The Brooklyn Nets had high hopes coming into the 2021-22 NBA season.
They are one of the few teams with real championship aspirations because of their talented trio of Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving.
However, their title dreams suffered a hiccup due to Irving’s stance on vaccination.
The league and the state of New York won’t bend the rules for the All-Star, keeping him sidelined indefinitely.
But even in his absence, the Nets kept rolling to a 10-4 start to their campaign.
While having Kyrie would be a big help, their record tells that they can manage without him.
Here’s why Steve Nash‘s crew continues to play well without their third superstar.
3. Ball-Handling Problems Solved
Quite frankly, it never made sense having two ball-dominant guards on one team.
Therefore, having Harden and Irving on the floor at once creates problems on who must facilitate their offense.
They had discussions about it before and resolved that Harden will be the primary ball-handler.
However, Irving’s game works while he’s holding the ball, not away from it.
Without him, it’s evident that Harden runs their plays while Durant is their primary scorer.
If Durant attracts a double-team or is having a bad shooting night, Harden can take over.
That dynamic is running smoothly as the Nets encountered minor roadblocks early in the season.
Perhaps the Nets realized after 14 games that less is more and that Irving will only disrupt the good rhythm they’re having.
2. Talented Supporting Cast
LaMarcus Aldridge‘s return is significant because it gives Brooklyn a third scoring option.
He may not be as explosive as Irving, but he gets the job done and serves as the primary rim protector in Nicolas Claxton‘s absence.
Aldridge is averaging 12.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game.
But he’s not the only one providing support to Durant and Harden.
Joe Harris and Patty Mills deliver buckets from the perimeter as they both average double-digits in points.
Meanwhile, Bruce Brown disrupts the opponent’s passing lanes, averaging 1.5 steals per contest
Blake Griffin also maximizes his minutes by chipping in as many points and rebounds as he can.
While Harden and Durant dominate the scoring, their supporting cast responds to the call when needed.
1. Efficient On Offense, Solid On Defense
While the Nets are not in the top ten in points per game, they make every possession count.
They are fourth in field goal shooting at 47 percent and first in three-point percentage at 39.3.
The Nets also move the ball well with 25.1 assists per game, the fifth-best in the league.
Aside from their efficient offense, they’re also holding their ground on defense even without Claxton.
Brooklyn ranks sixth in points allowed at 103.5 points per game.
They also limit opponents to shoot 42.6 percent from the field, tied for second-best this season.
Opponents are unsuccessful in shooting three-pointers against them, converting only 31 percent of their attempts from that area.
The Nets surrender only 21.1 assists per game, the fifth-fewest in the NBA.
Their defense might not be flashy, but they are doing enough to stop the other team.
Combine that with their offensive accuracy, and you get the picture of why they continue to win without Irving.
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