But for the first time in years, the Nets can consider themselves as a contender, too. And that’s why they’re on the schedule for Christmas.

“To play on the Christmas Day slate is an honor for any team,” Joe Harris said after practice on Thursday. “It's a big tradition. If Thanksgiving is a big day for football, Christmas is kind of synonymous with the NBA.”

“As a basketball player, you grow up watching this game,” Spencer Dinwiddie added. “I was a Lakers fan growing up so they were always on every Christmas. So to be playing on Christmas Day, it's going to be fun.”

With Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving healthy, the Nets are officially a spotlight team in the NBA. And a decisive win in the first game, albeit over a rebuilding Golden State, only cemented that status.

But with such an explosive offense, Nash knows they can’t neglect the other end of the court.

“I thought the defense was pretty solid for the most part,” Nash said. “We've been implementing our principles and getting better at those every day, which is really important and the No. 1 priority. I wouldn't say ahead of schedule, but I was pleased with the effort, concentration and connectivity. We've definitely got to improve, it's a long way off from where we expect it to be. It's a daily commitment to try and refine those details.”

And like any good team, the Nets know the work is far from over, especially after just one game.

“We're in a privileged position to start with talent,” Nash said. “Talent isn't everything, but it's a good start. Now it's up to us to refine and build the resolve collectively. We're fighting for the same cause every day, regardless of how many shots, points or rebounds you get, we're trying to beat the other team."

“There's always things to improve, it's early,” Dinwiddie said. “There were rotations that we missed, passes and shots that we missed, plays we ran wrong. Nothing's perfect. We're able to make up for a lot of that because we have such a potent offense, but we're not playing perfect basketball by any stretch.

“We've got big goals this season, but being opening night champions isn't one of them.”

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