TORONTO — Another coach. Same result.
In Kevin Ollie’s debut as interim coach, the Nets defeated the Raptors 121-93 in front of a sold-out crowd of 19,800 at Scotiabank Arena.
After replacing the fired Jacque Vaughn and preaching defense, O’Ree saw his team repeatedly fail in transition.
The Nets trailed 46-10 on fast break points and quickly fell to the floor, suffering their 24th loss in 32 games.
“We didn’t make shots, but their effort, energy, loose balls, offensive rebounding probably outplayed us in every area,” Oley said. “And giving up 46 fast-break points and not being able to stop and limit them in half-court situations was killer for us. And we had 19 turnovers.”
All of that gave Toronto 32 points on an unsightly 20 turnovers, while only getting six points from the Raptors.
And their poor shooting (11 of 37 from deep) resulted in a long rebound that turned into a fast break.
But this isn’t just about confusion over a new scheme or having to get used to what Ollie is running. This has to do with players not running and the Nets not digging deep for each other or themselves.
“Turning the ball over. Too many turnovers. Not coming back. …We just have to take more pride in our defense,” Ben Simmons said, not intending to use the learning curve as an alibi. Ta. “Yes, it’s a lot. Coach changes, new sets, new defensive schemes. But at the end of the day, regardless of the coach or the new scheme, it’s just too much.
“Just pride. No matter who is coaching the team or what plans we have…we have to get back [on defense]. This team is one of the best at going out and running. … [We need to] Be proud. Let’s get back to the topic. It’s a matter of pride. Regardless of who is coaching or who is on the field, you have to take pride. ”
The Nets lost 21-34, falling three games behind Atlanta for the final play-in spot in the Eastern Conference with 27 games remaining.
“We’re still trying to make the playoffs,” Dorian Finney-Smith said. “Well, things like this happen in his league and you have to keep trying.
“Things happened outside of our control. But the only thing we can control is what happens in the locker room. We have to play better basketball.”
Mikal Bridges led Brooklyn with a team-high 21 points, and Cam Thomas added 19 points.
Lonnie Walker IV was the only player to hit double digits in net, hitting just .412.
For Toronto, Gary Trent Jr. scored 25 points and former Knick Immanuel Quickley had 24 points, six assists and a plus-32 rating.
“They are about [46] It’s hard to win games like that because we don’t have enough points. So we were able to get better in transition,” Bridges said. “No excuses. We all play basketball. Transition is one of those things where you already know what you have to do, you have to go back and communicate. You did a terrible job.” I don’t have much of an excuse.”
The score was tied at 8-all when the Nets fell completely behind. They conceded 14-2 and never led again.
Former Knick standout RJ Barrett hit a layup to make it 22-10, but Brooklyn couldn’t recover. The Nets scored a few runs but couldn’t get over the hump.
Bridges made a 3-pointer with 4:49 left in the first half to pull Brooklyn within 44-41, but Brooklyn trailed 15-3.
Barrett dunked Scottie Barnes (18 points, 12 boards) for a 59-44 Raptors lead.
Brooklyn never tied the knot. The Nets got within 61-60 on Thomas’ 27-foot shot, but were not given back 10 points right away.
The deficit rose to 34 in the fourth quarter.
“Sometimes a challenge is good. Getting used to spacing, different repetitions and new sets on the basketball court,” Ollie said. “And I think they’re going to get better and I’m confident in that.
“We’re going to keep repeating this run and trying to get better. And you just have to face it and fight through it. That’s what we’re going to do. . I believe in this group. We have to get better. Everyone in the locker room has to get better in order to win. [Saturday] In Minnesota. ”
