Inside the Season of Protest, Pandemic, and Progress with the Brooklyn Nets

The 2020-21 season of the Brooklyn Nets was a season like no other. It was a season marked by protests, a global pandemic, and significant roster changes. But it was also a season of progress, both on and off the court.

Can't Knock the Hustle: Inside the Season of Protest, Pandemic, and Progress with the Brooklyn Nets' Superstars of Tomorrow

by Matt Sullivan

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2077 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	350 pages

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The Nets began the season with high expectations. They had acquired former MVP Kevin Durant and All-Star Kyrie Irving in the offseason, forming a formidable trio alongside All-Star forward DeAndre Jordan. But the season got off to a rocky start.

In December, Irving drew criticism for attending a family gathering in violation of COVID-19 protocols. He was fined by the team and suspended for several games. The Nets also struggled on the court, losing eight of their first 10 games.

But the Nets quickly turned things around. They went on a winning streak in January, and by the end of the regular season, they had finished with a 48-24 record, good for second place in the Eastern Conference.

The Nets' success was due in large part to the play of Durant and Harden. Durant averaged 26.9 points per game, while Harden averaged 24.6 points and 10.9 assists per game. Irving also played well, averaging 26.9 points per game.

In addition to their success on the court, the Nets also made headlines for their activism. In the wake of the police killing of George Floyd, Durant and Irving spoke out against racial injustice. The Nets also wore Black Lives Matter jerseys during the season.

The Nets' season ended in the Eastern Conference semifinals, where they lost to the eventual NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks. But despite the disappointing end, it was a season of progress for the Nets. They showed that they could compete with the best teams in the league, and they also used their platform to speak out against social injustice.

Unforgettable Moments of the 2020-21 Brooklyn Nets Season

The 2020-21 Brooklyn Nets season was full of unforgettable moments. Here are a few of the most memorable:

• Kevin Durant's return from injury: Durant missed the entire 2019-20 season with a torn Achilles tendon. His return to the court in December 2020 was a major moment for the Nets and the NBA.

• Kyrie Irving's game-winning shot against the Milwaukee Bucks: In January 2021, Irving hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer to give the Nets a 119-116 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. It was one of the most iconic shots of the season.

• The Nets' 12-game winning streak: In March 2021, the Nets went on a 12-game winning streak, their longest of the season. It was a dominant stretch that showed the Nets' potential.

• The Nets' acquisition of James Harden: In January 2021, the Nets traded for James Harden, the reigning NBA scoring champion. Harden's arrival gave the Nets one of the most potent offenses in the league.

• The Nets' Eastern Conference semifinals loss to the Milwaukee Bucks: The Nets' season ended in the Eastern Conference semifinals, where they lost to the eventual NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks. It was a disappointing end to the season, but the Nets showed that they could compete with the best teams in the league.

Key Takeaways from the 2020-21 Brooklyn Nets Season

The 2020-21 Brooklyn Nets season was a rollercoaster ride. But it was also a season of learning and growth. Here are a few key takeaways from the season:

• The Nets are a legitimate contender: The Nets showed that they can compete with the best teams in the league. They have a talented roster and a great coach. If they can stay healthy, they will be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come.

• The Nets are committed to social justice: The Nets used their platform to speak out against racial injustice. They wore Black Lives Matter jerseys and spoke out against police brutality. Their activism is a reminder that sports can be a force for good in the world.

• The Nets are still a work in progress: The Nets have a lot of talent, but they are still a young team. They need to continue to develop and grow if they want to reach their full potential.

Looking Ahead to the 2021-22 Brooklyn Nets Season

The 2021-22 Brooklyn Nets season is shaping up to be another exciting one. The Nets have added some key pieces to their roster, including Paul Millsap and Patty Mills. They are also expected to get a full season from Kyrie Irving, who missed most of last season with a shoulder injury.

The Nets will be looking to build on their success from last season. They will be aiming to win their first NBA championship since 2014. They have the talent and the experience to do it.

Here are a few things to watch for in the 2021-22 Brooklyn Nets season:

• The health of Kyrie Irving: Irving is one of the most talented players in the league, but he has also been injury-prone in the past. If he can stay healthy, the Nets will be a much more dangerous team.

• The development of James Harden: Harden is one of the best scorers in the league, but he is still learning how to play with Durant and Irving. If he can continue to improve his game, the Nets will be even more difficult to stop.

• The Nets' defense: The Nets were one of the worst defensive teams in the league last season. If they want to be a contender, they will need to improve on that end of the floor.

The 2021-22 Brooklyn Nets season is sure to be another rollercoaster ride. But if the Nets can stay healthy and continue to develop, they have the potential to be one of the best teams in the league.

Can't Knock the Hustle: Inside the Season of Protest, Pandemic, and Progress with the Brooklyn Nets' Superstars of Tomorrow

by Matt Sullivan

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2077 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	350 pages

FREE