Inside The Nets

Key takeaways from the Nets' close loss to Denver

The Nets had a strong performance against the Nuggets, but they still lost.

Peter Sunjic

© Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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For most of the game, the Brooklyn Nets kept in step with the defending champions Denver Nuggets. Unfortunately, the champs had better late-game execution as they won the game, 122 to 117.

Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray led the way for Denver, as they had 31 and 32 points, respectively. On the other hand, Cameron Thomas was the standout for Brooklyn as he scored 23 points, including the massive four-point play that kept them in the game during the final minute of the fourth quarter.

Mikal Bridges continues to struggle

This losing streak has been a nightmare for Mikal Bridges as he keeps struggling to score. In this game, he had a decent 14 points, but that is well below his standard, given he’s the go-to guy for coach Jacque Vaughn.

Now, Thomas has taken over as the number one guy during Bridges’ well-documented struggles. Although they lost, this was a step in the right direction for the former Villanova Wildcat, given he shot 43.8% from the field.

Nic Claxton remains sharp

Nic Claxton was superb against the Nuggets as he posted a stat line of 10 points, 16 rebounds, six assists, and three blocks. He was all over the place with his presence, and while Joker still dominated in terms of points, the former Georgia Bulldog made it challenging for the two-time MVP.

Clax even had a highlight block against the Nuggets star, which led to a Cam Thomas layup on the other end. Coach Vaughn can rely on his star big man to always be reliable on defense and efficient on offense. This was a game that he withstood the Jokic test even if they ended up losing.

Rebounding continues to be vital for the Nets

The decisive play in this game was the lost rebound during Jamal Murray’s crucial free-throws in the final minute. Murray split the pair of free throws, but the Nets failed to corral the ball, which bounced straight back to the Nuggets guard.

Coach Vaughn was questioned why he didn’t have either Claxton or Day’Ron Sharpe in the game, but he asserted that it was the play call from the previous possession when Thomas scored the pull-up three-pointer.

Moving forward, the Nets need to improve their rebounding, especially during late-game situations. They are a solid rebounding team already at 47 per game, which is good for second in the NBA. However, they have been missing some crucial boards lately, which should not happen in clutch time.

Now, the Nets move on to a pair of games against the struggling Detroit Pistons. Brooklyn needs to win these games, especially since it would be embarrassing if they’re the team that helps break the Pistons’ historic losing streak.

The Nets lose a close one to the Nuggets 117-122

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Peter Sunjic
PETER SUNJIC

Peter's journey with basketball commenced in the first grade, and it has since evolved into an integral part of his life. Standing on the brink of a potential professional playing career, Peter ultimately chose to pursue a degree in Political Science and Journalism in Zagreb, Croatia. Despite this academic pursuit, his deep-rooted love for the game of basketball endured, undiminished. Now, as a writer and editor, Peter finds an avenue to channel his unwavering passion for basketball-related news and analysis. Whether it's deciphering the latest happenings or delving into the lore of old-school basketball, he covers every corner of the NBA world.

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