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Lonnie Walker IV Sheds Light on How Nets Maintain Dominance Amidst Injuries
In another game where the Brooklyn Nets were depleted due to injuries, coach Jacque Vaughn went to his bench, and once again, they delivered in a 100-92 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. The man who led the bench mob was Lonnie Walker IV, who topped the Nets in scoring with 21 points.
This was a tough game for almost every Nets player as the starters were struggling on offense aside from leading scorer Cameron Thomas. Unfortunately, he suffered an ankle injury in the third quarter that left the Nets without their best option on offense with Mikal Bridges struggling. However, the bench was there to carry the Nets to much-needed win.
“We got a lot of dogs on our team, it’s just that simple. They got a chip on their shoulder, and they got something to prove… A lot of players that are starving,” Walker said in his post-game presser. “They wanna play and they wanna prove themselves. This is a clear example of how hungry we are collectively and individually, which is the greatest thing because when they put that together something special happens, and that showed today.”
Walker proved his worth to the Nets squad
This performance proved Walker is a solid member of the Nets. He joined the team on a minimum contract worth $2.3 million and he has been worth every penny so far. He is the most reliable player off the bench for the Nets with his scoring from beyond the arc or even with his work in transition.
In the 2022/23 season with the Los Angeles Lakers, Walker sought a more prominent role, showcasing his productivity. Now with the Nets, he's become one of their most dependable assets.
Walker's tenure with the Nets positions him for a potential contract extension in the upcoming offseason. While content with his bench role, he seizes every opportunity to contribute significantly.
Walker is not the only productive bench player
Dennis Smith Jr. also continues to prove his worth as a backup point guard with his defensive prowess and playmaking in this game. He did not have the flashiest of stats but he was reliable for coach Vaughn.
In just 19 minutes of play, third-year big man Day’Ron Sharpe showcased his prowess with an impressive double-double, tallying 11 points and 10 rebounds, fully capitalizing on his given opportunity.
Trendon Watford also shone on the bench, displaying prowess with nine points and five rebounds in extended minutes. The Nets' ability to unearth such talents in their rotation underscores their status as one of the NBA's most underrated teams.
