The Nets might not have a front-line middle, however Andre Drummond and Nic Claxton definitely carried out like one Tuesday night time if you happen to mixed their efforts.
The 2 large males did somewhat little bit of every part within the Nets’ 115-108, play-in match victory over the Cavaliers at Barclays Heart. They completed on the rim. They scored on the paint. They defended effectively.
“They have been nice,” coach Steve Nash stated.
The 6-foot-10 Drummond began and had 16 factors and eight rebounds in 19 impactful minutes. Claxton, a extra cell 6-11 ahead, got here off the bench and completed the sport, producing 13 factors, 9 rebounds and 5 blocks in 29 sturdy minutes. The duo mixed to shoot 13-of-17 from the sector with Claxton making all six of his field-goal makes an attempt.
When the 2 carry out like that, it makes it even harder for the opposition. It’s more durable to throw further defenders at Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, and it offers the Nets extra freedom on the perimeter once they know they've an efficient rim eraser defending the basket.
“It adjustments rather a lot for us [when they play like that],” Durant stated. “We knew to ensure that us to beat this staff we have been going to need to be within the paint, field out and get again on protection. … You discuss me defending the rim, that was [Claxton] that set the tone, he did all of it night time. I used to be simply there aiding him.
“I feel Drumm and Nic did a superb job of setting the tone. Simply with the physicality, rebounding, sprinting again on protection. Simply consideration to element. We’re going to wish that going ahead.”
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