The Brooklyn Nets signed Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in 2019, forming an extremely talented offense. After one season of waiting, they finally took to the court together this season. But they were still 8-6 after multiple off-court issues, which made them go all out and trade for Rockets’ star James Harden.

Since that trade, their already strong offense became one of the strongest ever. But Harden’s arrival led to the departure of Jarrett Allen, Caris LeVert, and Taurean Prince, all of whom were capable defenders. This weakened their defense to the extent that the Nets are now the worst defensive team in the league.

The Nets’ offense and defense are both on their way to historic numbers. They are on course to beat the Mavericks’ best offense rating record, while they are also on their way to beat the Cavaliers’ worst defensive rating record.

Can the Brooklyn Nets win the title with this defense?

In the six games that the Nets’ Big 3 has played together, they are 4-2. They lost their first two games to the Cavaliers, who torched them. Collin Sexton was the hero for them, but the Cavs’ big men also had a field day with the Nets’ paint defense. They won the next four games in a row but conceded at least 124 points in three games.

Tonight, the Nets fell to the Wizards to record their ninth loss of the season. Although they missed Harden today, their defense was abysmal once again. They lost 146-149 and allowed the Wizards to score eight points in less than nine seconds. It was an amazing comeback for the Wizards, but it was just poor defending by the Nets.

This was the third time they gave away over 140 points in a game this season. They are already tied for the team record for such games and have more than half the season to go.

If their defense continues to be so weak, they cannot challenge for a title. The 76ers or the Bucks might best them in the Eastern Conference itself unless they bring in some tough defenders via trade or free agents. Durant, Harden, and Irving will be able to score, but without defensive reinforcements, they will fall behind.

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