Nets guards Dennis Schroder, Dennis Smith share court and desire to win

When the Nets traded for Dennis Schroder, one thought was how things would mesh at backup point guard with Dennis Smith Jr. already playing most of the minutes.

But the two settled any worries immediately with Schroder assuring that the desire to win and work together was more important than ego.

“Whatever we got to do, you know to get a ‘W’ and get a win, that’s the most important.” Schroder said this week. “I think he understood. Every time we get a chance together we want to make it as best as possible.”

It’s worked even better when Schroder and Smith are sharing the floor. Although both are small guards with different roles, the Dennises bring a shared tenacity that has helped the Nets win four of their last six games, including Tuesday’s win against the 76ers.

Schroder has scored in double figures in each of the last six games, including 20 points Tuesday. Starting with Ben Simmons out, he’s shown more chemistry, finding teammates with at least seven assists the last four games.

Smith brought his usual defensive energy and athleticism, as highlighted by his steal and 360-degree dunk late in the fourth quarter Tuesday. He also has had at least five assists in four of the last five games. And with Schroder, he sees a kindred spirit who puts pressure on opposing teams

“Just [a] fast-paced game, high energy. We’re trying to give the other backcourt hell,” said Smith, who had six assists and three steals Tuesday after two steals on Monday. “We want to pick them up 94 feet, whether it’s me or him picking up. [We’re] just trying to put our imprint on the game.”

To avoid calling them both Dennis on the court, Smith goes by June — short for Junior. Schroder remains “Dennis” to keep things easier. But since they bring a similar impact, they’ve become interchangeable when Smith subs in for him or when they’re on the court together.

For interim coach Kevin Ollie, pairing two smaller guards together is a style he used back when he was coaching at UConn. From 2012-14, he used Shabazz Napier and Ryan Boat-right in his backcourt, and while neither guard was taller than 6 feet, it didn’t stop the Huskies from winning a national championship 10 years ago.

It’s working with Schroder and Smith creating more spacing for Mikal Bridges and others to find shots and also at the defensive end. Ollie credited both for spurring the Nets’ rally from 14 points down Tuesday.

“I kind of like two guards out there playing,” Ollie said. “But we have a mixture of combinations that we can go to depending on what type of game we’re in. That’s a luxury to have as a coach.”

It’s also worked as the Nets have played one of their best stretches of the season. Schroder loves the pairing, especially the ability to play fast alongside Smith.

In return, Smith is a fan of Schroder running the offense and giving the Nets a needed boost since his arrival.

“Adding him to the team, can’t say enough about that,” Smith said. “That was major for us. And it’s just about us playing a real team game, everybody.”

By Evan Barnes

evan.barnes@newsday.comevan_b

Evan Barnes covers the Giants for Newsday. He previously covered the Brooklyn Nets, Memphis football and the Memphis Grizzlies and also covered prep sports in Los Angeles.