Often seen as a glue guy and three-and-D specialist, Dorian Finney-Smith is the optimal role player for any team. During the Nets’ 112-107 win against the Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn’s big names were not the standouts because Dorian was superb.
The former Florida Gator scored 20 points on an efficient 8-for-11 from the field. He also grabbed eight rebounds, helping the Nets close opponent possessions, which was crucial because Day’Ron Sharpe was nursing an injury.
“Coach challenged us at halftime. They came out and punched us in the face first, and we responded in the second half,” Dorian told Meghan Tripplet in the post-game interview. “That has nothing to do with skills; we just want to. Tonight, we wanted it more.”
Dorian’s hustle and energy inspire the Nets
Coach Kevin Ollie’s rousing halftime speech was just what they needed to motivate them. However, they needed someone to take charge and lead by example, which Finney-Smith did against Philly.
Dorian was battling for every loose ball and jumping for every possible rebound. That was contagious energy for the rest of the team, as they were phenomenal in the second half. The team focused on being scrappy and out-working the 76ers, leading to a favorable result after the crushing loss a night earlier.
Players like Dennis Smith Jr. and Nic Claxton fed off DFS’ energy, helping the team to get the much-needed win. That’s what Coach Ollie wanted to see, which led to profuse praise for Dorian’s performance.
“We wouldn’t win this game without his toughness plays. Tip-ins and shooting the three. He was great tonight, it was a team effort,” Coach Ollie said after the win.
Dorian’s three-point shooting is a massive strength for the Nets
By spacing the floor, Dorian has a massive impact on the team, given power forwards defend him. Pulling them away from the paint leads to more close-range and efficient shots for the Nets, leading to Brooklyn scoring 58 points in the paint.
“It's just something that was going to come back. I feel like the averages are always going to be what they're going to be. Just shoot the ball with confidence and let the results be the results,” Dorian said in the presser after the win.
DFS’ shooting dipped in 2024 after he was shooting 40+% in the first half of the season. He kept taking shots, as he knew they were bound to fall. The Nets are much better with DFS playing this way, which could spell trouble for the Hawks, who sit in the tenth seed.
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