Brooklyn Nets: Should fans be worried with the Nets’ recent slump?
By Zach Wolpin
Should the Brooklyn Nets be concerned with their recent skid?
Brooklyn Nets fans are getting antsy. The team is currently struggling to find wins while they deal with injuries and the drag of a long 82-game NBA season. Luckily, the all-star break is a few weeks away and that gives time for both players and coaches to get some much-needed rest.
The Nets are currently on a five-game losing streak only winning three of their last 10 games. That leaves them sixth in the Eastern Conference standings after Tuesday night’s 121-111 loss on the road to Phoenix and with an overall record of 29-21. It’s safe to say that Brooklyn needs their Big 3 back on the court together as soon as possible.
That is where the real issue lies. The Nets’ big 3 have only been on the court playing together 15 times since acquiring James Harden last season on January 14, 2021. More than a year ago. Injuries and other contributing factors all play a role in why the Nets are facing some adversity right now.
With a 29-21 record the team has played exactly 50 games so far. In their first 25 games, the Nets had a record of 17-8. The next 25 games gave them a record of 12-13 and clearly, the injury to Kevin Durant is a huge reason for the recent struggles.
Nets veteran center LaMarcus Aldridge is set to miss the rest of the road trip for the Nets as reported by Alex Schiffer. Head coach Steve Nash said he: “doesn’t rule him out returning for before the All-Star break.” In 36 games played so far this season, Aldridge is averaging 13.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game.
Another key piece missing for the Nets is Joe Harris who still has no official set return. With Kyrie Irving still only available to play road games the team could use Harris’ production back on the court. Harris has only played in 14 games this season. Nash would not say whether Joe would be ready to go after the All-Star break and that is not great news for Nets fans.
"“Joe Harris is steadily doing more and more, but isn’t ready for high intensity yet”"
The last and arguably the most important reason the Nets have only won three of their last 10 games is because they are missing the most gifted scorer the NBA has ever seen, Mr. Kevin Durant. Averaging just under 30 points per game (29.3), KD is the heart and soul of the team. When he is at his best, the rest of the team seems to find a way to play their best as well to compliment the 11-time All-Star.
Durant was voted Captain of the Eastern Conference All-Star team but won’t be able to play in the game due to his knee injury.
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The Nets have three more road games left in this five-game road trip. Starting Wednesday night, the Nets will face the Sacramento Kings, then travel for a matchup with the Utah Jazz Friday, who have injury issues of their own, and conclude the road trip with their second of two meetings with the Nikola Jokic-led Denver Nuggets on Sunday.