Three Takeaways From The Nets' Loss To The Bulls

Following a thrilling triumph astatine Barclays Center connected Friday, nan Brooklyn Nets (12-28) deed nan roadworthy for nan Windy City and a rematch pinch nan Chicago Bulls (20-22).

The Nets had won nan first 2 matchups betwixt these teams this season, but winning nan 3rd crippled would beryllium difficult. Michael Porter Jr. (rest), Drake Powell (knee), and Ziaire Williams (illness) would miss nan game, forcing nan Nets to play shorthanded. Those absences proved to beryllium crucial, arsenic nan Nets were blown retired 124-102 by nan Bulls successful Chicago.

Here are nan biggest takeaways from nan Nets nonaccomplishment to nan Bulls.

1. Nets Were Outgunned From The Jump

Without Porter Jr., and pinch nan Bulls having revenge connected their minds, this crippled was going to beryllium difficult earlier nan shot moreover tipped off. All of those concerns came to fruition early, arsenic Brooklyn ne'er moreover had a chance successful this game. They trailed by 17 astatine nan extremity of nan first quarter, and nan shortage only sewage worse arsenic nan crippled went on.

This was a disappointing consequence for Jordi Fernandez's team. Even successful losses complete nan past 2 months, nan Nets recovered a measurement to beryllium competitory for a mostly of nan crippled and make nan different squad really gain it. That wasn't nan lawsuit successful this game. And if MPJ ends up being moved astatine nan waste and acquisition deadline, this could extremity up being a acquainted communicative nan remainder of nan play for Nets fans.

2. Nic Claxton Showed Up

On a nighttime wherever astir of nan Nets roster struggled immensely, nan longest-tenured Net tried to make his effect felt. Nic Claxton filled up nan stat expanse successful nan loss, putting up 12 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and a artifact successful 23 minutes.

Claxton could beryllium moved astatine nan deadline, but it seems much apt that he'll stay successful Brooklyn to service arsenic a seasoned leader for nan younker activity presently underway. The Nets request a leader successful nan room for their adjacent winning roster, and Claxton fits that measure to a tee. He'll beryllium an important portion of this franchise for years to come.

3. Nets Defense Failed Them

While Brooklyn's discourtesy without MPJ wasn't great, it was their defense that yet fto them down connected Sunday. The Nets mislaid nan rebounding battle, gave up 20 three-pointers, and allowed Chicago to crockery retired 41 assists. The Bulls changeable 52% from nan section and 43% from down nan arc, getting plentifulness of easy looks successful nan process.

It's understandable to expect nan discourtesy to struggle without Porter Jr., but this crippled will apt time off Fernandez very upset pinch his defense. He needs that portion of his squad to beryllium consistent, and they tin build discourtesy disconnected of that. The Nets will request overmuch amended performances from their defense going forward.