National Basketball Association

Brooklyn Nets vs. New York Knicks Pre-Game Report

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Apr 1, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Sean Kilpatrick (6) breaks up court in front of New York Knicks guard Langston Galloway (2) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Nets 105-91. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

After an impressive win over the Detroit Pistons Thursday night, the Brooklyn Nets are taking a trip to Madison Square Garden to match up against the new-look New York Knicks.

The East River Rivalry is renewed for another season, and this year’s meetings between the Brooklyn Nets and New York Knicks will be wholly more entertaining than prior years. The last time both squads had a competitive season series was 2012-13, and more than ten points decided only one of the four games.

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That same campaign saw both teams make the playoffs. Oh, how times have changed.

Neither team is entirely the same as last year, so there’s no need for either fan base to cry over spilled milk heading into 2016-17. Both of the Empire State’s teams got busy during the summer. The Knicks added big name players like Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah to help them return to the playoffs. On paper, New York can contend for a low seed in the playoffs, but those hopes are contingent on the health of Rose, Noah, and Carmelo Anthony.

Brooklyn also had an active summer. They parted ways with Thaddeus Young, who they traded to the Indiana Pacers for the 20th overall pick in the draft. That selection then turned into Caris LeVert. Sean Marks made another trade on draft night, and the Utah Jazz agreed to swap their 42nd pick for the Nets’ 55th and cash. Brooklyn native Isaiah Whitehead was the product.

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Then, what was the biggest surprise of the summer, Marks was able to land Jeremy Lin for three-years and $36 million.

Although progress was made, the Nets still have some time before they’re in a position to think about the playoffs. The majority of their roster is young and despite the potential, it’ll take a few years before they can make noise in the East.

Regardless, watching Brooklyn’s rebuild will be exciting because of how their roster is constructed. Even though they lack the talent to compete with Toronto, Cleveland, Indiana, or Boston, the Nets can still keep things interesting with scrappy play and energy.

Apr 1, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) brings the ball up court defended by Brooklyn Nets guard Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (24) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Keys To A Nets Victory

Ball Movement: Since the Brooklyn Nets announced Kenny Atkinson as their head coach, many people (myself included) have been anxious to see his offense in action. His system takes a page out of the Gregg Popovich book, and Atkinson enforces constant ball movement and unselfishness. Against Detroit, the Nets dished out 21 assists on 35 shots–not bad for a preseason opener. Voracious ball movement will lead to open shots no matter what; if you swing it fast enough, the defense won’t rotate as quick, and the offense will run much more smooth.

Perimeter Pressure: With Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Lin on the perimeter, the Nets have two energetic guards who can pressure ball handlers and disrupt offenses. This is the key to the defense being decent. Detroit butchered them on the boards (17 offensive rebounds), but Brooklyn negated that by forcing 23 turnovers, ten of which were steals. The Knicks don’t have a force in the paint like Andre Drummond, who hauled in 21 rebounds including 11 offensive ones. If the guards can keep the ball out of the paint, the edge tips to Brooklyn.

Staying Versatile: Against the Pistons, the Nets were clicking on all cylinders offensively: 14 made threes, 21 made twos, and 17 made free throws. Over the last two seasons, Brooklyn didn’t have much of a three-point attack. This new system, however, breeds perimeter shots, and it’s evident from their 34 attempts that the shots are there–they just need to be hit. If this trend continues, opponents won’t be able to sag off, thus spacing the floor and creating driving lanes. Being flexible offensively is a necessity against teams who can defend the perimeter and paint equally well.

Players To Watch

Nets: Jeremy Lin (G) – Last Game: 21 points, 5-of-8 from three in 17 minutes vs. DET

Knicks: Kristaps Porzingis (F) – Last Game: 22 points, 5-of-6 from three in 27 minutes vs. HOU

Jan 13, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Knicks center Robin Lopez (8) and Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) compete for the opening tipoff during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Projected Starters:

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Knicks:

Next: Nets: 3 Ways to Judge the Season

Injuries:

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