What should be learned from Brooklyn’s lopsided loss to the Knicks.

The Nets are losing more games and falling further behind in the standings.

The Nets have now dropped four straight games after losing 102–121 to their cross-borough rivals, the New York Knicks. After a dull road trip, Brooklyn’s supporters were expecting them to play with greater vigor and urgency, so this was a disappointing performance from them.

The Knicks outworked Jacque Vaughn’s team, who appeared listless on the floor. Even though both teams had just returned from road trips through the West, New York appeared to be the more rested squad. With 20 points apiece, Cam Johnson and Cam Thomas had solid games, but the others had trouble scoring baskets.

The hustle of the Knicks was surpassed by the Nets. This was demonstrated by the Knicks’ 54 rebounds to Brooklyn’s 49, which allowed them to win the game. Josh Hart, a 6’5″ guard with a game-high 13 rebounds, was allowed to dominate the boards.

The Knicks’ Donte DiVincenzo, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Hart were game changers as they outhustled their opponents. Brooklyn has some talented players on the roster, so they should learn from this and make effort and hustle a priority every night.