The Nets season may be being decided at the moment with this double confrontation against the Hawks. Currently 11th in the Eastern Conference, and first not qualified for the play-in, Brooklyn now has only three wins less than its opponent, 10th. Despite the absences of Ben Simmons and Cam Thomas, Kevin Ollie's players sent a message by winning by 27 points (124-97) against Quin Snyder's men.
“They are just ahead of us in the standings. We were aware, before the match, that we had to have in mind the desire to strike first, and we did a good job in this area. summarizes Dennis Schroder, about the successful start of his new team: 34-16 at the end of the first quarter.
Winner for the first time at home, Kevin Ollie appreciated the result, but also the manner. “There are two things we can control: effort and energy” recalls the new Brooklyn coach. “Then our recipe is to not lose any balloons, and to share the cake. This is what I repeat over and over again. And when you finish a match with only 9 turnovers and 30 assists, that's a recipe for victory. »
Getting out of the hole you dug yourself
The good news is that the Nets can count on a return to the forefront of Cam Johnson. Disappointing this season after his big contract extension, the international winger signed his best game of the season with 29 points at 7 of 11 from 3-point range. For him, Brooklyn's season can still be saved.
“We have to maintain this sense of urgency for the rest of the season” he warns. “It’s unfortunate that we dug our own hole, because it doesn’t look like this team. We have to find a way out of this, and maybe we'll have to do more. Tonight is just the beginning, and it won't be of any use if we don't move on to the next match, and then again to the next match…”
The next match is therefore always against the Hawks, and always at home. “We may be at a turning point. If we sweep them in these two matches, we will put ourselves in a very good position.” assures Nic Claxton.
