Inside The Nets

The Brooklyn Nets lose a heartbreaker against the Cavaliers in season opener, 113-114

Despite a magnificent performance from Cam Thomas, the Nets lost a close one to the Cavs.

Peter Sunjic

© Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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Cam Thomas came off the bench to score 36 points, but the Brooklyn Nets came up short in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Donovan Mitchell hit a go-ahead three-pointer in the game’s dying seconds, propelling the Cavs to their first win of the 2023/24 season, 113 to 114.

Poor execution happened during the final play when the Nets couldn’t get the ball to Mikal Bridges. Thomas had to shoot a desperation heave, but it missed, leading to the loss.

“Tried to get open. I thought it was a tough pass for Cam. I think it was just a tough, risky pass for him,” Bridges said after the game.

The Nets were in a hole from the jump

Early into the game, the Nets dug themselves into a hole by going down 13 points at 22-9. They came back due to Thomas’ sweet shooting, who scored 24 in the first half.

The Cavs displayed solid defense against the Nets, particularly containing Bridges, who only reached double-digit scoring in the fourth quarter. This defensive pressure added to the Nets' challenge of playing catch-up through most of the first half. 

Little too late

The second half was a different story, as the Nets kept it close and were competitive on both ends. Backup point guard Dennis Smith Jr. stood out in the fourth quarter, scoring a go-ahead three to put the Nets up by two. That was part of a 10-0 run for the Nets, helping them get a 101-95 lead.

Star wing Bridges struggled for most of the game, scoring 11 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter alone. He hit two free throws to take a six-point lead with just over a minute left, but the Nets could not close the game out.

After the game, head coach Jacque Vaughn lamented that the refs did not see him calling for a timeout during the last play. This led to the poorly executed play as the Cavs’ defense kept up well.

“I wish I had a buzzer that I could push [that] the referees are locked in. The play was for Mikal,” Vaughn said. “Cam was supposed to hit it to Mikal. Couldn’t call timeout. I’m across half-court trying to, though.”

The Nets will look to bounce back on Friday, October 27, at American Airlines Center against the Dallas Mavericks. 

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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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