Inside The Nets

The Nets stumble to a third-straight loss against Utah

The Nets end their Western Conference road trip with a disappointing 1-4 record.

Peter Sunjic

© Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
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Starting their West Coast tour with a decent 12-9 record, the Brooklyn Nets return home with a less impressive 13-13 tally after a disappointing journey. The final game added to the frustration with a 108-125 loss to the Utah Jazz.

Cameron Thomas led the way again for the Nets with 31 points, while Spencer Dinwiddie had another double-double with 17 points and 11 assists. 

The Nets were taken aback by the outcome, expecting to capitalize on the Jazz's struggles. However, three Jazz players reached double figures, complicating Brooklyn's plans.

"At the end of the day, this trip took a toll on us physically and mentally. Now, we're 13-13. We gotta go home and regroup," Coach Jacque Vaughn said after the disappointing result.

The Nets fell apart in the second half

The Nets came out strong, matching the Jazz step for step and holding a 59-54 lead at halftime. Unfortunately, their performance dipped in the third quarter, contributing to a lackluster showing against the Jazz.

Jacque Vaughns's men struggled in the third quarter as the Jazz seized an 88-82 lead, marking the turning point that led to Utah's eventual victory.

It proved to be a challenging game for the Nets, with Thomas being the sole player surpassing 20 points and Mikal Bridges struggling, managing only 13 points on 4-of-16 shooting. Although not the ideal performance from their star player, the team looks to regroup and revitalize back in Brooklyn.

The Jazz were led by Collin Sexton and Talen Horton-Tucker with 27 points each, while Finnish star Lauri Markkanen had 20 points along with ten rebounds.

The trip back home will help the Nets recover

After a stellar run of form in previous weeks, the five-game road trip marked the Nets' toughest stretch this season.

Now, as they head home, the Nets must rebound and recapture their form. Getting their injured players back will be the key to that, but unfortunately, coach Jacque Vaughn is not confident about the chances of them returning soon.

"They both have been home by themselves. They haven't played any one-on-one, two-on-two, three-on-three with anybody," Vaughn said in his press conference.

In the meantime, the Nets are focused on resting for a couple of days before they get back to Barclays Center on December 20, where they will face their rivals, the New York Knicks.

Jacque Vaughn provides Ben Simmons' recovery update

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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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