Although the Nets lack Irving, they have played very well this season and can still rank first in the East. However, the Nets also have a big problem, that is, the interior line is not very good. Although Ard and Clarkston are in town, they are still easy to be blown up. Against the 76ers, the Nets had problems with the inside line, and Embiid and Drummond exploded, blowing up the Nets' interior line. Embiid scored 34 points and 6 boards, and Chuang Shen played 15 minutes and also got 10 points and 10 boards, and the two easily scored 44 points and 16 boards. The Nets' Ader only has 12 points and 8 boards, Clarkston only has 10 points and 9 boards, the two only have 22 points and 17 boards, and even Griffin has only 3 points and 3 boards, and the three together are not as good as Embiid.
The Nets identified a weakness, and the weakest link was the explosion. Although the Nets have long been ranked first in the East, they still have a lot of problems. Among them, the internal line is the biggest problem. This time they were just the inside line was blown up, completely unable to defend people, whether it was Embiid, or Drummond, the Nets could not defend, making these interior lines play too easily. To be honest, if the Nets want to rush the championship, they still have to trade. Boss Cai don't have to struggle, or hurry up and trade to reinforce it! Finding a way to reinforce an interior lineback can be a defensive interior line. The Lakers don't have howard to go, if only the Nets could get it.
In fact, the Nets lost this time, Nash also has a great responsibility, he did not solve the internal problem, and at the same time did not call a timeout at the critical moment. The Nets made 21 assists and 17 turnovers, which are also many mistakes. However, Nash shirked his responsibilities after the game, saying that the team was a bit slack tonight, many of the mistakes were self-inflicted, and the team as a whole did not appear sharp enough tonight. Nash didn't mention the issue of the timeout, but instead thought the players weren't playing aggressively enough. It's quite speechless. Harden also said after the game: "Mistakes mean that we have a lot of problems, and a large number of mistakes caused today's game results." ”
Harden also talked about Irving, now Irving has returned to the team, participated in team training, and after a while, he will come back, Harden was asked what the first time Irving returned to the team to practice together, Harden said: "Still that Owen, elite level." I'm happy to see him back and now we have to get him on the pitch and get things done. "The more Irving comes back, the Nets do have a more luxurious lineup. It's just that they are missing a defensive interior line after all, and if they meet Embiid in the playoffs, I don't know how the Nets will defend next?
Embiid and Drummond are both very offensive interiors, while the Nets' two major interior lines, one old and one young, are obviously struggling. Embiid exploded in the first quarter, hitting three-pointers from the outside and bullying Ade out of the way. Later, he scored on the inside several times, and thanks to Embiid's play, they were also able to take an early lead. Embiid scored 16 points in the first quarter, and seeing Embiid go down, I thought it would be easier, and as a result, Drummond, who was replaced, scored 6 points in 2 minutes. Drummond also scored on the inside in the second quarter, fortunately, the Nets had Durant Harden and others after all, chased back, and Ade also faced Embiid to play 2+1. But still can't stop him, Embiid played 2+1, and then hit three points, too inexplicable.
The Nets have a hard time defending Embiid, even the bag clip is useless, Embiid has height and technology, not so good defense. Especially in the crucial last quarter, Embiid grabbed the key rebound, played 2+1, and once broke out of friction. Seeing Embiid play so excited, I don't know what the Nets feel like? Both Clarkston and Ade can't win Embiid, which is really heartbreaking. Even if Irving comes back, he hopes the Nets can strengthen their hearts. Nash has always insisted on playing in small lineups, but when facing a strong interior line, there is still no way to solve it.