Are the Brooklyn Nets headed for the Playoffs?

Encouraging performances in 2014

The starting back court duo of Deron Williams (prior to injury) and Joe Johnson have seen stellar offensive games in 2014

The winning streak since the start of 2014 has raised hopes among Nets fans. There have been plenty of positives.

The intensity on the offensive end has definitely stepped up. Joe Johnson’s clutch shots and big games this season have earned him the name ‘Joe Jesus’ in the locker room. In the absence of Deron Williams, out with a sprained left ankle, he has averaged 25 points a game and has given the Nets the much needed offense.

Prior to sitting out the last two games with a sprained ankle, Williams averaged 25 points and 5 assists in games against the Oklahoma City Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers.

With no option but to go deep into their bench during the beginning of the season, the team has discovered lethal performers in Mirza Teletovic and Alan Anderson. At the beginning of the season, these players were not expected to make it to the 8 or 9 man rotations but owing to consistent performances Teletovic and Anderson have averaged 19 and 25 minutes respectively.

Veteran Forward Pierce’s playing minutes over the last couple of weeks is 3-4 minutes above his season average. His stats don’t catch the attention of the eye in the box score, but his leadership and presence on the court make a huge difference to the team.

Previously injured bench players Kirilenko and Terry are slowly but surely seeing more minutes on the court. Their level of contribution has not been up to expectations but considering the veterans that they are, they could only improve with more time on the floor.

Are the Playoffs a possibility?

Those were a lot of positives but are they enough to take the Nets into the Playoffs and be competitive?

Lopez and Williams will be missed dearly but the team has slowly but effectively learnt to deal with that. Garnett had a huge game by his current standards, scoring 13 against the Warriors, but can he be a consistent?

There are still a few questions to be answered before the team can consider themselves worthy of the Post-season.

Having said that, if they continue the level of effort and play they have showcased over the last 4 games, nobody would doubt their ticket to the post-season, given that they are already in the 8th spot.