Ten days ago, the Brooklyn Nets traveled to Atlanta to play the Hawks and their high-power offense. It turned into a frustrating loss. Mikal Bridges had 45, one of four players to score more than 20 points that night, but the final score, 147-145 in overtime and a 73-point first quarter, represented yet another defensive failing for the Nets.
Since then, the Nets have played better defense, winning four of five, the only loss what could be called an anomaly vs. the Hornets. Their blowout win over the Orlando Magic, arguably their best win of the season so far, featured a number of defensive positives despite missing Ben Simmons, Dorian Finney-Smith and Lonnie Walker IV, three defensive positives.