KEY POINTS

  • Blake Griffin was relegated to the bench role for his struggles this season
  • LaMarcus Aldridge shows Nets coaches that he can still be a key contributor
  • Steve Nash may stick with Aldridge as a starter

The Brooklyn Nets continue to make adjustments to figure out how they can rack up the wins.

One problem that they have been dealing with is their frontline, but it appears inserting LaMarcus Aldridge has worked.

The seven-time All-Star took the place of regular starter Blake Griffin in the Nets' match with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the move saw Brooklyn winning its third-straight game, 117-112.

Aldridge played a pivotal role in the second half, where the 36-year-old finished the game with 21 points and 11 rebounds.

LaMarcus Aldridge #21 of the Brooklyn Nets scores against Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers
LaMarcus Aldridge #21 of the Brooklyn Nets scores against Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers Getty Images | Al Bello

Sadly, the case is different for Griffin, who has been struggling this 2021-22 season

The 32-year-old forward saw action only for nine minutes and produced only two points and two rebounds.

With the change seemingly working for the Nets, head coach Steve Nash was non-committal on whether the change would be permanent.

It is something that he and the Nets coaching staff will evaluate internally, the New York Post reported.

Furthermore, Nash is not discounting the possibility of seeing Griffin recover from his struggles and fit in once again with the Nets.

But for as long as the Nets are winning, Aldridge could be starting in the coming games over the 2011 NBA Slam Dunk King.

Blake Griffin #2 of the Brooklyn Nets
Blake Griffin #2 of the Brooklyn Nets Getty Images | Mike Stobe