Brooklyn Nets takeaways: Sixers put an end to the Nets’ preseason win streak
The clock is ticking for the start of a new NBA season. The Nets went 2-0 in their first two preseason games, but Brooklyn’s short winning streak ended Monday in a loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Despite not having Ben Simmons or Tobias Harris, the Sixers played a complete game for all 48 minutes against the Nets. Joel Embiid (14 PTS) sparked an early lead for Philly in the opening minutes, but then Furkan Kormaz (27 PTS) went off.
The Sixers were making things uncomfortable for Brooklyn defensively, however Kevin Durant (23 PTS) and James Harden (21 PTS) found ways to work around it. Though, Philadelphia still compiled 20 steals to show proof of their defensive activity
The Nets are back at it again in an exhibition game on Thursday against the Minnesota Timberwolves at 8 p.m. ET in Brooklyn. Here are three takeaways from Monday’s loss:
The Nets gave up a shocking amount of turnovers
Yes, Kyrie Irving did not play in this game. And yes, it is only preseason. This is not an excuse for the team though to give up the ball 26 times on 26 different occasions. As a result, the Sixers feasted on the other end, taking 12 more shots than the Nets. This is a recipe for failure if the Nets do not prioritize taking care of the ball come time for the regular-season.
Paul Millsap's return
After securing a double-double in points and rebounds in the Nets’ preseason opener, Millsap made his return to the court again against the Sixers. The veteran did not play last game when the team took on the Milwaukee Bucks. This time out, he logged 19 minutes to put up six points, five rebounds and three assists.
In the postgame press conference, Millsap admitted that the game in between this one and the game he played in versus the Lakers made a huge difference. The veteran then went on to claim that he felt “bad” in the first half before getting used to things again in the second.
Philly dominates in the paint
Although LaMarcus Aldridge and Nicolas Claxton did not play, their absence in the interior defensively was as clear as day. Brooklyn got outrebounded 41-38 and the Sixers’ wrath did not end there either. They also outscored the Nets 58-38 in the paint with only two blocks being recorded by the Nets.
This was a huge turnaround compared to the last game out where Brooklyn had seven blocks and 14 steals.
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