Nets roll to 12 in a row as Vaughn builds winner in Brooklyn
Vaughn not only got the Nets playing good basketball, he also provided calmness to a franchise that had endured 10 months of turbulence. Vaughn showed the Nets what he could do in 2020, when he coached them during the NBA's pandemic restart at Walt Disney World. Missing a number of their top players who either couldn't or chose not to play, Vaughn guided an undermanned Brooklyn team to a 7-3 finish and a playoff berth. He discussed his options with Popovich, who offered Vaughn the chance to hang around the Spurs and watch the coaches work. Boston, the only team to beat the Nets in 13 games in December, returns to Brooklyn for a showdown next week.
wftv.comDurant, Nets pound Knicks 112-85 after promoting Vaughn
Kevin Durant had 29 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists, becoming the first player since Michael Jordan to score at least 25 points in his team’s first 12 games, and the Brooklyn Nets routed the New York Knicks 112-85 after making Jacque Vaughn their head coach.
Nets make Jacque Vaughn coach, decide against Udoka pursuit
NEW YORK — (AP) — The Brooklyn Nets made Jacque Vaughn their head coach Wednesday, promoting Steve Nash's replacement instead of hiring suspended Boston coach Ime Udoka. Vaughn has gone 2-2 as acting coach since the Nets and Nash parted ways on Nov. 1. His first game as the head coach will be Wednesday night at home against the New York Knicks. “He has a proven ability to get the best out of our players, hold them accountable and play a cohesive, team-first style of basketball.”After moving on from Nash, the Nets had been in discussions with Udoka, who along with Vaughn had been a Nets assistant before taking the Boston job. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
wftv.comNets' reported head-coaching plan is ugly, cynical — and a long shot to work on the court
The Celtics would go 33-10 the rest of the way , with far and away the NBA's best defense and its no. That unlocked Boston’s best self; no team switched more picks last season, or allowed fewer points per chance on switches, than the Celtics. That's the kind of impact that Marks and Co. seem to be banking on Udoka making in Brooklyn. Udoka takes over a Brooklyn team that has mostly been a defensive disaster to start the season . They have been bad in just about every way a defense can be bad.
wftv.comThe dysfunctional Nets have only one choice: Trade Kevin Durant
And Durant has been in the penthouse many times over to know this has no chance of turning around. Perhaps foolishly, Marks believes Ime Udoka can rescue his franchise — the same way Marks is rescuing Udoka from the shame of misconduct in Boston. The Nets made Durant acquiesce over the summer, especially after Utah’s Danny Ainge got the farm for Rudy Gobert, driving up the expected return for Durant. And this is what Marks is giving Durant, as he’s stewarding these precious years of Durant’s career. Right now, it’s time for a boom box and a bullhorn before Durant is wasted one more night.
wftv.comNets reportedly plan to hire suspended Celtics coach Ime Udoka to replace Steve Nash as head coach
Assistant Jacque Vaughn will take over as interim head coach, but the team is reportedly planning to hire suspended Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka to take his place. The Athletic's Shams Charania reports that the two sides are already engaged in discussions and planning to make the hire. The Celtics will reportedly let Udoka out of his contract to take another job. If Udoka is the next Nets coach, he brings his own set of baggage into an already tumultuous situation. But he's suspended for the season for reportedly having "an improper intimate and consensual relationship with a female member of the team staff."
wftv.comNash out as Nets coach after poor start, more controversy
NEW YORK — (AP) — Steve Nash is out as Brooklyn Nets coach after a disappointing start and more controversy surrounding Kyrie Irving. The Nets announced Tuesday that they had parted ways with the Hall of Fame point guard, a day after they beat Indiana to improve to 2-5. Nash made it to this season after Kevin Durant said he wanted him out this summer, but not much longer. The Nets have been another mess, with bad play on the court and bad headlines off it. Durant said he wanted to be traded this summer if the Nets didn't fire Marks and Nash, but Tsai stood by them and Durant eventually pulled back his request.
wftv.comIrving says he embraces all religions, defends right to post
NEW YORK — (AP) — Kyrie Irving said Saturday he embraced all religions, defiantly defending his right to post whatever he believes after the owner of the Brooklyn Nets said he was disappointed that Irving appeared to back an antisemitic film. History is not supposed to be hidden from anybody and I'm not a divisive person when it comes to religion,” Irving said during a tense postgame press conference. Did I hurt anybody?” Irving said. It was not clear if that meant the league has spoken to Irving, or plans to speak to him on the matter. The Nets then declined to give him a contract extension this summer, meaning Irving could be in his final season with the team.
wftv.comDoncic has 41 in triple-double, Mavs beat Nets 129-125 in OT
NEW YORK — (AP) — Luka Doncic had 41 points, 14 assists and 11 rebounds, setting up three 3-pointers in overtime to send the Dallas Mavericks to a 129-125 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday night. Doncic also had two baskets in overtime on the way to becoming the 10th player in NBA history with three 40-point triple-doubles. But Doncic scored 16 seconds into overtime to give the Mavs the lead for good, then found Hardaway for a 3. ... Hardaway scored 18 points after missing the loss in New Orleans on Tuesday because of right foot soreness. Nets: G Seth Curry, who hasn't played this season while recovering from left ankle surgery, practiced with the Nets' G League team Thursday.
wftv.comNash hopeful Nets' Simmons regains 'joy of playing the game'
MILWAUKEE — (AP) — Brooklyn Nets coach Steve Nash says he wants to see Ben Simmons regain “that joy of playing the game” as the three-time All-Star tries to bounce back after missing all of last season. The Nets are counting on Simmons to make a successful return from back surgery as they attempt to contend in the Eastern Conference. They acquired Simmons at the trade deadline last season in a move that sent 10-time All-Star James Harden to the Philadelphia 76ers. “I definitely feel each game I’m progressing a little bit in terms of my physicality and aggression,” Simmons said after the Bucks game. Before this season, Simmons hadn't played a game since the 76ers' Eastern Conference semifinals loss to the Atlanta Hawks in June 2021.
wftv.comBucks use lopsided run after Nash ejected, beat Nets 110-99
MILWAUKEE — (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo had 43 points, 14 rebounds and five assists as the Milwaukee Bucks went on a lopsided run after Brooklyn coach Steve Nash was ejected in the third quarter and beat the Nets 110-99 on Wednesday night. Antetokounmpo scored 34 points in the second half as the Bucks outscored the Nets 67-44 over the final two periods. Nash was ejected for the first time as Nets coach since taking over at the start of the 2020-21 season. George Hill made two free throws after Nash’s ejection to start a 5-0 run that put the Bucks ahead. Bucks: The Bucks continue to play without Khris Middleton (wrist), Pat Connaughton (calf) and Joe Ingles (knee).
wftv.comNets' Steve Nash erupts at official, picks up first career ejection as a coach vs. Bucks
The Brooklyn Nets head coach was ejected after a rare outburst at an official in the second half of their game against the Bucks at Fiserv Forum. It marked Nash’s first career ejection as a head coach, and just the third of his NBA career. pic.twitter.com/CWnlyFBIEr — SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 27, 2022Nash then settled down and left the court. The Nets held a 12-point lead at halftime on Wednesday night, though the Bucks had cut the game to just a single possession when Nash was thrown out. Milwaukee outscored Brooklyn 35-21 in the third period alone, which gave the Bucks a two-point lead heading into the fourth.
wftv.comAfter dreadful opening night performance, Nets feels neither exciting nor new
“My message to the guys was just [about] raising our standards of competition, you know?” Nash told reporters after the game. But at the same time, there’s competitive standards, and an opportunity for us to grow every night here. But we’ve got to compete at a high level.”Irving echoed his coach’s sentiments following a disappointing 6-of-19 shooting night. The Nets countered with comparative swizzle sticks Durant, Simmons, and Nic Claxton, all of whom give up a lot of weight and strength to New Orleans' road graders. Maybe we'll look back before too long and see that this Pelicans team is really freaking good , and that getting smacked around by them isn't the scarlet letter that it might have seemed on opening night.
wftv.comSeth Curry, Joe Harris ruled out for Nets season opener after injury setbacks
Neither Seth Curry nor Joe Harris will be ready for the Brooklyn Nets’ season opener this week. Curry is dealing with a left ankle injury, and Harris a left foot injury. Harris played in just 14 games for the Nets last season while dealing with two ankle surgeries. With both Curry and Harris out, the Nets will plan to use Royce O’Neal to help carry the load. O’Neal averaged 7.4 points and 4.8 rebounds last season with the Utah Jazz, who traded him to Brooklyn this summer.
wftv.comHot Takes We Might Actually Believe: Kevin Durant's Nets more combustible than LeBron James' Lakers
LeBron James and Kevin Durant, arguably the greatest players of their NBA generation, lead two of the most combustible teams in the league, and both players bear considerable responsibility for that instability. Yet, Durant's Brooklyn Nets are an even likelier disappointment, naively entering this season as if his chaotic summer never occurred. "You saw what happened with our season," Durant told reporters on media day. Likewise, Marks mortgaged Brooklyn's future to acquire James Harden, who forced the Nets to invest in Ben Simmons' stock instead. Brooklyn is scarce on two-way players beyond Durant, and even his effectiveness on defense has waned in his mid-30s.
wftv.comKevin Durant says a 'lot of s***' was inaccurate about offseason trade saga, but there's not enough time for details
Despite an early offseason trade request, Durant remains with the Nets after an August announcement that all sides had "agreed to move forward with our partnership." Durant wants to 'move past' trade request sagaDurant was asked at Friday's practice about any inaccuracies in the offseason reporting of his trade request and the stipulations he reportedly requested. Kevin Durant: “I was upset and as a family, they understood that I was upset. Prior to the trade request, Durant had already signed a four-year, $192 million contract extension that began in July 2022 and essentially nixed his leverage. "I felt like we had a good team," Durant said on Friday of coming back to the Nets.
wftv.comIt's time for Steve Nash to find his coaching voice, challenge the Nets before time runs out
Nash doesn’t have a commanding, domineering presence or booming voice that can stop people in their tracks. That should help him in coaching the Nets, keeping them on course throughout the nine-month grind. Nash doesn’t have a signature trait as a coach, something that would work if one played a game of word association. Durant isn’t as wobbly as portrayed, but it’s clear the Nets franchise needs someone stable and vocal, someone who speaks with authority and clarity. But Nash doesn’t have that luxury, especially when he must deliver the daily gospel of the Nets.
wftv.comNets coach Steve Nash doesn't care if Ben Simmons 'ever shoots a jump shot'
The Brooklyn Nets don't expect him to shoot jump shots. That's according to head coach Steve Nash, who spoke on Wednesday about Simmons' role with his new team. Simmons is practicing with the Nets and has been cleared to play after missing the 2021-22 season amid myriad issues. Nash spoke with reporters about Simmons' anticipated role with the Nets, which will be varied. By getting out ahead of the issue publicly, Nash at least relieves some pressure on Simmons for his Nets debut.
wftv.comNets need more than 'culture' to prove questions stemming from Kevin Durant's trade demand won't loom over season
Oh, and along the way he wanted the Nets to fire general manager Sean Marks and coach Steve Nash as a condition to keep him. “Awkward, very awkward,” Irving said of Durant’s trade request, which came after he opted into the last year of his contract. Marks pointed to Spurs culture and Heat culture, but said the Nets want to have their own — which is what? “A year of us looking in the mirror, we [messed] up as a team,” Durant said. The culture gets in the way of the practicality — is the roster championship-ready, independent of the three big pieces?
wftv.comAP source: Durant reiterates desire to be traded by Brooklyn
Kevin Durant has again told Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai that he wants to be traded, reiterating a request he first made nearly six weeks ago, a person with knowledge of the matter confirmed Monday night. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has never been a fan of trade demands going public. “Teams provide enormous security and guarantees to players and the expectation is, in return, they will meet their end of the bargain. I’m realistic that there’s always conversations that are going to go on behind closed doors between players and their representatives and the teams. He averaged 29.9 points in 55 games last season, after leading the U.S. to Olympic gold at the Tokyo Games last summer.
wftv.comReport: Kevin Durant told Nets ownership to choose between him, Steve Nash-Sean Marks pairing
Charlotte Hornets v Brooklyn Nets NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 27: Head Coach Steve Nash and Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets look on against the Charlotte Hornets at Barclays Center on March 27, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)Kevin Durant is not happy with Brooklyn Nets management and still wants to be traded barring a change, The Athletic's Shams Charania reports. Per the report, Durant met with team owner Joseph Tsai over the weekend and told him to choose between himself and the pairing of head coach Steve Nash and general manager Sean Marks. Durant previously requested a trade from the Nets in June following a tumultuous season that resulted in a first-round playoff sweep to the Boston Celtics.
wftv.comNets hope to get Durant started, 76ers try to finish Raptors
The Nets host Game 3 on Saturday and might get Ben Simmons back in Game 4 on Monday. So I couldn’t have more faith and trust in Kevin Durant,” Nets coach Steve Nash said. The Philadelphia 76ers can become the first team into the second round by beating the Toronto Raptors to complete a sweep. “Now, of course, that’s who he is coming into a series halfway through against a really good Boston team, especially defensively,” Mills said. The Wolves coach let his team play through its struggles instead of calling timeout to slow the Grizzlies' surge in Game 3.
wftv.comSimmons hopeful of Nets debut, perhaps in Game 4 vs Boston
NEW YORK — (AP) — Ben Simmons hopes to play for the Brooklyn Nets during their first-round series against Boston, though he said he probably won't be ready for Game 3 on Saturday. Simmons said Game 4 on Monday is more likely. “I think it’s reasonable to think that, but it’s day to day,” Simmons said after practice Friday. “I can’t tell you definitely Game 4, Game 3. Simmons expects to get another workout Saturday and then a determination will be made if he's ready to jump in Monday — when they could be facing elimination.
wftv.comNets donate $50,000 to recovery after subway shooting
Subway Shooting A police officer stands watch at the entrance of 36th Street Station after multiple people were shot on a subway train, Tuesday, April 12, 2022, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. “That’s the subway stop for our practice facility and for our office,” Nets coach Steve Nash said before the game. The Nets thanked first responders and wished a speedy recovery to those who were injured. Members of the police counter terrorism unit were positioned at the top of the steps outside the subway station across the plaza from Barclays Center. “So that’s first and foremost, is keeping those people in our minds and whatever we can do to help there, help there," he said.
wftv.comNets beat Pacers to lock up 7th, host play-in game Tuesday
Pacers Nets Basketball Brooklyn Nets' Kevin Durant, center, grabs a rebound during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Indiana Pacers at the Barclays Center, Sunday, Apr. Andre Drummond added 20 points, shooting 9 for 9, and 13 rebounds. Bruce Brown scored 21 points in the Nets' fourth straight victory to wrap up the regular season. Oshae Brissett scored 28 points for the Pacers, who lost their final 10 games to finish 25-57. The Nets led 76-60 at halftime but the Pacers began the third quarter with a 17-2 run to make it a one-point game.
wftv.comDurant leads big rally at MSG as Nets storm past Knicks
Kevin Durant had 32 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds, leading the Brooklyn Nets back from 21 points down to a 110-98 victory over the New York Knicks that strengthened their chances of the best spot possible in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament.
Simmons has herniated disk, Nash still optimistic he'll play
Ben Simmons' back injury is a herniated disk, though Brooklyn Nets coach Steve Nash still believes the guard can play this season. Simmons had an epidural recently that Nash said he believed had relieved some of the pain in his back. Nash had revealed that step after it happened last week, but hadn't disclosed the nature of Simmons' injury until Monday, when he confirmed a report by The Athletic.
news.yahoo.comDinwiddie hits 3 at buzzer, Mavericks beat Nets 113-111
Mavericks Nets Basketball Dallas Mavericks guard Spencer Dinwiddie (26) drives against Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas (24) in the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 16, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo) (John Minchillo)NEW YORK — (AP) — Spencer Dinwiddie made a 3-pointer at the buzzer against his former team, giving the Dallas Mavericks a 113-111 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night. The Mavericks took time and Luka Doncic brought the ball up before the Mavericks got it to Dinwiddie, who nailed the jumper from the right side, right in front of Brooklyn's bench. Dinwiddie scored 22 points, 15 in the fourth quarter. He beat that by quickly rising for the 3-pointer that gave Brooklyn the lead, but Dinwiddie again came through late for the Mavs.
wftv.comNets fined $50K for letting Kyrie Irving enter locker room
Knicks Nets Basketball Brooklyn Nets' Kyrie Irving watches the game from his seats during the second half of the NBA basketball game between the Brooklyn Nets and the New York Knicks at the Barclays Center, Sunday, Mar. Irving was a spectator at Barclays Center on Sunday, sitting across from the Nets bench for Brooklyn's 110-107 victory over the New York Knicks. After the Nets game ended, he walked off arm-in-arm with Durant, who had scored a season-high 53 points, toward the locker room. Unlike the stands, the locker room is considered part of the team's workplace environment. Coach Steve Nash acknowledged during his postgame availability that Irving had been in the locker room at halftime.
wftv.comDurant scores 53, Nets edge Knicks 110-107 as Irving watches
Knicks Nets Basketball Brooklyn Nets' Kevin Durant, right, shoots over New York Knicks' Mitchell Robinson during the first half of the NBA basketball game at the Barclays Center, Sunday, Mar. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) (Seth Wenig)NEW YORK — (AP) — Kevin Durant scored a season-high 53 points, making the tiebreaking 3-pointer in a sensational show for a crowd that included Kyrie Irving, and the Brooklyn Nets beat the New York Knicks 110-107 on Sunday. Irving had a nice view while attending his first Nets home game this season, though still unable to play in New York. He walked off arm-in-arm with Durant toward the Nets locker room after the game ended. Durant scored 16 points in the first quarter and Brooklyn was ahead much of the way, but the Knicks rallied to take a 103-101 lead on Barrett's basket.
wftv.comSimmons deals with back soreness as he preps for Nets debut
Kings Nets Basketball Brooklyn Nets' Ben Simmons, right, looks on during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings, Monday, Feb. 14, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin) (Corey Sipkin)MILWAUKEE — (AP) — Ben Simmons is dealing with back soreness as the Brooklyn Nets’ new acquisition prepares to make his 2021-22 debut. Nets coach Steve Nash confirmed before Saturday’s game with the Milwaukee Bucks that the three-time All-Star has encountered “just a little soreness in his back.”“It’s not like an injury," Nash said. "It’s just kind of like as he’s returning to play, his back’s flared up a little. “I think that’s just a part of his process of returning to play.
wftv.comAP sources: Nets send Harden to 76ers for Simmons
(AP Photo/José Luis Villegas) (José Luis Villegas)PHILADELPHIA — (AP) — Ben Simmons got his wish, a trade out of Philadelphia. The 76ers got their second superstar, with James Harden coming over in a blockbuster multiplayer trade with the Brooklyn Nets. The Sixers sent Simmons, their disgruntled All-Star guard, guard Seth Curry and center Andre Drummond to the Brooklyn Nets in a deal for Harden. The Sixers will also get Paul Millsap and the Nets get draft picks, according to people with direct knowledge of the decision. This is the second straight season Harden was traded during the season.
wftv.comNash says Nets not trading Harden before trade deadline
Nets Kings Basketball Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden (13) yells to forward James Johnson (16) during the second half of the team's NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings in Sacramento, Calif., Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022. (AP Photo/José Luis Villegas) (José Luis Villegas)DENVER — (AP) — James Harden is staying put with the Brooklyn Nets. Coach Steve Nash gave a direct answer when asked before the team's game at Denver on Sunday if the team was definitely not trading the former MVP before Thursday's deadline. Nash said Harden’s hamstring is tightness, not a strain, and he has lost strength in the ligament. The Nets entered Sunday’s game having lost seven in a row, including a blowout loss at Utah on Friday night.
wftv.comStephen Curry, Warriors beat Kyrie Irving, Nets 110-106
Nets Warriors Basketball Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) looks to pass the ball between Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (22) and guard Stephen Curry during the first half of an NBA basketball game in San Francisco, Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022. Thompson hit the biggest shot yet of his 2 1/2-year injury comeback, smoothly sinking a 3-pointer with 12 seconds left to send the Golden State Warriors to a 110-106 victory over Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday night. Andrew Wiggins contributed 24 points and eight rebounds as the Warriors made key late stops, including Irving's missed reverse layup try with a minute left. After Wiggins missed a 3 with 30 seconds left, Mills converted two free throws after a foul. ... Nash loves being back in the Bay Area, where he previously worked as a player development consultant with the Warriors.
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