Brooklyn Nets need consistent scoring from Spencer Dinwiddie
Spencer Dinwiddie needs to assume more of a consistent scoring average while the Brooklyn Nets await the return of starting point guard D’Angelo Russell.
The Brooklyn Nets are finding ways to put up points without leading scorer D’Angelo Russell still recovering from knee surgery. The recent insertion of Spencer Dinwiddie to the starting lineup has provided much-needed production from a backcourt still trying to find its identity this season.
The loss of Lin for the season and Russell recently has shifted the team’s original plan from training camp. The focus is shifting away from a dominant two point guard starting tandem.
Dinwiddie has shown flashes of excellence this season in relief, including game-clinching plays at home this year against the Cleveland Cavaliers and Utah Jazz. The problem with flashes are they don’t occur consistently and often enough to string along more wins for the team still struggling.
Brooklyn entered its matchup Sunday night with the Memphis Grizzles riding a three-game losing streak searching for an answer to their tough home stand. Dinwiddie did not put up big scoring numbers, notching nine points as the Nets defeated Memphis 98-88 thanks to great defense and setting up teammates with his seven assists. It was another single-digit scoring performance from the former University of Colorado star who previously dropped 23 points on Friday afternoon against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson praised Dinwiddie’s performance during his postgame press conference focusing on his ability to keep the team calm down the stretch.
"“I was happy. It got a little dicey, and we got it together, Spencer [Dinwiddie] did a real good job in the second half organizing us, slowing down a little; great job by him and the whole group. Obviously we had some guys out. Rondae was out at halftime. That’s why we have 15 guys. Great team win.”"
A key loss during the victory was forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson exiting the game early due to an ankle injury. The Nets are once again down another important player, further pushing the hopes that Dinwiddie can increase his scoring on a more consistent basis.
Dinwiddie’s overall ability to set teammates up is essential, but with the lack of healthy bodies adding up it’s important that he remains aggressive. His 11.9 points per game this season won’t be enough if Russell is out for an extended period this season.
As Dinwiddie continues to hold the reins, he — along with the rest of the team — is receiving support from Russell while on the road trip. The Nets’ leading scorer is still undergoing rehab for his knee, but has been vocal in support of his team during a recent interview with the New York Post.
"“Yeah for sure, it’s very important to have everybody out here, I feel like it throws the team bonding off, the chemistry off when everybody’s not on the road and the faces that you’re used to aren’t there. So I definitely wanted to make that effort to be on this one.“[Atkinson and I] watch film. We talk a lot. I want to have that relationship with him where I can tell him anything, and he can tell me the same thing. It’s something we can both be better at. Me missing time to be around him and be around the team doesn’t help, so I try to be around as much as I can.”"
Brooklyn will continue to face the task of picking up the scoring load for injured players and with Dinwiddie at the starting point guard spot he will need to be more than just the distributor. It’s impossible to fully replace the scoring efforts of Russell, but guys like Caris LeVert and DeMarre Carroll are also going to be challenged with the responsibility if the defense isn’t strong.
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The positive side will eventually be the growth of each player without their star contributor and building a stronger defensive foundation moving forward. Defense will still win games if the offense just isn’t there at the moment.