Adam Armbrecht here, the host of the daily Locked On Nets podcast, with your daily Locked On Nets newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Nets and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Tyrese Martin Continues Season Of Improbable Outcomes For The Brooklyn Nets
Nov 27, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Trendon Watford (9) and Brooklyn Nets guard Tyrese Martin (13) celebrate against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images | Joe Camporeale /Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
The Brooklyn Nets are rewriting the script this season, and it’s a story that no one saw coming. With a three-game sweep in the West, including a decisive victory over the Phoenix Suns, the Nets are proving they are a force to be reckoned with.
This isn’t just about winning games; it’s about the sheer unpredictability and excitement this team brings to the court every night.
Tyrese Martin’s Breakout Performance
Tyrese Martin has emerged as a key player, delivering a stunning 30-point performance against the Suns. His ability to step up in crucial moments has been remarkable.
Martin’s rise is a testament to the Nets’ depth and the team’s ability to adapt and thrive, even without some key players like Cam Thomas and Nic Claxton. The Nets’ success isn’t just about individual performances; it’s about a collective effort that keeps opponents on their toes.
The Nets’ defensive strategy has been a game-changer. By constantly pressing and doubling key players like Kevin Durant, they’ve disrupted the flow of even the most formidable teams.
Durant’s seven turnovers in the game against the Suns highlight the effectiveness of this approach. The Nets’ relentless energy on defense is a significant factor in their unexpected success this season.
A System That Works for Everyone
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Nets’ play is their offensive system, designed to be personnel-independent. This means that regardless of who is on the court, the team runs the same high-motion, screen-heavy plays.
This approach not only raises the floor for the team but also allows players like Martin to shine when given the opportunity. The system’s consistency ensures that every player knows their role, leading to seamless integration and execution on the court.
The Nets’ ability to maintain this level of play without relying on a single superstar is a testament to their coaching and team dynamics. Head Coach Jordi Fernandez has instilled a culture of effort and discipline that permeates every aspect of the team’s play.
This commitment to a team-first mentality sets the Nets apart and makes them a compelling team to watch.
As the season progresses, the Nets continue to defy expectations. Their ability to win games against top-tier teams, even when the odds are stacked against them, is a testament to their resilience and determination.
The question is not whether the Nets can keep winning. How far they can go with this momentum remains to be seen.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Brooklyn Nets’ incredible journey, tune into the Locked On Nets podcast for this and much more.
Giving thanks for a better-than-expected rookie class
Happy Thanksgiving! To give you something to talk about with your undoubtedly NBA-fluent families and friends, here are some rookie rankings to chew over.
1. Jared McCain, Philadelphia 76ers
Over his last ten games, McCain has averaged 23 points per game (top 25 in the league in that span) on solid efficiency, including 39% from deep on crazy volume. Philly hasn’t had much to cheer about this season, but McCain’s surprising on-ball creation and superb off-ball movement have Philly fans seeing a future star (wait, maybe that’s just their court). I’m obsessed with this little moonwalk he uses to shake OG Anunoby juuuust enough to bury a shuriken in his eye:
McCain moonwalks into a three over OG Anunoby
McCain likely won’t score like this when the team’s fully healthy (and he’s cooled off the last two games), but the fact that he can is a great sign for the team’s present and future.
2. Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs
Castle has risen to second place thanks to an excellent recent stretch. Since becoming a starter, Castle’s averaged 15 points, three boards, and five assists while playing ferocious defense.
Castle is incredibly versatile. At nearly 6’6” pre-shoes and pre-hair, he has the size and speed to fill any number of roles. As I wrote about at length here, he’s quickly becoming the perfect amorphous fit next to Victor Wembanyama.
Although his three-point accuracy is still developing, Castle’s confidence in his shot is the skeleton key that unlocks the rest of his offensive game. And the more effective he is on offense, the more opportunity he’s given to create absolute havoc on defense.
I’m particularly intrigued by his ability to be a faux-big man in the screen and roll:
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
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Injury The Brooklyn Nets are facing a challenging period as key player Cam Thomas is sidelined with a hamstring injury, adding to their injury woes. (NetsDaily)
Analysis The Nets weren’t expected have this prolific an offense, read about how they’re surprising their opponents early on this season (SI.com)
Must Read LaMelo’s proclivity for fouls, how many wins Philadelphia needs for the play-in, examining OKC’s defense, and more. (ESPN+)
Feel Good The Pistons’ willingness to spend, the Nets’ and Lakers’ new coach, and more things for each NBA team to be thankful for. (CBS Sports)
Analysis A roundtable of experts discusses the league’s biggest storylines after the first month of the season. (Fansided)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
In case you missed it...
Nov 26, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz forward/center Lauri Markkanen (23) on the floor after a collision with San Antonio Spurs forward/center Victor Wembanyama (1) during the second half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images | Christopher Creveling/Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images
Another Lauri Markkanen Injury For Fantasy Basketball Managers To Digest | Lauri Markkanen’s recent knee injury could sideline him for at least a week, impacting fantasy basketball strategies. This opens opportunities for players like John Collins, Keyonte George, and Brice Sensabaugh to increase their roles and fantasy value.
Ja Morant Is Set To Return And Impact Fantasy Basketball Leagues | Monday’s NBA action saw significant fantasy basketball impacts, with Gary Harris and Jalen Suggs suffering hamstring injuries, potentially increasing roles for Cole Anthony and Anthony Black.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Nets podcasts.
Do Nets need to worry about a Cam Johnson injury where his trade value is concerned? Cam Johnson is having one of his best statistical seasons while averaging a career.-high in minutes per game as well. His recent injury scare does stand a reminder of the thin margin GM Sean Marks must walk as the season progresses towards the trade deadline.
Brooklyn Nets come back and surprise Warriors. What is happening here? The Brooklyn Nets played on the back-to-back against the Golden State Warriors, coming into the game as big underdogs. They even found themselves down 18 points in the third quarter.
Cam Thomas scores 34 and Brooklyn Nets shock Kings on the road The Nets were without Dennis Schroder on Sunday night in Sacramento and they still found a way to get it done against a good Kings. team.
