While Brooklyn had an advantage with offensive rebounds and second-chance points, the timing of those missed rebounds hurt the Nets. The New Orleans Pelicans grabbed 11 offensive rebounds, which led to 19 second-chance points.
The Nets’ slim lead can be linked to Day’Ron Sharpe’s phenomenal display, as he grabbed a career-high 17 boards off the bench, nine being offensive rebounds. Nets rookie Jalen Wilson felt like they kept losing the 50/50 balls.
“A lot of was on the second-chance points and second-chance efforts. Can’t let a good team like that get second-chance rebounds, flaring out to threes, especially when we’re trying to cut the lead. It’s kinda like trying to play the perfect game when you’re trying to catch up,” Jalen said after the loss to the Pels.
The Nets have struggled with their rebounding recently
For most of the first half of the 2023/24 season, the Nets were always near the top of the rebounding charts. They were competing with the Boston Celtics for the top spot. Boston still has the top spot, but Brooklyn is now down in the 15th spot, the most average spot.
Day’Ron Sharpe’s injury, which sidelined him for a few weeks, was a big reason behind that decline. That left Nic Claxton to fend for himself, which was challenging, considering that Brooklyn lacks elite rebounders beyond the two big men.
This rebounding problem made Coach Kevin Ollie demand more effort on the boards. That advice sticks with a rookie like Wilson because he’s always jumping for offensive rebounds and battling for loose balls.
Wilson does not want the Nets to give up
“Just keep fighting, keep understanding that 13 games are still a lot of games. Still have some games to win, we still have opportunities,” Wilson continued. "That’s the biggest thing we have, it’s faith and hope that if we do handle our business, we have a chance to get in the Play-In. Just having the opportunity is the biggest thing for us and understanding that it ain’t over.”
Wilson has the right attitude towards the last 13 games, as the Nets’ chances of making it into the Play-In Tournament are slim. Brooklyn must keep playing and working hard even if they only have a slim chance of ending the season well.
More must-reads: