NetsDaily - Game 75 - Brooklyn Nets vs. Detroit Pistons, 7:30 PMThe most comprehensive source for news about the Brooklyn Nets.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50989/nd-fav.png2014-04-04T21:44:37-04:00http://www.netsdaily.com/rss/stream/53453292014-04-04T21:44:37-04:002014-04-04T21:44:37-04:00Nets win 15th straight at home, beat Pistons
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<figcaption>Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.netsdaily.com/">Brooklyn Nets</a> have clinched a playoff spot, which is great news, but their work isn't quite done yet. Entering Friday night they still had a chance, albeit a small one, at moving up in the standings in the Eastern Conference and getting a home-court series in the first round of the playoffs.</p>
<p>In town were the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/">Detroit Pistons</a>, most famously known for getting blown out by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.libertyballers.com/">Philadelphia 76ers</a> who were on a 26-game losing streak, while the Nets entered the night riding a 14-game win streak at home. However, the Nets had yet to beat the Pistons this season, which was a wrong they were looking to right on Friday night.</p>
<p>It wasn't much of a challenge for the Nets who continue to roll at home, as they topped the Pistons for the first time this season, 116-104. The Nets shot 60.0% or better from the field for the second time this season and first time since December 16 vs. Philadelphia.</p>
<p>The Nets got off to a quick start, led by <span>Mirza Teletovic</span>, who scored 14 points in the first half, as the Nets got out to a 55-43 lead over the Pistons. The Nets offense was clicking early, and they used stretch to force he Pistons defense's bigs to try and contest out of the paint.</p>
<p>In the second half the Pistons put up no real threat. The Nets built up a 20-point lead. The Nets were efficient and effective, moving the ball with ease. It was all about the 3-point shooting for the Nets.Then, whenever Detroit made a move, <span>Shaun Livingston</span> played the role of sparkplug, continually thwarting Pistons runs with leaners, short jumpers and dunks.</p>
<p>Nets won their 15th straight at home, easily, beating the Pistons 116-104 and scored 100+ plus points for the 14th straight game, home or away.</p>
<p>Teletovic, Livingston and <span>Marcus Thornton</span> --three players who <span>Jason Kidd</span> gave opportunities-- led the Nets. Livingston finished with 23 on 11-of-14 shooting, Teletovic hit six three's on his way to 20 points and Thornton had 15. <span>Paul Pierce</span> and <span>Andray Blatche</span> pitched in with 17 and 14.</p>
<p>There were milestones aplenty for Livingston and Teletovic. Livingston has four games of 20+ points this season (74 games). He had only five games of 20+ points in his 390 career games entering this season. Teletovic is the only player in the NBA this season to make six-plus three-pointers off the bench three times. He's had six games of five-plus three-pointers off the bench, more than any other Nets' player has ever recorded.</p>
<p>Teletovic modestly explained his success.</p>
<p>"A lot of times I’ve been with Joe, and with D-Will, and with the guys who can score, and (the opponents) have to leave somebody open," Teletovic said after the game. "Most of the time, they think it should be me. So I get wide open shots."</p>
<p>The Pistons, who once trailed by 22, cut the deficit to nine at one point in the fourth quarter, led by <span>Andre Drummond</span>, who scored 23 and pulled down 18 boards. But Brooklyn was too balanced, putting six players scored in double figures.</p>
<p><b>For more on the Pistons, see: <a href="http://www.detroitbadboys.com/">Detroit Bad Boys</a></b></p>
<ul>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/games/20140404/DETBKN/gameinfo.html">Pistons at Nets - Boxscore</a> - NBA.com</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nj.com/nets/index.ssf/2014/04/nets_detroit_pistons_1.html">Nets' home winning streak hits 15 with 116-104 win over Pistons</a> - AP</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/4/4/5581302/game-thread-brooklyn-nets-vs-detroit-pistons-7-30-pm">Game Thread: Brooklyn Nets vs. Detroit Pistons, 7:30 PM</a> - NetsDaily<br>
</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/video/games/nets/2014/04/04/0021301134-det-bkn-play3.nba">Livingston Slam (Video)</a> - NBA.com</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/video/games/nets/2014/04/04/0021301134-det-bkn-play4.nba">Show and Go (Video)</a> - NBA.com</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/video/games/nets/2014/04/04/0021301134-det-bkn-play1.nba">Drummond Alley-oop (Video)</a> - NBA.com</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/video/games/nets/2014/04/04/0021301134-det-bkn-play2.nba">Williams Dunk (Video)</a> - NBA.com</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/video/games/nets/2014/04/05/0021301134-det-bkn-play5.nba">Livingston Alley-oop (Video)</a> - NBA.com</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=10731786&ex_cid=espnapi_public">Pistons Lack Size Against Nets (Video)</a> - ESPN</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=10731593&ex_cid=espnapi_public">Nets Use Deep Ball To Sink Pistons (Video)</a> - ESPN<br>
</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://thebrooklyngame.com/gif-andray-blatches-daily-blatche/">GIF: Andray Blatche Goes Behind-The-Blatche</a> - The Brooklyn Game</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/brooklyn-nets/post/_/id/17471/rapid-reaction-nets-116-pistons-104">Rapid Reaction: Nets 116, Pistons 104</a> - Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/brooklyn-nets/post/_/id/17479/nets-could-get-kg-back-in-philly">Brooklyn Nets could have Kevin Garnett back in Philly</a> - Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/brooklyn-nets/post/_/id/17484/notes-nets-shooting-stars-at-barclays?ex_cid=espnapi_public">Notes: Nets' shooting stars at Barclays</a> - Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York<br>
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<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/nets/nets-get-into-good-offensive-groove-and-easily-beat-pistons-1.7615196">Nets get into good offensive groove and easily beat Pistons</a> - John Jeansonne - Newsday</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/nets/livingston-helps-nets-breeze-pistons-win-15th-straight-home-game-article-1.1746425">Shaun Livingston helps Nets breeze by Pistons, win 15th straight home game</a> - Stefan Bondy - New York Daily News</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://nypost.com/2014/04/04/nets-top-pistons-run-home-win-streak-to-15/">Nets top Pistons, run home win streak to 15</a> - Tim Bontemps - New York Post<br>
</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://nypost.com/2014/04/04/signed-jason-collins-jerseys-up-for-special-auction/">Signed Jason Collins jerseys up for special auction</a> - Tim Bontemps - New York Post</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.northjersey.com/sports/nets-stay-hot-at-home-with-116-104-win-over-pistons-1.842230">Nets stay hot at home with 116-104 win over Pistons</a> - Andy Vasquez - The Record</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.northjersey.com/sports/high-school-sports/girls-basketball/nets-notes-a-return-for-kevin-garnett-1.842326">Nets notes: A return for Kevin Garnett?</a> - Andy Vasquez - The Record<br>
</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303532704579482070198756340?mod=WSJ_NY_Sports_LEFTTopStories&mg=reno64-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424052702303532704579482070198756340.html%3Fmod%3DWSJ_NY_Sports_LEFTTopStorie">Nets Players Wary of Rest Before Playoffs Begin</a> - Alex Raskin - Wall Street Journal<br>
</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://thebrooklyngame.com/15-straight-at-home-nets-116-pistons-104-game-grades/">15 Straight At Home: Nets 116, Pistons 104 (GAME GRADES)</a> - Devin Kharpertian - The Brooklyn Game</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://thebrooklyngame.com/kidd-kevin-garnett-may-return-saturday-vs-76ers-may-come-bench/">Kidd: Kevin Garnett may return Saturday vs. 76ers, may come off the bench</a> - Devin Kharpertian - The Brooklyn Game</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/nets/basketball-gods-give-nets-great-schedule-down-stretch">Basketball Gods Give the Nets a Great Schedule Down the Stretch</a> - Lenn Robbins - Brooklyn Nets<br>
</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140404/SPORTS0102/304040125/Nets-put-away-Pistons-ease">Nets put away Pistons with ease</a> - VIncent Goodwill - Detroit News</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140404/SPORTS0102/304040123/Pistons-Peyton-Siva-gets-more-minutes-season-winds-down">Pistons' Peyton Siva gets more minutes as season winds down</a> - VIncent Goodwill - Detroit News</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.freep.com/article/20140405/SPORTS03/304050025/Brooklyn-116-Detroit-104-Nets-drop-15-treys-routing-Pistons">Brooklyn 116, Detroit 104: Nets drop 15 treys in routing Pistons (Video)</a> - Vince Ellis - Detroit Free Press<br>
</li>
</ul>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/4/4/5581822/pistons-nets-recap-final-score-2014Tom Lorenzo2014-04-04T19:00:02-04:002014-04-04T19:00:02-04:00Game Thread: Nets vs. Pistons, 7:30 PM
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9LuJ71Y_tC6E9q8MWBEPHAbTZU8=/0x1113:2662x2888/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/31131775/20140331_ads_af2_146.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p><strong>TV:</strong> MY9<br><strong>Radio:</strong> N/A</p>
<p>Catch up on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/">Pistons</a> at <a href="http://www.detroitbadboys.com/">Detroit Bad Boys</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Reminder:</strong> Please familiarize yourself with the <a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/community-guidelines"><strong>NetsDaily Community Guidelines</strong></a>.</p>
<table cellspacing="5" cellpadding="5" border="1" align="center" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table"><tbody> <tr><th bgcolor="silver" align="center" colspan="3">Game 75</th></tr> <tr> <td width="240"><center> <a style="font-size: medium; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;" href="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/527754/det_current.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Det_current_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/assets/527754/det_current_medium.gif"></a><span> </span> </center></td> <th width="20" align="center">@</th> <td width="240"><center><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1534589/bkn_2nd.gif"></center></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240"><center>27-48<br>11-25 on the road</center></td> <th width="20" align="center"></th> <td width="240"><center>40-34<br>26-11 at home</center></td> </tr> <tr><td bgcolor="silver" align="center" colspan="3"><strong>April 4, 2014</strong></td></tr> <tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><strong>Barclays Center</strong></td></tr> <tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><strong>7:30 p.m. ET</strong></td></tr> <tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><strong>TV: MY9 Radio: N/A</strong></td></tr> <tr><th bgcolor="silver" align="center" colspan="3"><strong>Probable Starters</strong></th></tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right"><p><span>Brandon Jennings</span></p></td> <th width="20" align="center">PG</th> <td width="240"><span>Deron Williams</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right"><span>Kyle Singler</span></td> <th width="20" align="center">SG</th> <td width="240"><span>Shaun Livingston</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right"><span>Josh Smith</span></td> <th width="20" align="center">SF</th> <td width="240"><span>Joe Johnson</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right"><span>Greg Monroe</span></td> <th width="20" align="center">PF</th> <td width="240"><span>Paul Pierce</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right"><span>Andre Drummond</span></td> <th width="20" align="center">C</th> <td width="240"><span>Mason Plumlee</span></td> </tr> <tr><th bgcolor="silver" align="center" colspan="3"><strong>Previous Meeting</strong></th></tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right">Nov. 24, 2013</td> <td colspan="2"> <a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2013/11/24/5140308/nets-pistons-final-score-recap-2013" target="_blank">Pistons 109, Nets 97</a><a target="_blank" href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2013/12/31/5262046/nets-spurs-final-score-recap-2013"></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right">Dec. 13, 2013</td> <td colspan="2"><a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2013/12/13/5208880/nets-comeback-fall-short-lose-to-pistons-103-99" target="_blank">Pistons 103, Nets 99</a></td> </tr> <tr><th bgcolor="silver" align="center" colspan="3"><strong><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/teamstats/" target="_blank">2013-14 Advanced Stats</a></strong></th></tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right">95.1 (10)<br> </td> <th width="20" align="center">Pace</th> <td width="240">91.5 (25)</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right">105.3 (20)<br> </td> <th width="20" align="center">ORtg</th> <td width="240">106.5 (14)</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240" align="right">108.9 (24)<br> </td> <th width="20" align="center">DRtg</th> <td width="240">107.3 (19)</td> </tr> </tbody></table>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/4/4/5581302/game-thread-brooklyn-nets-vs-detroit-pistons-7-30-pmTom Lorenzo2014-04-04T10:41:52-04:002014-04-04T10:41:52-04:00Injury Update: Kirilenko returns, Garnett is OUT
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<figcaption>Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sport</figcaption>
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<p><span>Jason Kidd</span> told the media at practice that <span>Andrei Kirilenko</span>, who has missed the last six games due to an ankle injury, will return on Friday night against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/">Detroit Pistons</a>.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Andrei Kirilenko will play tonight vs. Detroit. Kevin Garnett is out for the 19th straight game.</p>
— Andy Vasquez (@andy_vasquez) <a href="https://twitter.com/andy_vasquez/statuses/452086830595592192">April 4, 2014</a>
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.netsdaily.com/">Nets</a> are 3-3 without Kirilenko in the lineup since he injured himself against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/">Dallas Mavericks</a>. Previously, the Nets said that he was targeting a return of "midweek," of this week.</p>
<p>Kidd also confirmed that Kevin Garnett will not play against the Pistons, which was expected since the Nets are targeting his return on April 8th or 9th when the team heads to Florida to take on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Miami Heat</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/">Orlando Magic</a>.. In fact, Kidd said KG will travel with the team and Kirilenko said the two victims of back spasms worked out together Thursday.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Kirilenko said he had a "great one-on-one workout" with Kevin Garnett yesterday. Jason Kidd said KG will travel to Philly, Miami & Orlando.</p>
— Andy Vasquez (@andy_vasquez) <a href="https://twitter.com/andy_vasquez/statuses/452110129903984640">April 4, 2014</a>
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<p>Kidd said he's happy about the progress Garnett is making on returning from back spasms.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Jason Kidd on if he's happy with <span>Kevin Garnett's</span> progress: "We're ecstatic."</p>
— Andy Vasquez (@andy_vasquez) <a href="https://twitter.com/andy_vasquez/statuses/452091034378711040">April 4, 2014</a>
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<p>Kidd is also "ecstatic" to have Kirilenko back in the lineup.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Jason Kidd on what it means to have Andrei Kirilenko back in the lineup: "We're all ecstatic."</p>
— Andy Vasquez (@andy_vasquez) <a href="https://twitter.com/andy_vasquez/statuses/452091270144724992">April 4, 2014</a>
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<p>Everyone is ecstatic. Everyone.</p>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/4/4/5581576/injury-update-kevin-garnett-andrei-kirilneko-jason-kiddTom Lorenzo2014-04-04T08:03:19-04:002014-04-04T08:03:19-04:00Brooklyn tries to bounce back against Detroit
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/h7rc2oW68TQRLbyxopOkuM0K1YQ=/17x0:3981x2643/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/31067827/20140119_kkt_sv7_276.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>After a great <a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/4/1/5569022/nets-rockets-recap-score-final-2014-playoffs">win</a> against the <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Rockets</a> on Tuesday evening, the <a href="https://www.netsdaily.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Nets</a> played the second half of a back-to-back in Madison Square Garden. What happened? The Nets <a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/4/2/5576310/knicks-destroy-listless-nets-110-81">lost </a>by 29 points on national TV. Making matters worse for Brooklyn was Chicago, Toronto, Washington AND Charlotte all winning their respective games. The Nets trail the third and fourth seeded <a href="https://www.raptorshq.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Raptors</a> and <a href="https://www.blogabull.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bulls</a> by 2.5 games, lead the sixth seeded <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Wizards</a> by 1.5 games and lead the seventh seeded <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/charlotte-bobcats" class="sbn-auto-link">Bobcats</a> by 3.5 games.</p>
<p>Coming into Barclays Center this Friday evening will be the <a href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Pistons</a>. They made some high profile moves this offseason in order to compete for a playoff spot, but that didn't work out. Detroit is 27-48 and focused on next season.</p>
<p>The Pistons lead the season series 3-0. They won the first game back in <a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2013/11/24/5140308/nets-pistons-final-score-recap-2013">November</a>, the second back in <a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2013/12/13/5208880/nets-comeback-fall-short-lose-to-pistons-103-99">December</a>, and the third in <a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/2/7/5391508/nets-second-half-effort-falls-short-lose-111-95">February</a>.</p>
<p>There are some other games that the Nets their fans need to keep an eye out on. The Raptors host Indiana, the Wizards visit New York, and the Bulls play host to the <a href="https://www.brewhoop.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Milwaukee Bucks</a>. With the Nets jostling for playoff positioning, they're gonna need some help if they want to have home court advantage in the first round.</p>
<h3>The season so far</h3>
<p>What's the story? Let's find out</p>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>2013-2014</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Brooklyn</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Detroit</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Record</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">40-34</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">27-48</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Pace</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">93.78</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">97.51</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Offensive Efficiency</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">104.3</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">102.4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Defensive Efficiency</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">104.3</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">106.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Offensive Rebounding percentage</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">21.7</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">30.8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Turnover rate</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">15.2</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">14.9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Assist rate</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">16.7</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">15.8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Rebound rate</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">47</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">51.2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Free throw rate</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">31.4</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">28.9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Effective Field Goal percentage</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">51.1</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">48.2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Opponent Effective Field Goal percentage</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">50.5</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">51.8</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>There were rumblings that <span>Andrei Kirilenko</span> would return for the <a href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Knicks</a> game, but that didn't happen. He's still dealing with a sprained ankle and there hasn't been an update on his status. <span>Kevin Garnett</span> is still hoping to return next week.</p>
<p><span>Deron Williams</span> will be looking to bounce back against <span>Brandon Jennings</span>. Like everybody else for Brooklyn, Williams had an off night and he didn't have an assist to his name. The other (non-injury) game where Williams didn't have an assist was on February 7. What happened that night? Williams shot 4-10 against Detroit and Brandon Jennings was an assist away from a triple-double. Jennings is still a poor defender and Williams should be looking to take advantage of that. He doesn't gone in the low post that often, but he has plenty of size over Jennings and should look to post him up when possible.</p>
<p>Despite all of the awful play around him, <span>Andre Drummond</span> has been playing well in his sophomore season. He's built on his successful rookie season and is averaging 13 points and 12.8 rebounds a game in 32 minutes a night. He works almost exclusively inside of the restricted area, but has improved from the free throw line this season. Granted, 41 percent is still horrendous, but baby steps right? Drummond has been one of the best rebounders in the Association this year, and he picked up 22 rebounds the last time he saw Brooklyn. Garnett missed that one too, so look for Drummond to control the boards once again.</p>
<p>Going into the season, I think it was fair to expect the Pistons to be a decent defensive team. However, they've been one of the league's worst. They are allowing 106.5 points per 100 possessions, seventh highest in the Association. Back in November, Ben Gulker of Detroit Bad Boys <a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2013/11/24/5139864/brooklyn-nets-detroit-pistons-bad-boys-preview">told </a>us what was ailing the Pistons defense:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><span>The biggest surprise, however, is defense. The Pistons defense was expected to be top-tier, but it's atrocious. The Pistons have struggled to contain dribble penetration, they appear to have no reliable scheme to rotate to open shooters on the perimeter, the pick-and-roll decimates them, and even inside - where they should dominate - they are being exploited.</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p>More on that <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2014/3/12/5488668/detroit-pistons-defense-breakdown-embarrassing-josh-smith">here</a>. What hasn't helped the Pistons has been <span>Josh Smith</span> having the worst season of his professional career. He has career lows in PER, true shooting percentage, rebound rate, win shares, and keeps taking all those got damn deep jumpers. Four years <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/7/7/4499372/josh-smith-detroit-pistons-contract-nba-free-agency">bruh</a>.</p>
<h3>Player to watch: <span>Greg Monroe</span>
</h3>
<p>Smith's presence on the roster has led to fewer possessions for Monroe. Despite that, he's averaging around 15 points and nine rebounds in 33 minutes a night. He's also the best free throw shooter among the Pistons starting frontcourt (yeah he's only shooting 66.5 percent, but compared to Smith and Drummond, he's automatic). Although he's using fewer possessions as compared to the previous two seasons, he's cut down on his turnover rate this season. Another mark in his favor is his durability. Monroe has only missed two games in his first four seasons in the league.</p>
<p>As is the case with Drummond, the Nets' lack of size could provide them trouble. I had always thought Monroe was a good shooter from the high post area, but my memory must have been playing tricks on me. He's shown himself to be a great offensive rebounder, but those opportunities have declined since Drummond joined the team. Monroe has the height and size advantage over Paul Pierce and should look to exploit that. Monroe is a poor defender that can be exploited by Pierce and Andray Blatche.</p>
<h3>From the Vault</h3>
<p>Our old pal <span>Brian Scalabrine</span> has been <a href="http://www.goldenstateofmind.com/2014/3/25/5547306/golden-state-warriors-mark-jackson-brian-scalabrine">reassigned </a>and isn't coaching with the big club out in Golden State. Take a trip back to 2004 and relive happier times for Veal.</p>
<p><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/_VWS1qxSkRM" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe> <br id="1396498195810"></p>
<p>More reading: <a href="http://www.detroitbadboys.com/">Detroit Bad Boys</a></p>
<ul>
<li> <a href="http://www.nba.com/gamenotes/nets.pdf" target="_blank">Brooklyn Nets Game Notes - </a>Brooklyn Nets</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nba.com/gamenotes/pistons.pdf" target="_blank">Detroit Pistons Game Notes</a> - Detroit Pistons</li>
<li> <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/news/pistons-nets-preview-200258475--nba.html" target="_blank">Pistons-Nets Preview</a> - Noey Kupchan</li>
<li> <a href="http://nypost.com/2014/04/03/nets-rewind-will-they-slip-to-sixth-place/" target="_blank">Nets rewind: Will they slip to sixth place?</a> - Tim Bontemps - New York Post</li>
<li> <a href="http://nypost.com/2014/04/03/pistons-pose-a-big-problem-for-the-nets/" target="_blank">Pistons pose a ‘big’ problem for the Nets</a> - Tim Bontemps - New York Post</li>
<li> <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bulls/post/_/id/18610/3-points-nets-now-a-bigger-threat-to-bulls?ex_cid=espnapi_public" target="_blank">3 Points: Nets now a bigger threat to Bulls?</a> - ESPN Chicago</li>
<li> <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/brooklyn-nets/post/_/id/17441/nets-are-a-different-team-when-on-the-road?ex_cid=espnapi_public" target="_blank">Nets are a different team when on the road</a> - Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York</li>
<li> <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/brooklyn-nets/post/_/id/17445/starting-five-what-to-expect-from-kg?ex_cid=espnapi_public" target="_blank">Starting Five: What to expect from KG?</a> - Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York</li>
<li>
<a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/nets/nets-solve-road-woes-homecourt-slipping-article-1.1744729" target="_blank">Brooklyn Nets need to solve road woes with homecourt advantage in NBA playoffs slipping away </a>- Stefan Bondy - New York Daily News</li>
<li>
<a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/nets/sits-giggles-jvg-rips-nets-bench-antics-loss-knicks-article-1.1745162" target="_blank">Jeff Van Gundy rips Nets' bench antics during loss to Knicks</a> - Stefan Bondy - New York Daily News<br>
</li>
</ul>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/4/4/5576704/the-nets-try-to-bounce-back-against-the-pistonsBrian Fleurantin