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Nets’ Nic Claxton says ‘our staple is defense’ after Monday’s win over Cavs

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Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton has been pivotal to the Nets on both ends of the floor. Not only has he been a good screener and lob threat, he has proved immensely on defense. Claxton has been effective in the pick-and-roll and he has even shown some improvement in his post game.

Despite his slight build at seven feet and 215 pounds, Claxton has been great effective at protecting the rim. He is averaging a career-high 2.3 blocks per game and has an individual defensive rating of 107. Along with being first in the NBA in field-goal percentage (73.8%), Claxton has been one of the most improved players in the NBA this season.

Claxton has been a key part of the Nets’ resurgence on the defensive end and them winning 13 of their last 14 games. Claxton spoke after Monday’s 125-117 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers about what the Nets should focus on if they want their success to continue:

“The best teams can win wherever. At home, on the road, you got to be consistent. For us, our staple should be really just defense. We just stick to our defense to offense. I always believe it (winning) will take care of itself.”

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JxAF5kVVHE?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=1000&h=563]

Brooklyn’s next game is Wednesday against the Atlanta Hawks.

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