DETROIT, Michigan − Since trading for James Harden, the Brooklyn Nets (14-12) have taken a dip in their defensive efficiency. Before the trade, they were a middle of the road team in terms of defensive efficiency. In the 11 games since, their defensive efficiency has dropped substantially, ranking 29th over that span.
On Tuesday, their start on defense left them in a hole they could not climb out of; The Pistons (6-18) jumped out to a 13-3 run and held on from start to finish, defeating the Nets 122-11. The Pistons shot 67% as a team, leading to a 38-point first quarter total. Those 38 points were the most scored in a quarter all season by the Pistons.
Jerami Grant came into the game ranked 17th in the league in points per game. He was the leader of the Pistons’ offense on Tuesday; he scored 15 points in the Pistons’ dominant opening quarter. He finished with 32 points (tied for a career-high), 5 rebounds, and 4 assists.
“Every win really matters, especially for us this year. We had a rough start, but I think we are getting better,” said Grant.
Pistons take advantage of poor Nets’ defense
Due to COVID protocols, the Nets were without Kevin Durant for the game on Tuesday. While this left them without one of the league’s best scorers, the Nets needed his length on defense more.
KD’s absence left the Nets without a reliable defensive matchup for Jerami Grant. Grant took advantage of his smaller defenders with ease, using his size to get to the rim and the free throw line. He added 8 of his 32 points from down low and got 6 of 7 free throws to fall.
The team as a whole took advantage of a weak Nets’ defensive effort. They shot 56% from the field and 45% from three as 5 Pistons scored in double-figures. Delon Wright added 22 points, while rookie Saddiq Bey added 15 points off the bench.
Using great ball movement, the Pistons’ were able to score off good passing and dominate the paint. They finished with 28 assists and 58 points in the paint as the Nets failed to slow the offense down.
“The more we can play in the paint and then kick out, we have a good chance,” Delon Wright said after the game.
Irving and Harden star in loss
Even without KD, the Nets offense is always something to fear when they come to town; they came in averaging 121.5 points per game, leading the league. Their trio of stars, KD, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving present matchup nightmares to every team in the league.
The two stars that made the trip to Detroit were effective, combining for 51 points on the night. After sitting out their game against Philadelphia on Saturday, Irving led the Nets with 27 points. Harden added 24 points along with 12 assists.
Unfortunately for them, the rest of their team lagged behind their season averages. Joe Harris, the league leader in three-point percentage in 2019, added just 6 points as he shot 2-6 from three. As a team, the Nets shot just 36% from three, well below their season average.
Up Next
Nets vs. Pacers, Wednesday, February 10, Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY Pistons vs. Pacers, Thursday, February 11, Little Casers Arena, Detroit, MI
