The offensive end of the floor won't likely be a problem for Brooklyn Nets head coach Steve Nash, given that he has two of the most potent scorers in the league in Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. This on top of the fact that he and his former coach Mike D'Antoni are both offensive maestros on and off the court. But on the defensive end, Nash admits that his team has a lot to work on.
“Defense wins championships,” as the adage goes. Nash seems to be aware of this. Though he's pleased with the way Brooklyn has been defensively, he believes that they have to continue to get better throughout the season.
“I’ve been proud of the way they’ve competed defensively, lot of good things, but a long way to go, as you’d expect. What’ve we had, 10, 11 practices?” Nash asked rhetorically, per Brian Lews of the New York Post. “That’s something that’s going to be a journey defensively all season to continue to climb and be the best defensive team we can be.”
The emphasis on defense was confirmed by Jarrett Allen, who analysts believe will be one of the Nets' main defensive anchors alongside DeAndre Jordan. According to Allen, a solid defensive core is what the coaches have been preaching.
“If you talk to the coaches, it’s like ‘We want to put in the defense that wins playoffs.’ There are certain defenses that you can get through the regular season with, but when it comes down to the last couple of people, you want to be able to have a defensive scheme that stops them,” the Nets big man said. “So, that’s what we’re really trying to implement and the pace that we’re going at.”
The Nets will duel against the Golden State Warriors on opening night, Dec. 22. Stopping Stephen Curry will become their first real defensive test.
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