Sure, part of the Nets’ defensive uptick is due to a break in the schedule. But most of it was due to a look in the mirror.
“Yeah, it got a lot better, guys finally understanding how we need to play defensively, how we need to help each other,” DeMarre Carroll said. “Early on, guys weren’t taking pride in their one-on-one defense, so we were letting guys beat us on the perimeter, and guys have to help and we’d get fouls or they’d score layups.
“Now guys are taking it personal when coach shows them on film getting blown by, stuff like that.