Nets face shorthanded Cavs. Will key offensive strategies and defensive adjustments finally break Brooklyn's losing streak?
February was rough for the Brooklyn Nets, as the team amassed a 2-10 record, including a seventh straight loss on Friday.
However, Sunday provides a new opportunity, as the Nets host the Cleveland Cavaliers to usher in the new month. Cleveland has gotten the best of Brooklyn in two matchups already, most recently defeating the Nets 112-84 on Feb. 19.
However, Sunday's Cavs team will be without its leading scorer, Donovan Mitchell, while James Harden, who's nursing a broken thumb, is a game-time decision.
Here are two keys to the Nets getting back in the win column.
Pressure Cavs Bigs
Without Mitchell and possibly Harden, the Cavs will lean on their big-man duo of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. While both pose huge problems on defense and the glass, Mobley and Allen can be primary scoring options when needed, especially as of late.
In Cleveland's last time out, Allen and Mobley combined for 48 points and 21 rebounds in a 122-119 overtime loss against the Detroit Pistons on Feb. 27. Mobley showcased his versatility, knocking down four 3-pointers while also attacking the rim. Allen, for his part, seemingly couldn't miss, cashing in on 10-of-12 field-goal attempts, dominating in the restricted area.
If Nic Claxton, who is questionable for Sunday's game, can play, he should look to keep Allen out of the paint while making his touches come as high out as possible. Mobley can be bothered by ball pressure, making the versatile Noah Clowney his likely matchup.
Feed Michael Porter Jr.
Porter Jr. has continued his All-Star Caliber season following the break, averaging 20.5 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. He has looked comfortable in both games against Cleveland this season, jumping up to 22.5 points on efficient 51.4/37.5/100.0 splits.
Porter Jr. will likely have his hands full with Mobley, the reigning defensive player of the year picking him up, but can take advantage of his shooting ability and ball handling to draw Mobley out of the paint.
The 6-foot-10 stretch big recently hit a big milestone, cashing in career 3-pointer No. 1,000 against Boston on Thursday. Since Porter's debut in 2019, only 26 players have reached that mark. Of that group, his 40-percent 3-point shooting is second to only Steph Curry's 40.3 percent, according to NetsDaily writer Collin Helwig.
Cavs-Nets tips off Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET.
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