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.
Brooklyn Nets Season of Unexpected Twists and Turns Encapsulated in Milwaukee Bucks Battle
Dec 8, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) brings the ball up court while being defended by Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith (28) during the second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images | John Jones/John Jones-Imagn Images
As a Brooklyn Nets fan, this season has been a roller-coaster. The recent clash against the Milwaukee Bucks was a testament to the unpredictable nature of this NBA season. The Nets went toe-to-toe with the Bucks, a team on a hot streak, winning 10 of their last 13 games.
Despite the final score showing a five-point loss, the game was much closer than expected. The Nets had multiple opportunities to clinch the win, but a few missed shots and the Bucks’ ability to capitalize on transitions ultimately sealed their fate.
The Nets’ resilience is something to admire. Unlike teams that seem to give up easily, the Nets remain a 48-minute team every single night. Players like Nic Claxton and Cam Johnson exemplify this tenacity.
Watching the Nets go head-to-head with stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard is thrilling, especially when it still comes in a losing effort, costing nothing in the 2025 Draft. Overall, the Nets’ determination to stay competitive in every game has been both a blessing and a curse, with the opportunity to secure a top draft pick like Cooper Flagg further from Brooklyn’s grasp.
The Season’s Long Journey
Reflecting on the season, it’s fascinating to see how much has changed since the Nets’ victory over the Bucks in October. Back then, the Bucks were struggling, but they’ve since found their rhythm.
The Nets, on the other hand, have faced their challenges, losing four of their last five games. Despite a strong start, they continue to find ways to lose, which might not be the worst thing if it means better lottery odds.
The Nets’ season is a constant push and pull between staying competitive and eyeing the future. With teams like the Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz seemingly content with their losing records, the Nets’ approach is refreshing.
They refuse to roll over, even if it means missing out on a top draft pick. This season is a testament to the unpredictability of the NBA, where anything can happen.
The Analytics Game
In today’s NBA, analytics play a crucial role in decision-making. The Nets’ approach to the game reflects this, as they often opt for high-value shots like corner threes.
While some fans might cringe at a 3-on-1 break resulting in a missed corner three, it’s a calculated risk. The expected value of a corner three is second only to a layup, making it a smart choice, especially for a team with less talent.
The Nets’ unconventional strategies, like pressing ball handlers, are high-risk, high-reward. This approach has kept them competitive, even against more talented teams. It’s a testament to their willingness to adapt and innovate, which is crucial in a league where talent often dictates success.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Brooklyn Nets’ season, tune into the Locked On Nets podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Nets Podcast:
- Key performances from Dennis Schroder and Cam Johnson
- The impact of Nic Claxton’s game on the Nets’ strategy
- The ongoing role of Ben Simmons and his reduced minutes
- Upcoming games and what to expect from the Brooklyn Nets
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) looks on from the bench against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth period at Chase Center. | David Gonzales/David Gonzales-Imagn Images
For all its advancements, from athlete autonomy down to the way the game itself gets played, the NBA hasn’t managed to solve one of its most nagging longevity problems: that all dynasties are destined to fall apart.
Maybe it’s their inherent weight. That a handful of stars stuck together force an unstable gravity not meant to last. Maybe it’s the strain that every relationship faces — but sped up in the NBA uniquely accelerated time signature — as time goes by and people, their circumstance, change. It could be egos, or the financial practicalities of keeping an expensive roster together; it might be because of duelling timelines and the reality that no matter how good, no team at this level can put off development of future rosters forever.
Whatever it was for dynasties of the past, now dusted, it’s a combination of everything for these current Warriors.
Whether you viewed it as a culture loss or reset, Klay Thompson’s departure to the Mavericks was the first chip in this Golden State dynasty’s foundation. Certainly, Thompson’s absence meant more room for next-gen talent of Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski to flourish on the floor. It also forced a twosome in leadership between Steph Curry and Draymond Green, versus the triangular model the former Splash Brother lent, though Curry’s shouldered more of the directional responsibilities this season and the strain is beginning to show.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Analysis Jonathan Kuminga makes his case with a career-best night of 33 points. (Defector)
Biz NBA Trade Deadline eligibility: These 85 players can be traded as of December 15. (ESPN)
Milestones Chris Paul surpasses Jason Kidd for 2nd in career NBA assists. (NBA.com)
Replay In a thrilling match, the Brooklyn Nets narrowly lost to the Milwaukee Bucks 117-112 despite strong performances from Giannis Antetokounmpo and Dennis Schröder. Game highlights capture the intense final moments. (NetsDaily)
Analysis Three key takeaways from the Brooklyn Nets’ last-minute loss to the Milwaukee Bucks include defensive lapses and missed opportunities in crunch time. Strategic insights reveal areas for improvement. (NetsDaily)
Monday, Dec. 16 | 7:30PM | Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY | Get Tickets
Nets @ Raptors
Thursday, Dec. 19 | 7:30PM | Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON | Get Tickets
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Joel Embiid Returns Sunday - All The Fantasy Basketball Impact
Dec 8, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) smiles during the second half of a basketball game against the Chicago Bulls at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | Kamil Krzaczynski/Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Joel Embiid’s Return and Fantasy Implications
As the NBA season unfolds, Joel Embiid’s return to the court has been a focal point for fantasy basketball enthusiasts. Embiid, despite being on a minutes restriction, delivered an impressive performance with 31 points and 12 rebounds. However, his recurring knee issues remain a concern for fantasy managers. The potential for swelling and soreness could lead to more missed games, making him a risky asset. While his numbers are undeniably strong, the uncertainty surrounding his health suggests a cautious approach for those considering him in trades or drafts.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Chicago Bulls: Key Performances
The Philadelphia 76ers’ clash with the Chicago Bulls highlighted several noteworthy performances. Tyrese Maxey stepped up significantly, posting 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 14 assists. His ability to thrive alongside Embiid is crucial for the 76ers’ success and offers a promising outlook for fantasy managers. On the Bulls’ side, Zach LaVine’s resurgence with 30 points and six triples was a standout, especially after a dip in usage in previous games. However, Nikola Vučević's recent struggles, with only 13 points in consecutive games, raise questions about his role and effectiveness moving forward.
The game also shed light on the fluctuating roles within the Bulls’ lineup. Ayo Dosunmu, who recently had a breakout game, saw his production dip with the return of key players. This pattern of inconsistency is a reminder of the volatility in fantasy basketball, where player value can shift rapidly based on team dynamics and injuries.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Fantasy Basketball Podcast:
- Analysis of Tyrese Maxey’s performance and future potential
- Zach LaVine’s resurgence and its impact on the Bulls
- The role of Ayo Dosunmu in the Bulls’ lineup
- Injury updates and their implications for fantasy rosters
- Strategies for managing player rotations and streaming options
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Nets podcasts.
Cam Johnson trade destinations. Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, and more It sure seems like Sean Marks and the Nets will trade Cam Johnson this season, and there’s a possibility the list of suitors is even longer than originally thought.
Brooklyn Nets beat Pacers, Cam Johnson and company continue to win
The Nets beat the Pacers 99-90 on Wednesday evening, improving to 10-13 on the season, more than halfway to their projected win total through just 23 games.
Trade season starting early? What is value for Cam Johnson, Dennis Schroder, DFS and more?
Recent reporting has the Nets as obvious sellers when it comes to the NBA trade season. That much we already knew. But the real question now becomes what kind of value there will be for guys like Cam Johnson, Dennis Schroder, Dorian Finney-Smith, and even guys like Cam Thomas.
