Inside The Nets

The duo of Cam Thomas and Mikal Bridges continue to impress for Brooklyn

The Nets are thriving as Cam and Mikal are playing well.

Peter Sunjic

© Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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The Brooklyn Nets are back to their best with Ben Simmons as the point guard. Before Ben returned, Cameron Thomas and Mikal Bridges had been lighting up opponent teams.

Over the Nets’ last six games, Cam is averaging 25.7 points, while Mikal is scoring 25.3. Both players have been superb for Coach Jacque Vaughn, just in time for the second half of the season as the Nets are looking for a Playoff berth.

Thomas and Bridges playing well is good for the Nets’ foreseeable future

Earlier in the season, it looked like the Nets hit a home run with Ben as the main point guard. They were running in transition almost every play, but Cam and Mikal were there to take the shots when needed.

Coach Vaughn prefers playing with pace, but the team needs to have go-to guys when the offense slows down. Thomas was already a good isolation player coming into the league, but Bridges has developed into a reliable star who plays hard and does not miss games.

This stretch looks sustainable for both players because they don’t have to do isolation plays and play at a slower pace every time down the court. Thomas and Bridges can be part of the offense by moving well off the ball and creating for others.

The Nets will go as far as this duo can take them

Brooklyn is having a mediocre season, but that is not Cam or Mikal’s fault. The duo have done their best to help the Nets succeed, even though they had some shaky games here and there.

Coach Vaughn must ensure this duo is starting alongside each other because they synergize well. Cam is growing as a playmaker, and Mikal is refining his offensive game to match the 22-year-old teammate. Thomas should not be starting games on the bench; the team loses too much production when they do that.

That decision can also open up opportunities for Bridges because the defense struggles against an off-ball savant. Opponents must worry about Cam’s scoring punch, but his playmaking evolution can create easy looks for Mikal with simple passes outside of double teams. The talented duo has a bright future, but they just need more time together to keep gelling and growing.

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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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