The Fight for the Top of the Atlantic Division
The Brooklyn Nets are starting to look to have a hold on things after a rocky start. The Nets lead a close Atlantic division with Philadelphia and New York right…
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 24: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets in action against Gordon Hayward #20 of the Charlotte Hornets during a game at Barclays Center on October 24, 2021 in New York City. The Hornets defeated the Nets 111-95.”nNOTE 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 Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
The Brooklyn Nets are starting to look to have a hold on things after a rocky start. The Nets lead a close Atlantic division with Philadelphia and New York right on their heels. Coming into the season there was a lot of questions surrounding this Nets squad. How long will Kyrie Irving hold out with the mask mandate? What is going on with James Harden? Can Kevin Durant carry this team to the Finals?
With no Kyrie still to come, Kevin Durant has shouldered most of the load and has done it effortlessly. Each game he shows why he is the best player in the world today. He averages 29.5 points per game, 8.5 rebounds per game and five assists.
Harden is still not averaging 20 points per game down at 18.2, but has made it up with his playmaking averaging 8.8. assists per game and grabbing 8 rebounds per game. If the Nets want to be the deadly team everyone thought they would be Harden will have to get in rhythm and put up some more points on the board.
The Nets have won their last six out of seven and look to keep rolling as they face the Pelicans Friday night at 8.
The New York Knicks started out strong looking to build off of a great 2020-21 season. The Knicks started off winning five out of their first six games. That did not last long the Knicks have lost four out of their last six games with a record of 7-5. In their last game Wednesday in a losing effort against the Bucks Coach Tom Thibodeau sat his starters for the entire fourth quarter. Coach’s decision was based on the team not playing well.
“We’ve gotta figure it out. And right now we’re playing well on the road and we’re not playing well at home which is unusual.” said Coach Thibodeau.
This season Kemba Walker, Evan Fournier, RJ Barret, Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson are outplaying all other five man units this season. That doesn't mean much because they are being outscored by 14.4 points per 100 possessions. The Knicks defensive rating is 119.3 just seven more than the worst defensive rating. The starters need to figure things out as soon as possible or they will be left behind in the standings.
The Knicks travel down to Charlotte to face a tough Hornets team Friday night at 7 p.m.
