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Brooklyn Nets: 3 takeaways from Game 1 vs. 76ers

By Adam Tayabali

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 13: D'Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets celebrates with teammates DeMarre Carroll #9 and Joe Harris #12 after beating the Philadelphia 76ers 111-102 during Game One of the first round of the 2019 NBA Playoff at Wells Fargo Center on April 13, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Drew Hallowell/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 13: D'Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets celebrates with teammates DeMarre Carroll #9 and Joe Harris #12 after beating the Philadelphia 76ers 111-102 during Game One of the first round of the 2019 NBA Playoff at Wells Fargo Center on April 13, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Drew Hallowell/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. The Nets are a better fit than the 76ers

To be blunt, the Brooklyn Nets looked comfortable with one another, while the Philadelphia 76ers starting five did not. The starters have played a total of 10 games together, mostly due to Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris  joining via trades at different times in the season.

The Nets’ players play styles complement one another, with D’Angelo Russell and Jarrett Allen having a dynamic pick-and-roll. Joe Harris and DeMarre Carroll are both knock down three point shooters than don’t require the ball. Spencer Dinwiddie and Caris Levert can play off one another while exposing the opponent’s bench.

Most importantly, the Nets play a more modern game than the 76ers. The Nets ranked 5th in 3-point field goals during the regular season and have multiple threats from downtown. They looked to run at every opportunity against the 76ers and every transition 3-pointer seemed to shift the momentum in their favor. The Nets played small ball and took advantage with Joel Embiid limited to 24 minutes.

The 76ers on the other hand, are an odd fit despite all of the players having size and being very talented. Ben Simmons can’t shoot, going 14-73 from outside the paint during the regular season. Jimmy Butler needs and is better with the ball as an elite iso player. Their chemistry is lacking overall and each player compensates by reverting back to what they do best. The 76ers are very talented, but chemistry is important.

The Golden State Warriors aren’t just a group of great players, they’ve built chemistry over the years and complement one another with their individual strengths. The 76ers don’t have that right now, and won’t magically discover how to optimally play together this postseason.

Next. Orlando Magic: 3 takeaways from Game 1 vs. Raptors. dark

Chemistry and fit are important intangibles that can make or break a team during the postseason and although this series is far from over, the Nets could succeed in an upset.