And right here we’re, on the finish of the street. This season had it’s highs, after which it had its lows …. a whole lot of them.
Lots of people will in all probability say that the lows outweighed the nice, which is a good factor to say. What I can say is that this yr was a yr of progress. We received to see a bunch of younger guys work out a grown man’s league within the NBA. The coach and his employees received higher. With one thing like that, you will see a bunch of moments that may make you wish to flip your head. But simply bear in mind, it’s a marathon, not a dash.
And in fact, the Nets did safe the third seed within the Lottery which means they are going to have a 52.1% probability at a prime 4 choose and a 14.0% probability on the general No. 1.
Before our boys in Brooklyn cross the end line, they are going to be taking up the Toronto Raptors within the last common season recreation. The Raptors at present stand because the sixth seed within the Eastern Conference. The Raptors might want to get used to taking part in within the metropolis, because it appears just like the New York Knicks could possibly be their potential matchup within the first spherical of the playoffs. What higher solution to prepare then with a group whose finest curiosity is to lose?
Catch the motion at 6:00 p.m. ET on the YES Network and NBA League Pass, in addition to streaming on the Gotham Sports App.
Quite a lot of the gamers can be sitting out for this one as they are going to prepare for the summer time. Perfect time for the G League guys to get one final recreation in to play their hearts out.
For the Nets, Nolan Traore (sickness) is questionable and one other 9 are simply out: Terance Mann (knee), Josh Minott (ankle), Ziaire Williams (bursitis), Egor Demin (plantar fascia), Noah Clowney (ankle), Nic Claxton (finger), Danny Wolf (ankle), Porter (hamstring) and Sharpe (thumb).
For the Raptors, R.J. Barrett (knee), Collin Murray-Boyles (neck), and Trayce Jackson-Davis (sickness) are all listed as questionable for the sport.
AND THIS JUST IN: Sunday is the final day groups can signal a participant and that’s simply what the Nets, asserting simply earlier than midday that they’ve signed 10-day participant Trevon Scott to a hardship contract, not additional described. Scott’s 10-day, would’ve run out Sunday.
Scott appeared in 47 video games this season for Long Island, averaging 12 factors, 4.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.1 steals in 27.9 minutes.
Undrafted out of Cincinnati in 2020, Scott has spent the overwhelming majority of his profession bouncing across the G League. He hung out with the associates of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Charlotte Hornets, Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Clippers, and Orlando Magic earlier than becoming a member of the Nets. He additionally performed internationally with the Calgary Surge, Leones de Ponce in Puerto Rico, and Fos Provence Basket in France.
At 29-years-old, Scott is the second oldest participant on Brooklyn’s squad. He is simply 38 days youthful than the group’s oldest participant, Terrance Mann.
When you consider the time period underrated, it’s a excellent solution to describe who the Raptors are within the Eastern Conference. Of course, the heavy hitters that can be checked out intently within the East would be the Celtics, Pistons, and Knicks (who they’ve misplaced to 13 straight occasions), however the Raptors have a ton of expertise on their very own that may make them very attention-grabbing to see.
Brandon Ingram is a pure 20 level scorer, and this season he has executed it very effectively as he has shot nearly 48% from the sphere this yr. Scottie Barnes is a particular two-way participant than guard positions 1-5. Then you may have a guard like Immanuel Quickly who’s uber fast (get it) who can knock it down from deep as nicely.
With this stage of expertise, the Raptors will look to present a bit of extra effort than normal for this Sunday night matchup. If Toronto needs to lock within the sixth seed and, extra importantly, have an opportunity to get into the fifth seed slot, they must beat Brooklyn and hope for Atlanta and Orlando to lose.
For the Nets sake, one other loss is unlikely to matter. They have secured the highest three seed within the May 10 Lottery. IF they lose once more and the Indiana Pacers beat the Detroit Pistons, they might tie for second. However, the probabilities of that turned restricted Saturday night time when the Pistons, who’ve already clinched the highest seed within the East launched their damage standing. They’re not prioritizing relaxation. Most of their prime gamers can be obtainable.
Scottie Barnes needs to be probably the most underrated gamers within the NBA. The 6’8” 24-year-old can play a number of positions, even level guard. On the season, he’s averaging 18.1 factors, 7.4 rebounds and 5.8 assists. His solely weak point is 3-point capturing, the place he’s hitting solely 30.4%. But backside line, he’s the chief of the Raptors, as Toronto Sun famous this week in considered one of its post-season lookaheads. Barnes famous that he hasn’t performed within the post-season since 2021 and he is able to go.
“I’m so excited. It’s been a long time coming,” Barnes informed the Sun after Thursday’s win over Miami. “I’m ready to get back out there, but just have to focus on these next two games and then really take that moment, it will be a reality.”
“We’re all pretty excited. We want it,” Barnes informed the Sun. “That was our goal. It’s coming through. Coming to the end of the season we’re just trying to accomplish that. Play in it, get that experience, try to win and just try to advance.”
So anticipate Barnes and the remaining to present all of it within the finale
I had enjoyable with this group this season. The Flatbush Five undoubtedly confirmed some promise, MPJ proved that he’s undoubtedly worthy to be a primary choice, Ziaire Williams performed a number of the finest basketball in his profession, and the Long Island guys went OFF. And as all of that occurred, you because the Brooklyn Nets fan base stayed robust regardless of the trials and tribulations. Things will get higher, guys.
Our guys right here at Netdaily, Bob, Brian, Lucas, Collin, Connor, Anthony, and Scott, did an incredible job as at all times this yr. I’m actually glad I’m aside of this wonderful group.
An ideal New York music to finish the season.
