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Feb 7, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie (8) dribbles the ball as Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) defends during the second half of the game at the Spectrum Center. The Hornets won 111-107. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
The Brooklyn Nets are now up to 12 straight losses and have lost 23 of their last 24 games. It has been a difficult time for Nets fans everywhere, but the show must go on. Here are all the top stories from this week.
ICYMI: Last Week’s Roundup
Nets Rumors: Brook Lopez Drawing Interest From Pelicans
Trade rumors around the league are starting to swirl as we approach the trade deadline. To no one’s surprise, Brook Lopez‘s name is coming up in trade rumors.
Nets’ Losing Streak Hits Double Digits After Loss in Buzz City
The Nets are still struggling to win games. While they have had closer games this week, they still have not been able to come away with a win.
Chris McCullough to Represent Nets in D-League All-Star Game
Chris McCullough‘s play in the D-League has earned him a trip to the D-League All-Star Game. McCullough is averaging 18.1 points and 7.6 rebounds with the Long Island Nets.
Nets to Feature Infor Logo on Jerseys
In some strange news, the Nets have become the fourth team to add a sponsor patch to their jersey for next season. The new patch really clashes with the Nets’ color scheme. Infor did pay $8 million for the patch though, so part of the deal may have been to not change the logo.
How Quincy Acy Expressed Gratitude For Brooklyn Nets Contract
Quincy Acy was signed to a multi-year deal after performing well during his 10-day contract. He was grateful about receiving the contract and gave back to everyone who supported him over the past few years.
Nets Run Out of Magic Against Wizards, Lose Thriller in Overtime
The Nets just can’t get over the hump. They continued their losing streak in a loss the Washington Wizards. However, they were able to keep the game close and took the third-best team in the conference to overtime.
Tim Thomas on Facing Kenyon Martin in Boxing Ring: ‘Was Never Gonna Happen’
A conflict from over a decade ago resurfaced recently when rapper 50 Cent proposed that Tim Thomas and Kenyon Martin would be the undercard for the evening of Soulja Boy and Chris Brown’s fight. Unfortunately, neither player sees this fight happening. Still, it would be nice to see what Martin can do in a boxing ring, considering his reputation as a player.
The Nets dropped their third and final game against the Heat this season. It was a collision of streaks. The Nets entered the game with an 11-game losing streak, while Miami was on a 12-game winning streak. The Heat prevailed in the end.
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Nets Record this Week: 0-3
Nets 107 – Hornets 111
Nets 110 – Wizards 114
Nets 99 – Heat 108
Feb 8, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) defends against Brooklyn Nets forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (24) during first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
When will the bleeding stop?
After starting the season 4-5, the Nets have gone 5-40. In the new year, the Nets are 1-21. The Nets won 21 games last season, and early in the season, it seemed like the Nets could pass that mark. Now, it is uncertain if they will even reach 20 wins. They are the only team left in the league to not have a double-digit win total.
RELATED STORY: Improved Facilitator Would Help Nets’ Second Half Production
Jeremy Lin cannot save the Nets, but he would probably help increase their chances of winning. The Nets do not have a pure point guard on the roster. The team’s current assist leader is Isaiah Whitehead with three assists per game. That is extremely low. The second lowest in the league is the Utah Jazz‘s George Hill, who leads the team in assists with 4.1. Hill has not played much this season, and the next highest guy on their team is Gordon Hayward with 3.5 per game. The point is, the Nets are missing a playmaker on their team.
More from Nothin' But Nets
While the Nets aren’t dead-last in assists per game, as a team, they do not have the isolation scorers that the teams at the bottom do. The Toronto Raptors are 29th in the league in assists, but they have DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry, who both have the ability to create their own shots.
Memphis and Utah are two teams below Brooklyn in assists who will make the playoffs this season. What they lack on the offensive end, they make up for on defense. That is not the case for Brooklyn. The Nets are last in opponents points per game, allowing 114 per game. Sean Marks has his work cut out for him in terms of improving this team.
Feb 10, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) goes up to block a shot by Miami Heat guard Tyler Johnson (8) during the second half at Barclays Center. Maimi won 108-99. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Player of the Week: Brook Lopez
Stat Averages for the Week
23.3 Points, 6.3 Rebounds, 2.7 Blocks, 51% FG, 18% 3pt FG
RELATED STORY: Examining the Pelican Trade Brief For Brook Lopez
Brook Lopez continued to play at an All-Star level this week. If the Nets had a better record, there is a chance he would have been making the trip to New Orleans next weekend. With his name being associated with trade rumors to the Pelicans, he might be making a permanent trip to New Orleans.
Right now, he is continuing to do what he does best, and that is: score. While his three-point percentage has been down, he still had two 20-point games and a 30-point game this week. It would be hard to imagine this team without Lopez because he carries his team. He provides veteran leadership along with an upbeat attitude.
Hopefully, Sean Marks finds a way to bring in better players to play alongside Lopez because he would thrive on a more talented team. Lopez plays best in a pick-and-roll. Without a good pocket passer like Deron Williams, Lopez has not been able to take full advantage of the pick-and-roll. For now, all Lopez can do is go out and play hard each night.
