The Nets won again. After beating the Clippers 110-95, the team has won its fourth of the last six games. Many people feel that this is a gift from Irving's suspension, but at the same time that Irving is suspended, how many people have seen former coach Nash leave class.
It is undeniable that Irving's suspension has indeed improved the Nets' defense a lot, and after Irving's suspension, the Nets' average points per game plummeted from 118.8 points to 91.2. Before Irving's suspension, the Nets' defensive efficiency was the lowest in the league, and in the five games Irving was suspended, the Nets were the first in the league in defensive efficiency.
However, it should be noted that Irving was suspended one game later than Nash, and in the first game after Nash's class, Irving still worked with acting coach Jacques Vaughn for one game, but the team lost 99-108 to the Bulls. This is seen by many as proof that Irving is the Nets' defensive cancer, but it may be more appropriate to describe this loss as a painful reaction when he has just changed coaches. After all, the manager has just changed, the team's new style of play has not yet been sharpened, and it is normal to lose.
As for Irving's absence from the Nets, there is no absolute basis, after all, Jacques Vaughn's coaching skills cannot be ignored, and it is under his tutelage that the Nets' defensive rotation and basket protection ability have made a qualitative leap, which cannot be attributed to Irving's departure.
What's more, Irving's return will at least relieve Durant's pressure, and while maintaining a high contribution value, there will be no surge in overuse fatigue.
At the same time, because of the liberation of Seth Curry, he played an outside level that was not inferior to his brother, so that fans laughed and said that this is the so-called Duku teaming.
Of course, all this must be based on Irving's willingness to work with his teammates to improve the team's defense, and at the same time no longer have all kinds of demonic behavior, which even the owner feels annoying.
If after experiencing death events such as refusal to be vaccinated and inappropriate remarks, he can usher in a small climax in the contract year, return to the top, and even help the Nets reach a height that has never been seen in the Nash era, Irving is really a blessing. But all this has to be based on the fact that he really won't continue to do it.