Nash needs to summon Nets' unused weapons off bench in Game 2

The Brooklyn Nets guard heavy lineups are nothing new for Steve Nash, but when it comes at the cost of letting a playoff game slip away, it raises eyebrows. LaMarcus Aldridge and Blake Griffin watched helplessly from the bench while undersized guards Patty Mills, Goran Dragic, Seth Curry and Bruce Brown were bludgeoned on the boards and manhandled by Boston's big men. Brooklyn was out rebounded 43-29 overall and 14 to 3 on the offensive glass with only Nicolas Claxton and Andre Drummond providing any presence in the paint.

"I'm proud of the guys... We had a poor start to the second half which cost us, obviously. But other than that I thought there was a lot of growth" - Steve Nash pic.twitter.com/PUhVsNQkt7

— Nets Videos (@SNYNets) April 17, 2022

Not only did Nash opt for a small ball lineup, but he stuck with a switching defense putting grossly undersized defenders in compromising positions and allowing the Celtics second chance possessions. Despite these tactical flaws, the Nets could have and probably should have stolen the series opener. If Brooklyn hopes to turn the tide Wednesday in Game 2, Aldridge and Griffin will need to play a role in the defense and rebounding department. Nash has answers on his roster, but he'll need to summon them from his bench and trust his big men to make a tangible impact.