Inside The Nets

Jacque Vaughn on why he's happy for Bridges and Johnson in return to Phoenix

Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson made their return to Phoenix for the first time since the trade.

Marin Gabric

© Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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Times have changed for Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson as they made their first return to the Footprint Center to play against their former team, the Phoenix Suns. It was an emotional night for the "Twins" as the fans showed them love for almost the whole game.

This was a really special moment for them, and you could see how much it meant to them. Even Coach Jacque Vaughn couldn't hide his excitement and happiness for his players. 

It was a magical moment that proved Mikal and Cam resonated with the fan base in the Valley.

"When you're talking about re-establishing your identity and culture and really moving forward as an organization, that ovation should be like our anthem," Vaughn said in his post-game presser. "The reception, they should embrace it, they left a mark here that seems pretty high level."

Mikal and Cam had decent performances

In their first game back in Phoenix, both Mikal and Cam had good performances. Mikal had a bit of a slow start, but he bounced back and scored crucial points during the clutch moments, playing a key role in the Nets' victory.

Johnson was efficient, shooting 5-for-10 from the field, finishing with 15 points, but his impact on defense was also quite solid getting two steals and blocks. This was a great return performance from the Twins, as they received cheers all night despite being players for the opposing team.

The Twins' impact in Phoenix

Mikal spent five seasons with the Suns, while Cam spent four, leaving a lasting impression on the city. They embraced the community, proving themselves as valuable members of a team that reached the NBA Finals for the first time since the early 1990s.

They were traded in exchange for one of the best players of the modern generation, Kevin Durant, but they are still popular in the city. That is proof that fully embracing a community will make them beloved forever.

"It feels great. This building kinda welcomed me with open arms… It's one of those moments I'll remember for a really long time," Johnson said when he was cheered by the adoring Suns fans.

The Twins' incredible influence on the community lingers, a testament to their enduring connection, even though they only visit Phoenix once a year as part of Brooklyn's West Coast trip.

Key takeaways from the Nets' massive win over the Suns

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Marin Gabric
MARIN GABRIC

Marin's love for writing developed in high school but was furthered in college when he took a number of creative writing courses. Doing sports writing felt like an extremely natural continuation, as it furthered his passions in both writing and basketball.  Marin loves the feeling of looking at stats after a game and analyzing what each team could've done better or what they excel in compared to the rest of the league. And the ability to do so for his favorite team, the Brooklyn Nets, is quite special in itself. 

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