Inside The Nets

The Brooklyn Nets Survive Cam Thomas Injury to Beat the Los Angeles Clippers

In another close game, the Brooklyn Nets finally got the good end of the stick with a win over the visiting Clippers.

Peter Sunjic

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After suffering two consecutive losses to Eastern Conference titans Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics, the Nets returned to their winning ways by beating the new-look Los Angeles Clippers, 100-93.

This was a tumultuous game for the Nets as they came into the game without three starters with Nic Claxton and Cam Johnson still missing out due to their lower-body injuries and Ben Simmons who was a late scratch with an apparent sore hip. Brooklyn’s leading scorer Cameron Thomas left the game early in the third quarter as he rolled his ankle.

“Yeah, I think we were pretty stagnant at the beginning of the game, just overall offensively,” Coach Vaughn said in his post-game presser. “Had more movement with our second unit who got us going with Trendon Watford came in and Dennis (Smith Jr.) with pace, those guys really gave us a boost when we needed it.”

The bench gave the Nets the boost

The majority of the starting lineup struggled, with Mikal Bridges contributing only 10 points, while Cameron Thomas, who was performing well with 14 points, was abruptly sidelined by an injury.

The standout performer was Lonnie Walker IV who had 21 points off the bench. Day’Ron Sharpe also was a spark plug as he had a double-double off the bench, scoring 11 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.

Trendon Watford's impact was impressive during his 19 minutes on the court. He not only contributed nine points but also provided stability, significantly enhancing the team's performance in the absence of Thomas.

The Nets continue to grow in the clutch

This was yet another close game for the Nets but this time, they came away with a victory. They were scrappy on defense as they faced a talented Clippers squad with Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden.

Coach Jacque Vaughn displayed exceptional strategic acumen by deploying Watford to inject playmaking capabilities from the forward positions. His elation in the locker room post-game was palpable, particularly in appreciation of the bench players whose performance provided the crucial momentum for their victory.

Spencer Dinwiddie hit the dagger with a step-back three in the final minute which showed the Nets can have a different hero every night, especially when they didn’t have Thomas on the floor.

Currently standing at a 4-4 record, the Nets face another challenging matchup on Friday, November 10, as they go head-to-head against the Boston Celtics in the In-Season Tournament at TD Garden.

Cameron Thomas Credits Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving for His Development

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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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