Nets’ Stifling Defense Turns the Tide Against 76ers
The Brooklyn Nets faced a formidable challenge in Philadelphia, tasked with containing Tyrese Maxey, the burgeoning star averaging over 30 points per game. In a display of defensive prowess, the Nets managed to clamp down on the 6-foot-2 guard, limiting him to just 13 points on a dismal 3-of-14 shooting performance. The result was a surprising 114-106 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night.
Strategic Defensive Assignments
Brooklyn’s success hinged on their size and versatility across all positions, particularly in the backcourt. Terance Mann drew the primary assignment of defending Maxey, but he wasn’t alone. Egor Demin and Nolan Traore also contributed with key defensive stops, effectively disrupting Maxey’s rhythm throughout the game.
“Our ball pressure was good,” Nets coach Jordi Fernandez remarked post-game. “We always had bodies in front, and we know how special a player he is. He can drive you crazy throughout a game because he’s that good. Today, he didn’t have the impact, but he still creates so much attention. We were aware every time he was trying to get the ball.”
Disrupting Maxey’s Game
The Nets’ defensive scheme forced Maxey to work hard off the ball, denying him space in screen actions and limiting his ability to find rhythm. The guard, visibly frustrated at times, struggled to find his footing. A pivotal moment came when Demin forced Maxey into a contested three-pointer, which resulted in an ill-advised step back.
“He just wasn’t in a good flow tonight,” Nic Claxton observed, a chuckle escaping him. “I think he was a little frustrated. Some things may have been getting in his way, and that might’ve flustered him a bit.”
Defensive Evolution in December
Notably, the Nets’ defense has undergone a significant transformation since a rocky start to the season. Currently boasting the league’s best defensive rating at 102.8, Brooklyn has found its identity on that end of the floor. While Maxey did manage to beat his defenders off the dribble on occasion, the Nets made timely switches and clogged his driving lanes effectively.
As they look ahead, Brooklyn may continue to employ similar defensive strategies against other top-tier scorers like Anthony Edwards, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant. The team’s ability to adapt and challenge these offensive juggernauts will be crucial as they navigate the remainder of the season.
