Brooklyn Nets: Forget the odds, down 3-1 Nets still fighting

With their season on the line, the Brooklyn Nets must make their threes and bring the fight to Philly, if they plan on extending the series.

Immediately after the Brooklyn Nets Game 4 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, Sean Marks, the Nets general manager, entered the referee’s locker to protest a game-ending controversial non-call. In one-act Marks stood up for his players, his coaching staff and the Nets fan base. He will pay the price, both in a $25,000 fine and a one-game suspension, but his actions are a direct reflection of what his team will do come Game 5, fight.

Resiliency, toughness, and perseverance defined the Nets regular season and I don’t expect anything different during their win or go home game Tuesday night in Philadelphia.

Only 11 teams in NBA playoff history have come back from a 3-1 deficit to win the series. It doesn’t sound promising, and I don’t expect this team to win three straight games, but don’t sleep on the Nets.

If you watched them play at all this year you know how their exciting style has kept them in games, and during their first-round matchup, they are proving it, not only to themselves but to the league. The Nets and Sixers are competing in this year’s most entertaining, compelling and competitive opening round series.

During the regular season, the Nets ranked in the top five in the NBA for 3-pointers attempted and made. The 3-point field goal is a great equalizer, especially against the large and powerful athletes that Philly uses to push the pace and attack the paint. The Nets have shot almost 40 more threes than the Sixers this series, making 15 more than Philly has so far.

However, to keep this series alive the Nets are going to have to make some big shots in hostile territory. These Brooklyn Nets are a resilient bunch of young, talented players, with their confidence on the rise. They must continue to play their game, shoot threes, move the ball, play team defense and more than anything exhibit their toughness.

With their season on the line and their backs against the wall, I have a feeling the Nets will be exactly where they feel most comfortable – in a fight.