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.
Always got each other's back. pic.twitter.com/mCe9ZX7ucx
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) November 13, 2021
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.
The James Harden Experience™ pic.twitter.com/y3tWepReqU
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) November 13, 2021
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.
Kevin Durant leads the league in points per game (29.5 points) and is currently 47-of-74 from the midrange — also leads the NBA.
Over his last five games, he’s averaging 32.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 4.6 assists in 34.7 minutes.
— Chris Milholen (@CMilholenSB) November 12, 2021
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.
Behind the back pass from Harden leads to a LaMarcus Aldridge 3! 🏀
Watch on YES and Stream it LIVE with the YES app: https://t.co/0cgHA8Q6LU pic.twitter.com/S2c8JJmqmU
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) November 15, 2021
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.
Patty Mills tonight:
29 PTS
9-12 3P
+28 +/-He breaks the record for the most threes off the bench in Nets franchise history. pic.twitter.com/9jEwwqkB7k
— StatMuse (@statmuse) November 15, 2021
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.
The 2021-22 Brooklyn Nets are:
-Playing amazing defense, perimeter and interior.
-Moving the ball and getting everyone involved on every offensive set.
-Great effort and great starts to games.
Just imagine when Kyrie is back🤯 pic.twitter.com/k8PxtKFe39
— Brooklyn Netcast (@BrooklynNetcast) November 9, 2021
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.
Brooklyn Nets
Halfcourt Offense: 0.991 PPP (2nd)
Transition Offense: 1.13 PPP (7th)
Overall Offense: 1.019 PPP (2nd)Halfcourt Defense: 0.889 PPP (3rd)
Transition Defense: 1.042 PPP (10th)
Halfcourt Defense: 0.919 PPP (4th)Via Synergy Sports Technology
— Jackson Lloyd (@JLloyd952) November 15, 2021
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.
NEXT: 3 Kyrie Irving Trades Nets Should Explore