harden's state can still be adjusted, although Nash has always held a positive attitude, I am afraid that the Nets fans are getting more and more bottomless in their hearts.
The Nets' second problem is their No. 5 spot. Whether it's Sharp, Griffin, Aldridge or Clarkston, who is still recuperating from injuries, these players have many advantages, but they often have fatal shortcomings, making it difficult to balance both offensive and defensive ends at the same time. In the case of Aldridge, his offense is indeed efficient, but the defense moves too slowly and is also an Achilles heel. And that's a big problem when you meet some teams that have strong interior lines.
The Nets' third problem, Nash's on-the-spot command, is still a short board. For example, in the fourth quarter of this game, Nash actually went up 5 small at a critical moment and chose to use Johnson to target Towns, and the Nets interior line was directly exploded. From time to time, some fan lineups are put together, which also makes Nash repeatedly spit on by Nets fans, but Nash has not repented.
The first three questions, I believe most fans can recognize, but Irving's good play has also become a hidden danger to the Nets, which is probably a bit confusing. Fans who have doubts may wish to think about it from another angle, the Nets' current lack of Durant, and the above 3 problems, which is bound to make them need Irving's strength more than ever. But Irving can only play away games and cannot play at home because he does not get vaccinated. And Irving played well, can not win on the road, back at home to lose him, the Nets' probability of winning will naturally be lower, so their record may continue to decline.
The problem of Irving not getting vaccinated is not completely solved when he comes back to play away, but it is only temporarily covered up. When he first returned, everyone could support him because they missed him, and if the Nets had been on the smooth side, then this problem might have been covered up. But once the Nets' record declines and begins to lose consecutively, this hidden problem is likely to be dug up again, or even completely detonated. At that time, the Nets' internal and external troubles will strike together, which is the real crisis.
So for the Nets, losing a regular season game and temporarily giving up the first place in the East is actually nothing. However, if these 4 problems can not be effectively solved, then they want to win the championship, I am afraid it is very difficult.