Inside The Nets

Mikal Bridges deflects 42-point explosion as Nets fell in an OT heartbreaker vs. Blazers: "Don't really care too much"

Mikal might have regained his offensive touch, but he and the Nets ended up on the losing side in a disappointing endgame vs. Blazers.

Peter Sunjic

© Brad Penner-USA TODAY SportsBrooklyn Nets forward Mikal Bridges (1) controls the ball against Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (1)
In this story:

While Sunday night provided Mikal Bridges to rediscover the offensive touch that he's been clamoring to have after recent strings of inconsistencies, it turned out to be a disgruntling one for him and the Brooklyn Nets.

Mikal might have poured 42 huge points – his third 40-point game this season – but it didn't entirely matter for him as the Nets still collapsed in the hands of the Portland Trail Blazers at the Barclays Center this weekend, 134-127.

"Just getting to spots and making [shots]," Bridges said of his great scoring evening. "But I don't really care too much, especially after an 'L.'"

The Nets crushed themselves in a disappointing way

In what could be an undemanding face-off with a woeful Blazers team that stands as the most inconsistent offensive team and the second-worst team in the West this year, the Nets sustained a heartbreaking defeat for which they can only blame themselves.

The Nets even led by 10 in the second half and entered the final period still atop with an eight-point edge, but the Blazers turned it up for the rest of regulation. If it wasn't for Bridges' game-tying jumper with 1.5 seconds left, Brooklyn wouldn't have a chance to retaliate at the extension.

As Mikal extended his takeover to put Brooklyn ahead, 121-117, his heroics went wasted as Portland pulled away with the victory courtesy of a 14-6 final run with both Malcolm Brogdon and Anfernee Simons delivering the counter shots.

The Nets will land in Paris bittered by this heartbreaking loss that serves as the 11th in their last 14 games.

Keep the progress going

Amid the weekend defeat, Bridges is keeping his head high about his Nets team that is now just one loss away from significantly leaving the East's current Play-In picture.

As they anticipate their Paris Games with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, the Nets still plan to take it one game at a time and begin a new streak to regain their footing.

"We just finally got one and wanted to get a little streak going," Bridges said, pointing out their huge win against OKC Thunder. "We had an opportunity at home against a team coming on a road trip, so yeah, it sucks. You just want to win this one bad. But we just trying to get a streak going. But we've got another game coming up, just got to go get that one."

Nic Claxton is excited ahead of the Nets' road game in Paris

Published
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.

Home/News