The Nets look like a playoffs team, finally
Spring has arrived late this year and the Winter thaw refuses to unclench its final grips on the city. However, much like previous seasons, the Nets appear to be warming up just in time to make a late season push to the playoffs.
On Friday night against the Raptors, the Nets won for the sixth straight time in what could be the beginning of a potential playoff rivalry in the first round of the 2015 playoffs. In what may have been the most satisfying and meaningful win of the season, the Nets held off the Raptors with 114-109 victory. Thaddeus Young, Brook Lopez, and Deron Williams combined for 90 points, as Brooklyn kept riding a hot-streak during the final stretch of games in their schedule.
Aside from the balanced scoring, Head Coach Lionel Hollins was surely pleased with the tough team defense exhibited down the stretch and the crisp ball movement led by point guard Deron Williams. During the Nets winning streak, the team even played better at Barclays Center. Despite a bitter loss to the Celtics on March 23rd, the Nets have notched 3 straight victories at home, including an impressive victory over LeBron James and the Cavs last Friday.
But, before the Nets can begin celebrating their recent victories, it is important to understand the difficulty of their upcoming schedule. Their remaining schedule includes games against the Hawks, Wizards, Bulls, and the Trailblazers. The playoffs will not come easily this year for the Nets, but they have begun to show life and come together as a team. Spring has arrived late this season but maybe a playoff run grows in Brooklyn after all.