Brooklyn Nets: 5 keys to making the 2019 NBA Playoffs

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 11: D'Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets wears a uniform matching arm sleeve during the first half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on January 11, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

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5. Work on the turnovers

While the Nets are young and inexperienced, their carelessness with the ball will come back to haunt them against good teams.

Brooklyn’s 14.5 turnovers per game currently rank 24th in the association. Every possession is put under a microscope in a playoff setting; that 14th giveaway could be the difference between a 2-1 series lead and a 1-2 deficit.

DLo’s 2.2 assist-to-turnover ratio could use some work. Ditto for Spencer Dinwiddie, who has the same quotient to date. While I don’t expect Dinwiddie to match his exceptional 4.1 number from last season, there’s a slight need for improvement here.

One could claim I’m being overly critical of these two, but the offense revolves around them. They ignite everything, orchestrate the ball movement and are often a part of the finishing touch. It’s the way of things in a spread pick-and-roll system.

When possessions get tight, those turnovers will prove extra costly, especially against experienced teams. Every possession needs to be valued, especially when the Nets play at the 11th-slowest pace (possessions per game) already.

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