The Brooklyn Nets have now clawed their way up to the 7 seed in the East after a win in Memphis coupled with losses by Charlotte and Detroit. Brooklyn was able to take the Grizzlies out of their element, as the game was played at a 101.2 pace. Memphis ranks last in the league in pace, at 94.7, while the Nets don’t rush too much either, ranking 22nd in pace at 98.1.

But the plan was clear, push the pace and simply try to outscore the Grizzlies. It worked. Brooklyn posted a 53.8% eFG% in the game, with the big discrepancies coming from beyond the arc and at the line. The Nets went 13/34 from three, for 38.2%. Memphis was 5/24 for 20.8%. The Nets went 24/26 from the line, 92.3%(!). The Grizzlies were just 11/15 from the line (73/3%).

Observations

1. Shabazz Napier Flashes Again

The shooting line wasn’t pretty (1/5), but Napier hit all 7 of his free throws and finished with 10 points off the bench. He handed out 4 assists as well. Over his last four games Napier has gone 20/36 from the field (55.6%), 8/16 from three (50%), and 17/19 from the line (89.5%). Over the four games he is averaging 16 points and 4 assists in 22.8 minutes per game.

Napier has only logged 355 minutes this season, but is posting a B+ grade in perimeter shooting, an A in one-on-one, a B- in playmaking, and a B in perimeter defense.

Brooklyn appears to enjoy having three capable lead guards. Given that, bringing back Napier after the season to play with Spencer Dinwiddie and Caris LeVert would be a cheaper alternative to shelling out an eight figure annual salary to D’Angelo Russell.

2. D’Angelo Russell’s Passing

D’Angenlo Russell had his passing on full display Friday night, including multiple cross court finds to Joe Harris.

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Later in the game Russell threw functionally the same pass, only perfectly to Harris in the far corner. It was once again pinpoint placement for Harris to easily catch and shoot.

Russell finished the game with an efficient 23 points and 10 assists. It is the first time in his career that Russell has logged consecutive 20-10 games.

3. Russell/Dinwiddie/Napier

Speaking of having three lead guards, in the past two games Kenny Atkinson has played lineups with Russell, Dinwiddie, and Napier all on the floor together.

On the season the group is +12 in 138 minutes. Any lineup with these three will be a defensive liability. It is also not crushing it on offense either, having posted a 106.6 offensive rating thus far. Perhaps with more experience the offensive component will improve. The three man combination is aesthetically pleasing to watch, however.

Questions

1. Can We Add a Block Contest to All-Star Weekend?

Here is your latest installment in “Jarrett Allen had a ridiculous block last night.”

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2. Where’s the Zone?

Brooklyn didn’t utilize their zone defense in this one. This gives credence to the idea it is not going to be an every game instance, but instead used on-and-off in games against superior offenses.

Prediction

History Repeats Itself

After a big home win over the Lakers in December, Brooklyn as set to travel to Chicago for their next game. Prior to that game I predicted the Nets would not have a let down and drop a game to the Bulls. The Nets of old would do such a thing, but not this group. Sure enough, they won.

Brooklyn is traveling to Chicago again tonight after this big win in Memphis. History will repeat itself and the Nets will not suffer a let down against the Bulls. Brooklyn will keep the momentum going, and improve to 13-3 in their last 16 games.