The Nets lost to the red-hot Suns 113-107 on Saturday, dropping a marquee home game in front of the largest crowd the team has hosted since moving to Brooklyn (18,071).
Phoenix was led by Devin Booker, who recorded 30 points and four assists, while Brooklyn was led by Kevin Durant, who finished with 39 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Despite owning the best record in the East at 14-6, it’s clear the Nets still have work to do.
“We’re a team that’s still forming, still trying to find an identity,” head coach Steve Nash said, as relayed by Brian Lewis of the New York Post. “This [Suns] team has a clear identity, a clear understanding of what they’re trying to do offensively and defensively — something we’re still in the very early stages of.
“We get away from our game when we go behind. Those are signs of a new team, a team trying to understand each other and find some clarity and identity.”
Here are more notes from around the Atlantic:
- Raptors forward OG Anunoby (hip pointer) remained out for the team’s game against the Celtics on Sunday, Josh Lewenberg of TSN Sports tweets. No timetable has been issued for his return, but head coach Nick Nurse acknowledged the injury looks like it’s going to be “a problem.”
- Raptors guard Gary Trent Jr. (calf bone bruise) also doesn’t have a timeline for his return, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet tweets. Murphy adds the bone bruise is said to be deep and painful. Toronto started Svi Mykhailiuk in Trent’s place against Boston.
- Rotation decisions may be looming for Tom Thibodeau and the Knicks, Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News writes. New York has started the season with an 11-9 record, winning 99-90 against the Hawks on Saturday without Kemba Walker, Nerlens Noel and Derrick Rose.
Imaging being able to make millions and not have to do your job because you have a bruise…man I’m jealous of the other half lol And yes I know a bone bruise is worse than a regular bruise but I’ve also seen players miss with “thigh contusions” which is basically a regular bruise lol
The margins in the NBA are so narrow that an injury like that can make a guy unplayable. Its not a normal job were you arent completely reliant on your athleticism
I bet everyone on here knows attempting to play high level basketball with a bone bruise in any part of the leg could have you compensating…
and tear an acl
Contusions tend to tighten up the bruised part of the muscle and at time can be difficult to stretch. Depending on the severity of the thigh contusion it can really limit your range of motion leading to a possible strain or tear. When a team has millions invested in an athlete it’s far better to take a few days off then get a tear and miss the rest of the season.
a quarter of the way into the season and the nets are still very early in figuring out what team that are??
They’re missing Kyrie and still managed to start out 14-6.
The Nets seem to be doing a pretty good job at figuring it out.
They have been smocked by all contenders … Nets juste need to D
A quarter of the season? Most casual fans don’t even care about the NBA until Christmas.
I have good idea for Nets, Sixers, and Kings.
Kings get Irving&Simons
Sixers get Harris&Hield&Bagley
Nets get Fox&Thompson&Green
Kings are obvious, 2 headcases, but if they mesh, they closer to being championship contender than po contender.
Sixer get 2 elite snipers and young prospect
Nets get substitute for Irving in Fox and 2 usable veterans and future salary cut
What do you think folks?
Harris gets traded from the Sixers to the Sixers?
Joe Harris
Wrong Gary Trent Jr. link
Largest crowd ….. Woooo Hoooo
Knicks having selling out for Since the Ewing yrs. That’s 40 yrs lols.
Nets are figuring it out without Kyrie. I doubt he comes back or they want him back. But they are not winning a Chip without a trade for Kyrie. KD reupped his contract not Harden. So you think they would trade Harden at deadline. Instead of watching him walk.
I heard Kyrie caught the new variant. Makes you a space cadet. Kyrie wants to be on space flight with Strahan. Wants proof the world is round.