Yesterday we saw one of the best scoring displays by four players in one game. Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving both had 37 points, Ja Morant and Desmond Bane both had 38 points. These four combined for 150 points by themselves. They left 108 points to their teammates but only a measly seven for Ben Simmons.

Memphis Grizzlies got a bounce-back win after Luka ate them alive in what was an embarrassing shooting display. They shot 27% from three in that game but yesterday they put on a shooting clinic at a 47% clip. I am registering Ja as unguardable at this point if he can shoot deep threes like this one. We all already know this but when he gets inside to his spot for a little floater you just have to pray he’ll miss on his own because you can’t do anything else about it. Des had his best game of the season in this one. He shot the ball below his standards in the first three games and in preseason but he set the game on fire in the third quarter where he hit five of his eight threes. These two are going to be a top backcourt duo for the entire season as Bane continues to improve into a more consistent player.

Dillon Brooks had an abysmal season debut, and it was a bit like his playoff run last season. He continues to have the confidence like he is Steph but barely ever hits. He shot them out of a couple games last year and as a Grizzlies fan you have to hope he gets out of this slump. He brings so much energy to this team and sometimes acts as the enforcer on defense if they need it. If he can channel his inner Grindfather and be like Tony Allen who focused on the defensive aspect of the game with the occasional three pointer or layup then his erratic shooting won’t be as big of a problem. Worse case scenario he is a good trade chip to include in acquiring a big talent that can put this team over the top.

So far, Santi Aldama has been a revelation at the beginning of the season. I am not sure if you guys remember his performance against the Phoenix Suns last season in a game where no starters played but I have been aware of his potential for quite some time. He was the last pick in the 2021 NBA Draft from Spain and is another one of the perfect draft picks General Manager, Zach Kleiman has added to this roster of hidden gems. Aldama was the third leading scorer and will be a crucial bench piece when Jaren Jackson Jr. gets healthy and returns to the starting lineup. Aldama doesn’t back down and has bought in to the culture that Memphis has curated. He stays ready to shoot and hopefully will keep that hot shooting alive.

The Brooklyn Nets man. KD and Kyrie are just going to outscore teams on their own this season aren’t they. I don’t really know who could be considered there third best player with the way Ben Simmons has started. Nick Claxton is a good candidate since he put up 18 in the win over Toronto on Friday. Joe Harris is still trying to find his rhythm since returning from his injury that took who knows how long to recover from. Patty Mills and Royce O’Neal are great vets to have the roster but they integral players for this team that has championship aspirations.

The best defender on this team is Ben but if he gets in foul trouble every game what is the point of looking forward to him guarding the top opposing player every game. Other than Ben the perimeter defense is very hard to come by. KD said himself that the three point line killed them in this game. O’Neal was brought on for three and D but it just isn’t enough compared to how the rest of the team plays. Claxton brings great rim protection and so does KD but he has to exert himself on the offensive end. Kyrie also has to put energy into scoring the ball and is already at a disadvantage as a below average defender. Ja was blowing by him time after time.

With no picks and no real tradeable assets, I am not too sure where the Nets can find improvements. Eric Gordon is a player the Nets should be interested in. He is a vet that can score and run the offense when KD and Kyrie need breaks. Gordon has played in big playoff games alongside former Net, James Harden, and knows what it takes. The Nets could look into buying out his contract if a trade can’t be worked out. Another few pieces the Nets can look into is finding ways to get Mike Conley, Jordan Clarkson, or Rudy Gay on their team from the Utah Jazz. That is, of course, Utah isn’t going for a title this year. Conley can take a ball-handling role and help improve the defense. Clarkson we know won’t be much help on the defensive end but his streaky shooting is exactly what this team needs. Someone who can come off the bench and spell the two stars of this team. Rudy is a veteran that has a defensive presence but can mainly help out the offense some more. I completely thought of those three on the spot and I think I find the solution for Brooklyn. I don’t know how they can go about performing this trade but Joe Harris may have to be involved with that contract of his. Utah would definitely love to add Cam Thomas who is a nice young piece for that rebuilding team. Danny Ainge will start the Jazz fire sale soon. The Nets just have to beat Lebron to the punch.