MEMPHIS, Tenn. — This was a game the Nets needed to get right.
Kevin O’Ree earned his first win as interim coach Monday night, 111-86 over Memphis at FedExForum.
At least not more than the skeleton crew left behind in the guise of the Grizzlies recently.
The Nets didn’t have to play Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, or Marcus Smart. But they didn’t care.
They had their own issues even before losing Cam Thomas late. And laughter like Monday’s only helps to relieve the burden and relieve the mood.
The only flaw was that Thomas was slow to turn his ankle after landing on Dayron Sharpe’s foot.
The Nets’ downturn was historic after being outscored by an astounding 93 points in the worst three-game span in NBA history.
It all started with a 50-point assault in Boston that cost Jacque Vaughn his job. In his first two matches, Ollie was humiliated in his debut, lost in his second match, and won in his third match.
The Nets basically led wire-to-wire, scoring first and never trailing. They led by as many as 27 people and broke through an offensive funk that stretched deep into the Mariana Trench.
“[It’ll take] Everyone is dedicated,” Dennis Schroeder said. “We know what the coaches want to do. We’re going to come out a little bit more and dictate the game, especially on the defensive end, how we want to play, be offensive, take the full court and confuse them. And offensively, just play and have fun. That’s what we have to focus on.”
Schroder led a balanced attack with 18 points and five assists, and seven Nets scored in double figures. They had 44 baskets and 32 assists and broke out of a slump and shot .489.
The Nets have lost seven of their last eight games, ranking last in the league in shooting percentage (.425) and offensive rating (101.9) during that time. However, Olly preached a simpler and clearer pass and succeeded.
“Limiting the turnovers and obviously going back to transition and making sure we don’t have a lot of turnovers live,” Ollie said beforehand. “This is a big challenge for us. But this is a championship opportunity and we want to take advantage of this opportunity and run as hard as we can.
“want [Schroder] Just to play freely. Then, when his shot is open, take him on with confidence. That applies to all of us. You know we had some great shots in Minnesota and we missed them. But if I can keep taking shots like this over and over again, I think I have a chance. Therefore, we need to stay alive in the process and not belittle ourselves. ”
This should increase their confidence.
The Nets quickly extended their lead to 14-5 midway through the first quarter on a 3-pointer by Mikal Bridges.
Brooklyn led 30-18 at the end of the first quarter and finished with 13 baskets and 11 assists, including Thomas’ inbounds hit by Cam Johnson in the final minute.
This was the fewest points the Nets have given up in the first quarter on the road this season, but the Nets continued to play that defense.
After Lamar Stevens’ jumper with 7:10 left in the first half, the Nets pulled away with the battered Grizzlies clinging to 42-31.
Memphis was held to just 1-of-7 shooting in the final half and forced four turnovers.
They were shutout on a 24-7 run and took a 66-40 cushion into the locker room.
After a sterling half, they had just four turnovers and went back on defense, not allowing a single point, but it was their biggest lead of the season at halftime.
They reached 27 points several times before Schroder dunked Nick Claxton to make it 68-41, then again on a Thomas 3-pointer with 8:59 left in the third to make it 71-44.
The fourth time there was very little drama.
The highlight was probably Lonnie Walker (13 points) spinning running back Luke Kennard in transition. But the real highlight was their death.
