Now stuck in a season-worst five-game losing skid, the Nets offense has fallen into a rut. But it’s their suddenly plummeting defense that has dragged it there.

For the past several seasons, the Nets could rely on Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving fueling their high-powered offense. But after trading the two superstars last month, the roster has been rebuilt and the game plan has changed.

They have struggled to find an alternative.

Robbed of Durant and Irving’s midrange mastery, the Nets have been forced to rely more on 3-point shooting, points off turnovers and an active defense. But with that defense having sprung leaks, the transition game is sinking with it.