How To Net The Win: Brooklyn Nets vs. Indiana Pacers 2-14-18
Yet, the guards offer an advantage for Kenny Atkinson who can capitalize on his backcourt to pressure the Pacers. First, Russell should channel the opening game of the season and draw upon it to build his confidence.
Brooklyn’s backcourt height is another factor which could benefit the Nets, particularly with Collison out. Specifically, Russell 6’5, Dinwiddie 6’6″ and Crabbe 6’6″ are all bigger than their shorter counterparts (Cory Joseph 6’3″ and Oladipo 6’4″).
Defense must rue the day:
In the three previous meetings the Nets haven’t just lost the matches, they’ve allowed the Pacers to shoot lights out.
- October 18, 2017: Pacers shot 52.0 percent from field, 26.5 percent from deep, scored 140 points
- December 17, 2017: Pacers shot 56.6percent from field, 44.4 percent from deep, scored 109 points
- December 23, 2017: Pacers shot 52.2 percent from field, 43.5 percent from deep, scored 123 points
A quick scan of the three games punctuates the need to be much more aggressive on the perimeter. The October 18th game was a bit of an anomaly because it was the first game of the season. If the Nets don’t stop the Pacers from shooting above 40 percent from deep they’ll face an uphill battle the entire match. On the season the Pacers shoot 37.3 percent from the perimeter so Brooklyn must make a concerted effort to hold them to their average.
