The mind-boggling battle between the Brooklyn Nets and Portland Trail Blazers came to a conclusion with the Nets losing 134-133. Their loss ended the Phoenix Suns’ 8-0 run for playoffs. While the Portland Trail Blazers sealed a spot in the play-in series. Damian Lillard gave it up all season and has been on a record-breaking spree.
No one had any such high expectations of the Nets. But their extraordinary 5-0 performance in the bubble helped them to clinch seventh seed in the Eastern Conference. Despite missing two important pieces from the team.
What to expect from the Brooklyn Nets with Kevin Durant?
Kevin Durant signed with the franchise last July along with incredible dribbler, Kyrie Irving. Unfortunately for the Nets, Durant broke his Achilles in Game 5 of the 2019 NBA Finals. Not only this, but Kyrie Irving was also suspended for the season due to a shoulder injury. Both of these players did not get into the bubble due to these injuries.
On the bright side, they look ready for a comeback next season. Durant’s injury has not affected his perception that he’s one of the most consistent players in the NBA. The Brooklyn Nets really have a game-changing player after some bad seasons. He could play a key role in making the Nets tough competitors next season. Shannon Sharpe feels the same way, but has some concerns about Durant’s comparison to the other players on the team.
Op Undisputed, Skip Bayless and Shannon Sharpe discuss the future of the Nets next season. Shannon says, ‘They may be special, but I just do not know how it will work. You have KD and Kyrie who need the ball. Caris LeVert, we saw what he did, but that was from KD, from Kyrie and from Spencer Dinwiddie. ”
Sharpe talks about tendencies of ball hogging that can really be a mess. “Dinwiddie leaves the ball in his hand. We saw when Kyrie went down, he could go 50. But KD and Caris LeVert, they need the ball. “He explains metaphorically how they all look great individually, but,” I just do not know how these pieces fit together. “ said Sharpe.
.@ShannonSharpe to if the Nets should be the favorites to win the East next year:
“They may be special, but I do not know it will work. You’ve seen what LeVert and Dinwiddie can do, but KD & Kyrie need the ball in their hands. I just do not know how these pieces fit together.” pic.twitter.com/fSejuWHRue
– UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) August 14, 2020
How have they played so far this season?
The Nets have really outdone themselves in the regular season. No one thought they could hit a spot in the playoffs, let alone the seventh seed. Collective contributions from players such as Caris LeVert, Garrett Temple, Spencer Dinwiddie, Jarrett Allen and Joe Harris did not go in vain and left the team well, despite their leading players being absent.
The Brooklyn Nets play their first postseason game against the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday, August 14th.
