3 things we learned about the Brooklyn Nets on Opening Night

The Nets are flying high after their Opening Night demolition of the Warriors. Here are three important takeaways for Steve Nash’s team. 

It’s hard to imagine the Nets playing any better on Opening Night. Steve Nash’s team emphatically erased any questions as to whether or not Brooklyn is ready to be an Eastern Conference contender. Fans should be careful not to overreact to one single game of regular season basketball, but there are plenty of important lessons for the Nets to take away after their emphatic victory.

When Nash and his coaching staff watch the film they’ll see plenty of things to work on moving forward, but they’ll also emphasize the positive. The following three takeaways should bode particularly well for the Nets’ future.

3. Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant are both healthy

It may seem foolish to celebrate players being healthy to start a season, but it makes sense in Brooklyn’s case. There was no certainty that both Irving and Durant would look sharp on Opening Night. It’s safe to say both superstars passed their first test of the season with flying colors.

Irving showcased the elite handle and quickness that make him impossible to guard on the perimeter. Scoring 25 points on just 16 shots showed an efficiency he needs to maintain moving forward. The fact that he only turned the ball over once on the night was an undercelebrated aspect of the big win.

Durant faced even bigger health questions coming off his torn Achilles. He came out of the gate hot with a point to prove to himself, his teammates, and his former team. Count on him to have more efficient nights in the future, but getting to the foul line seven times in just 25 minutes of action was a great sign about his confidence in his own body. Durant looking like his old self was arguably the most important takeaway of the night for Brooklyn.