Stephen A. Smith is one of the few sports media personalities who has always been aware of the true potential of the Brooklyn Nets – featuring Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. After a lackluster and controversial start, Jacque Vaughn’s presence has changed the entire momentum for this team as their latest victory came up against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday.
Given that the Nets are seeking a run for the championship, their toughest opponents in the conference seem to be Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics. According to, to the 55-year-old analyst, this time around the Nets needs to find measures to redeem themselves against both these teams even if they lock horns in the playoffs.
Speaking on the latest episode on NBA Countdown, Stephen A. Smith said, ““I don’t think there’s any question about that. They’re definitely in position to do it because they’re one of the top seeds in the Eastern Conference, and if it stays that way, you don’t have to worry about running into Boston in the first round, which you can deal with a lower seed and then obviously, you get your things going. You get your rhythm, and what have you…”
Smith added, “I don’t think it would be a sweep if they were to meet again, not to say that Boston can’t beat them because they’re the deepest team in basketball.
Smith went on to praise Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant’s leadership for the Brooklyn Nets and explained how well each of them has been fulfilling their roles in inspiring this team to victories. Moreover, he concluded by stating how coach Jacque Vaughn has built a team that plays best to their own strengths.
“They play elite defense, they’ve got two superstars, they’re well balanced, the Brogdan pickup is huge for them. But, when you look at the Brooklyn Nets with KD playing the way that he plays, every time I’ve seen the team bus pull up to an arena, Kyrie Irving has gotten off of it in the last several weeks. So you got that going on, and obviously, you got guys like Claxton and others who have been fulfilling their roles.”
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