Despite the injuries and uncertainty surrounding the Nets, they entered Monday with two and a half games left in the Eastern Conference and defeated the Spurs in their first game after making roster adjustments at the trade deadline.
That’s why even if the overall results are not good, there are still high expectations.
“Everyone’s focus is on getting to the playoffs,” Lonnie Walker IV said after Monday’s practice in Brooklyn, as the team adjusts to adding Dennis Schroder to the rotation with the departure of Spencer Dinwiddie. I think so,” he said.
“From top to bottom, we all want to be in that environment.”
Before heading into the All-Star break, the Nets have to deal with back-to-back games against the Celtics, the Eastern Conference and arguably the top team in the league.
“They’re a championship contending team,” Walker said. “It will allow my new teammates to show what they are capable of.”
“This is a big challenge for us,” head coach Jacques Vaughn said. “If you don’t focus, you’re going to pay on both ends of the floor. They’re very good at manipulating the matchup and using their skill set to get the shot they want. And they’re going to pay on both ends of the floor. I found a way to cover [with] Big and strong guards will use their abilities to take you to your destination. This is a game of desire and purpose. ”
The home-and-home game against Boston begins a 30-game spurt to end the regular season that will determine whether the Nets advance to the bare-bones postseason.
Vaughn expects the team to maintain a sense of urgency for the remainder of the match.
“Historically in games, even if a team wasn’t focused or ready to play, we were able to fill the playing field to some extent before and after the stoppage. [because they are] They think about the break too early or they’re still on the break even after it’s over,” Vaughan said. “So that’s definitely what I’ve been stressing to the group: How do we go into these 30 games with constant effort and focus?”
Schroder’s Nets debut will help the team bounce back from the Spurs’ loss after suffering three straight losses near the trade deadline.
With the deadline looming and practice time before facing Boston, the Nets need an early read on how the rest of the season will play out — especially with Dayron Sharpe on Tuesday. (especially considering his return is imminent and Cam Johnson won’t be returning) much later.
“Getting healthy is the most important thing for us going forward and it gives us an opportunity to understand our combination,” Vaughn said. “Who’s going to rotate and utilize our depth and figure out what’s beneficial on both ends of the floor? So it’s a good sign that we’re getting healthy heading into the break.”
The last game before the suspension in Boston will be the first of five straight away from Barclays Center for a Nets team that is 8-15 on the road.
But they believe players like Schroder, who reached the playoffs eight times and played in 68 postseason games in his career, can help get them back there.
“Guys that have been in playoff games and competed there, that’s where their mindset is,” Walker said. “Some players are born winners. When you have players with that mindset, that energy is very contagious.”
