The Nets lost to the red-hot Suns 113-107 on Saturday, dropping a marquee home game in front of the largest crowd the team has hosted since moving to Brooklyn (18,071).
Phoenix was led by Devin Booker, who recorded 30 points and four assists, while Brooklyn was led by Kevin Durant, who finished with 39 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Despite owning the best record in the East at 14-6, it’s clear the Nets still have work to do.
“We’re a team that’s still forming, still trying to find an identity,” head coach Steve Nash said, as relayed by Brian Lewis of the New York Post. “This [Suns] team has a clear identity, a clear understanding of what they’re trying to do offensively and defensively — something we’re still in the very early stages of.
“We get away from our game when we go behind. Those are signs of a new team, a team trying to understand each other and find some clarity and identity.”
- Raptors forward OG Anunoby (hip pointer) remained out for Toronto's game against the Celtics on Sunday, Josh Lewenberg of TSN Sports tweets. No timetable has been issued for his return, but head coach Nick Nurse acknowledged the injury looks like it’s going to be “a problem”.
- Speaking of the Raptors, guard Gary Trent Jr. (calf bone bruise) also doesn’t have a timeline for his return, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet tweets. Murphy notes the bone bruise is said to be deep and painful. Toronto started Svi Mykhailiuk in Trent’s place against Boston.
- Rotation decisions may be looming for Tom Thibodeau and the Knicks, Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News writes. New York has started the season with an 11-9 record, winning 99-90 against the Hawks on Saturday without Kemba Walker, Nerlens Noel and Derrick Rose.
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