5 reasons the Brooklyn Nets can win 2022 NBA Championship

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 12: Kevin Durant #7 and James Harden #13 of the Brooklyn Nets talk during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on November 12, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

3 of 5

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 17: Patty Mills #8 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Barclays Center on February 17, 2022 in New York City. Wizards won 117-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images) /

3. Patty Mills gives them elite shooting

Mills’ stellar play is a big reason why the Nets have any shot of making a Finals push this year. His sweet shooting for the perimeter has done wonders for Brooklyn without the services of Irving at the point guard position.

Irving’s return will take some shots and playing time away from Mills, but the two are also going to play a lot of minutes together in a small backcourt. That pairing has significant defensive limitations for the Nets to consider, but it also can be an elite offensive combination.

Mills doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be successful. His ability to operate as an elite catch-and-shoot weapon makes him deadly playing alongside Irving and Durant. Opponents know they can’t give him an inch of space on the perimeter unless they want to watch his three-pointers nestle through the net.

The rapport Mills has already built playing alongside Durant for long stretches this season will pay off handsomely in the playoffs. He’s only averaging 11.5 points per game at the moment but that number could scale up dramatically with an increased workload in the postseason.

Home/Brooklyn Nets