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Brooklyn Nets: 5 Games To Watch This Season

By Bradley Popkin

Apr 9, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Deron Williams (8) huddles up with teammates against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Brooklyn Nets 115-111. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Deron Williams (8) huddles up with teammates against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Brooklyn Nets 115-111. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Brooklyn At Memphis Feb. 10

This date marks the second and last time these two teams will face each other this upcoming season. It’s also the day Lionel Hollins will make his first head coaching appearance in Memphis since his departure. He was not brought back to the organization once his contract expired at the end of the 2012-2013 season due to “philosophical differences” between Hollins and management. Hollins compiled an impressive resume leading the Memphis Grizzlies to three playoff appearances, including a Western Conference Finals appearance in 2012.

Hollins is a defensive minded coach and that’s one thing that Brooklyn is lucky to have. The Nets were particularly mediocre on defense a year ago, 11th in the whole league, and didn’t do themselves any favors this offseason. It would appear that Hollins would rely heavily on new signee Jack, Alan Anderson and Johnson to lock down the perimeter but use a combination of speed and athleticism to combat the lack of rim protection inside.

If Brooklyn wants to have a shot at giving Hollins a well-deserved win, they will need to use a perimeter shooting approach and an elaborate set of screens to overcome the size difference inside. Expect a tight contest when Brooklyn and Memphis collide but I see Memphis ultimately prevailing in crunch time.

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