Pretenders to Contenders: What’s behind the Nets staggering 180?
By Rob Greene
Kevin Durant, just coming off a trade-requested summer from Brooklyn’s front office, was exhaustingly warn-out speaking in brutal honesty with TNT’s Chris Haynes following a notable 153-121 Nets’ loss in Sacramento on Nov. 15. Explaining his reasoning using an example describing what was at the time, his lackadaisical supporting cast, Durant let it all out.
"“Look at our starting lineup. Edmond Sumner, Royce O’Neale, Joe Harris, [Nic] Claxton and me. It’s not disrespect, but what are you expecting from that group? You expect us to win because I’m out there. So if you’re watching from that lens, you’re expecting us to play well because No. 7 is out there.” – Durant to Haynes following the loss to the Kings."
The Brooklyn Nets Are the Legitimate Title Contender We Have Been Waiting For
Well, Brooklyn has gone 21-5 with the NBA’s best record since that date. Durant and sidekick Kyrie Irving have finally been no longer messing around under Coach Jacque Vaughn giving basketball the business the world has been desperately waiting on.
"“It wasn’t difficult at all to request a trade because it was about ball,” said Durant to Haynes. “I went to them and was like, ‘Yo, I don’t like how we are preparing. I don’t like shootarounds. I like practices. I need more. I want to work on more s–t. Hold me accountable. Get on my ass in film if that’s going to help you get on everybody else’s head. I want to do more closeouts. I want to work on more shell drills at practice.’"
Since Vaughn took over, the Nets are 25-8. Now winners of 18 of their last 20. To say everything has come up roses for Brooklyn would be complete minimization of credit.