Mikal Bridges expressed palpable frustration following a devastating defeat of his Brooklyn Nets by the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night, where they suffered a crushing 136-86 loss.
“We got beat by 50,” Bridges bluntly told reporters. “It’s not something you just brush off. There are a lot of issues that need addressing. And they need to be addressed.”
Dennis Schröder echoed Bridges’ sentiments, acknowledging the thorough beating they endured: “They kicked our ass tonight.”
Jacque Vaughn: "We got our tails kicked tonight. After the break it won't be any easier, but we have to be up for the challenge." pic.twitter.com/HGtSYzSG7G
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) February 15, 2024
The night was a stark illustration of the Nets’ struggles. They stumbled early, managing a mere 15 points in the first quarter followed by 17 in the second, finding themselves already trailing 68-32 at halftime.
Bridges emerged as the lone starter, reaching double-digit points, albeit with just 10 points, shooting 4-of-12 from the field. The team’s overall performance didn’t fare much better, with the Nets converting only 31 of their 81 field goal attempts, resulting in a dismal 38.3 shooting percentage.
In contrast, the Celtics demonstrated remarkable efficiency, shooting an impressive 57.8 percent from the field (52-of-90) and a solid 50 percent from beyond the arc (22-of-44). Their dominance extended to the boards, outrebounding the Nets with a commanding 51-31 margin.
Head coach Jacque Vaughn addressed the disappointing performance, emphasizing the importance of focus and intensity throughout the game. “We talked about these games going into the [All-Star] break, and sometimes what they can look like if your entire focus and concentration isn’t on every possession and the game itself,” Vaughn remarked. “Because of that, we paid for it, and paid for it in a difficult way.”
The Nets’ season record of 21-33 reflects a team grappling with its identity. Without a standout superstar and lacking foundational pieces beyond Bridges, their trajectory remains uncertain.
Will they opt for a complete rebuild, leveraging their draft picks? Or will they attempt to bolster their roster through trades and free agency despite financial constraints?
However, the latter option presents challenges, particularly concerning their salary cap situation, with approximately $132 million already committed for the next season. The sizable contract of Ben Simmons, deemed a liability at this juncture, further complicates matters.
In the NBA landscape, teams typically gravitate towards contention or rebuilding around budding stars. The Nets find themselves in a precarious middle ground, devoid of star power and exhibiting lackluster performances. Change appears inevitable come the offseason.
