Nets' Jalen Wilson discusses attacking the rim, adapting to NBA

Nets’ Jalen Wilson discusses attacking the rim, adapting to NBA

Posted by author November 7, 2024 NBA

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NEW YORK — Brooklyn Nets forward Jalen Wilson has been asked to do more in his second season in the NBA than he did last year as a rookie. Brooklyn has had a unique season to this point due to the amount of injuries in the frontcourt, but that has also allowed players like Wilson more playing time to show how they’ve improved since last season.

“Could have been both. Obviously, birthday is always good to play, but I just seen a lot of open lanes, a lot of times to try to make a play,” Wilson said about why he has been driving to the rim more this season after practice on Wednesday. Brooklyn has a few off days before they begin their next road trip with a tough matchup at the Boston Celtics, something that will prove to be the biggest test for the Nets this season.

“Whether it was driving in to kick to Doe (Dorian Finney-Smith), who was on fire the second half, or going to try to create my own layup,” Wilson said when explaining what he saw as a weakness to attack in Monday’s win over the Memphis Grizzlies. “I had a lot of different angles, and I had the 5 on me a lot of times, so just trying to use my speed and physicality to create for my team.”

In Monday’s 106-104 win over the Grizzlies, Wilson dropped 13 points, six rebounds, and four assists while shooting 5-of-12 from the field and 0-for-6 from three-point range. Wilson’s aggressive in the game was notable, not just in terms of shot attempts, but also him attempting half of his shots within a few feet of the basket, finishing 5-of-6 from the field in the restricted area.

“I don’t always drive to score, but I love to drive, get the easy dump, we have good cutters, good shooters all around. So, I think we’re all looking for each other and being aggressive in that manner. The offense looks great,” Wilson said.