NetsDaily - All PostsThe most comprehensive source for news about the Brooklyn Nets.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50989/nd-fav.png2024-03-18T18:34:44-04:00http://www.netsdaily.com/rss/current/2024-03-18T18:34:44-04:002024-03-18T18:34:44-04:003 Takeaways from Brooklyn Nets Overtime Loss to San Antonio Spurs
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<p>Victor Wembenyama went from 21 points and four rebounds in his first game vs, Brooklyn, a loss, to a math quiz last night.</p> <p id="g8JWng">As the Brooklyn Nets continue to dig deeper into the pit of this season, in the hopes of finding <em>something</em> at the bottom that makes it all worthwhile, all they keep finding is more mud, sand, rocks, and losses. </p>
<p id="Pm6Db3">Storming into the Lone Star state on the heels of an ugly loss to the Indiana Pacers and a subsequent players only meeting, the blueprints for a bounce-back win, even if “bounce back” really was just code for “occasional” at this point, laid out before the Nets. </p>
<p id="2Lm8NS">Brooklyn followed it largely during the first half. While they never led by more than 11 points, they still did so for almost the entire first half, nurturing some confidence that we might get a happy ending this time around. </p>
<p id="XUq5wY">24 More minutes of play and the league’s grandest new specimen would soon make that notion feel like a childish dream than anything else. While Brooklyn made just enough plays to stay stride for stride with San Antonio and eventually force an overtime period, they eventually took another one on the chin from Victor Wembanyama and company. Here’s what we learned. </p>
<h2 id="tSF2JO"><strong>This Team is so Cooked</strong></h2>
<p id="Au94nc">There are five teams in the league currently with fewer than 20 wins. After yesterday, the Nets have lost to all of them, even falling twice to the Portland Trail Blazers and Charlotte Hornets. </p>
<p id="DhMn1q">For all of the times Brooklyn’s hung in there vs a playoff-bound team, and even the handful of wins they’ve pulled out against any, the negatives from losses like yesterday’s are starting to vastly outweigh any of the positives from earlier this year. </p>
<p id="6QP3lG">Mikal Bridges has been an afterthought in the offense for much of the past two months. Cam Johnson, contract and all, looks more and more like Joe Harris every day. Cam Thomas’ big nights are often clouded by poor team play around him. It’s a flawed roster top to bottom that looks more nicked and bruised by the ay. </p>
<p id="9uCryh">If the Nets cannot pull out wins against the league’s worst teams — they won’t do so against anyone else and will not make the Play-In. There is nothing to look forward to. There is no light at the end of the tunnel, just the option to hop off the train 27 days from now. </p>
<h2 id="Ju2OHX"><strong>More Cam Thomas Growth</strong></h2>
<p id="XznlTd">Amid another crippling loss, Cam Thomas might have just had his most complete on-paper offensive game this season. The LSU product finished with five assists to go with zero turnovers to go with his 31 points. It was the first 30/5 and zero-turnover game of his young career. </p>
<p id="bpLfmb">Thomas also shot 52.2 percent from the field, doing so from all areas of the court. With his 3-point shot refusing to fall, Thomas switched gears and probed inside like a deep sea submarine, finishing with eight made shots inside the paint. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">TOUGH take from Cam Thomas <a href="https://t.co/U8mSrWH4Fz">pic.twitter.com/U8mSrWH4Fz</a></p>— Lucas Kaplan (@LucasKaplan_) <a href="https://twitter.com/LucasKaplan_/status/1769510491603247350?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a>
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<p id="olOxC1">A large percentage of Thomas’ assists came on highlight-reel-worthy plays as well. His court vision continues to expand as he logs more minutes as the driver of Brooklyn’s offense. His feel alongside Nic Claxton as a pick-and-roll dance partner also seems to be developing nicely. </p>
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<p lang="cy" dir="ltr">Thomas ➡️ Claxton <a href="https://t.co/Nlw6TRIpTo">pic.twitter.com/Nlw6TRIpTo</a></p>— YES Network (@YESNetwork) <a href="https://twitter.com/YESNetwork/status/1769511691199418682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a>
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<p id="2rDlag">The scoring was always there, but the scoring with the passing, shot selection, and limited turnovers are new side dishes beside the roast turkey Thomas frequently serves up as a scorer. It’s impressive he’s been able to round out these skills amid all the turmoil this year. </p>
<h2 id="sSqM0j"><strong>Coaching Wasn’t the (Whole) Problem</strong></h2>
<p id="vCHj19">Kevin Ollie spews enough inspirational quotes to rival a middle school girl’s Tumblr feed. As a motivational figure, the Nets seem to enjoy playing for him. But having said that, there’s been little to no change in the basketball product since Jacque Vaughn’s dismissal.</p>
<p id="dYbmXw">Cam Thomas grabbing some bench while Cam Johnson grabbed and missed yet another potential game-tying three in overtime is the elephant on my keyboard right now. Even with CT shooting 1-5 from deep during the game, he was far and away Brooklyn’s best player on the floor and at the very least deserved to be out there during that play. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cam Johnson misses a game-tying three, and this one looks about over (Thomas was on the bench for this possession): <a href="https://t.co/ycUILE3nfp">pic.twitter.com/ycUILE3nfp</a></p>— Lucas Kaplan (@LucasKaplan_) <a href="https://twitter.com/LucasKaplan_/status/1769540860973031464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<p id="JLueS6">However, games are not lost and won on one possession, despite what social media might tell you. Every miss or make contributes to a game’s final outcome, some just fall under a stronger magnifier class than others due to the clock. Regardless, Ollie did take accountability for the decision in a direct way Vaughn never did. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cam Thomas had 31 points but wasn't on the floor for the possession where Cam Johnson missed the potential game-tying 3. <br><br>"That's definitely something that we'll look at in going down the stretch again. But love to have to CT in there and I'll take that one" - Kevin Ollie <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nets?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nets</a></p>— Evan Barnes (@evan_b) <a href="https://twitter.com/evan_b/status/1769546045468385733?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<p id="jzYCDz">Regardless, this changing of the guard yet continued losing like we saw last night shows that Brooklyn’s issues run deeper than the guy holding the clipboard on the sidelines. </p>
<p id="fToDMR">There’s no scheme nor motivational factor that likely changes the trajectory of this team. This team that cannot generate half-court offense to save its life. This team that does not get enough spacing from its most impactful players. This team that makes consistently losing plays to close out periods. </p>
<p id="2Hks6B">The Nets are all but certain to go with an outside hire at head coach once this season ends, but that’s not essentially Ollie’s fault. Their issues extend out to all corners of their roster and onto the books. </p>
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https://www.netsdaily.com/2024/3/18/24104694/3-takeaways-from-brooklyn-nets-overtime-loss-to-san-antonio-spursCollin Helwig2024-03-18T15:13:56-04:002024-03-18T15:13:56-04:00BSE Global announces renovations to Barclays Center, creation of two premium fan clubs
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<p>The home of the Brooklyn Nets and NY Liberty is seeing its largest renovations ever, as Suite Level B is set to transform into premium fan clubs by the 2024-’25 season.</p> <p id="11UJy6">What NetsDaily exclusively <a href="https://www.netsdaily.com/2023/4/13/23680937/exclusive-bse-global-planning-renovations-for-barclays-center"><strong>reported</strong></a><strong> </strong>as a possibility in 2023 has now become official.</p>
<p id="fA2HR0">On Tuesday morning, BSE Global announced concrete plans for “future enhancements” to the Barclays Center, enhancements that would comprise the largest renovations in the arena’s 12-year history.</p>
<p id="hVvPqA">By way of press release, the parent company of the <a href="https://www.netsdaily.com">Brooklyn Nets</a> and New York Liberty announced the project will be led by the architectural design firm Populous. Renovations will center on transforming Suite Level B into “two new and distinct open concept, premium membership clubs.”</p>
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<figcaption>The current layout of Suite Level B in the Barclays Center</figcaption>
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<p id="xbqzQn">BSE Global announced that these renovations would start at the end of the Nets’ 2023-’24 season, and be ready by the commencement of the 2024-’25 NBA season. Construction — led by Shawmut Design & Construction, whose previous work at Barclays Center includes Crown Club and the Liberty locker room — will not impact Liberty games or summer concerts.</p>
<p id="bOKsCa">The North Side of Suite Level B will become “The Row” a 12,000 square foot lounge that’ll be exclusively available to 184 guests. Some features of The Row include “lush décor inspired by the brownstone row homes found throughout Brooklyn,” and “access to a private VIP entrance, luxuriously upholstered theater-style reserved seating, a full-service private bar with premium wine offerings and a team of sommeliers, as well as a dessert station serving fresh gelato and filled with complimentary sweets.”</p>
<p id="CRsAKW">Seems like the good life:</p>
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<p id="I5xXbn">Meanwhile, the South Side of Suite Level B is set to become “They Key,” an 11,000 square-foot space open to 252 guests. The Key will be a little bit more of a sports-y hangout, for lack of a better word, featuring “a 44’ wide media wall that can show up to five views at once,” as well as “a full-service private bar serving beer on tap (the only space in the arena where tap beer will be served).”</p>
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<p id="myRmmj">BSE Global also made sure to note the all-inclusive, private-dining experiences available to the members of each club ... food that will probably surpass the hot dogs and popcorn available to the rest of Barclays Center’s customers.</p>
<p id="xRQ0Cl"> “Our guests have expressed a desire for greater club access with elevated food and beverage offerings, and we believe these enhancements represent an actionable step to continue to deliver a world-class experience for them,” said Shanon Ferguson, Chief Hospitality Officer at BSE Global of the renovations. “We are excited about the opportunity to create timeless, non-traditional experiences that build generational fandom, while also drawing new guests to Barclays Center in unique ways.”</p>
<p id="C48c0R">Of course, with the Brooklyn Nets at perhaps their lowest point as a franchise since fleeing New Jersey, the timing of the announcement may not be coincidental. Any good news is welcome considering the Nets’ plight. Moreover, the press release wouldn’t befit the Nets or their parent company if it didn’t reference building “generational fandom,” that is, making local kids fans for life. Of course, BSE Global’s main product, the Brooklyn Nets, isn’t exactly a riot to root for right now.</p>
<p id="xsvg7Z">Still, in our <a href="https://www.netsdaily.com/2023/4/13/23680937/exclusive-bse-global-planning-renovations-for-barclays-center"><strong>conversation</strong></a> last year, Adina Erwin, General Manager of the Barclays Center, had dismissed the idea that Brooklyn’s on-court performance had anything to do with then-potential renovations: “No, I don’t think we’re focused on what took place following the trade deadline. We’re all about the people that are choosing to continue to engage with us, to grow with us. This is about a relationship with Brooklyn.”</p>
<p id="xNqrny">And so, the latest step in BSE Global’s relationship with Brooklyn will be a goodbye to Suite Level B, and a hello to The Row and The Key. </p>
<p id="m5VkKh">Membership deposits are currently being accepted for both The Row and The Key, which provide priority access to the new clubs. More information can be found at barclayscenter.com/premium.</p>
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https://www.netsdaily.com/2024/3/18/24105033/bse-global-announces-renovations-to-barclays-center-creation-of-two-premium-fan-clubsLucas Kaplan2024-03-17T22:26:56-04:002024-03-17T22:26:56-04:00Brooklyn Nets get Wemby’d, lose to San Antonio Spurs 122-115 in OT
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<p>The Nets responded to Saturday’s brutal loss well on Sunday, but not well enough to notch a win. And so it goes.</p> <p id="tZiBBA">On Sunday the <a href="https://www.netsdaily.com">Brooklyn Nets</a> flew south to take on the <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com">San Antonio Spurs</a> in Austin, the largest American city without a Big 4 pro sports team. The game was the final stop in a six-game road-trip for Brooklyn, the second half of a back-to-back that began with a bitter loss to the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night.</p>
<p id="YhsBB9">For those that have remained on the Nets bandwagon nearly into April, lowering their expectations from a playoff berth to a winning record to decent vibes to, now, a Play-In berth, it felt like the <a href="https://www.netsdaily.com/2024/3/16/24103510/nets-vs-pacers-121-100-cam-thomas"><strong>final stop</strong></a>. It was a winnable game until it wasn’t, another terrible loss that prompted a players-only meeting, per YES Network.</p>
<p id="FBxqtu">“We’ve got to look at ourselves, look at the film. Get better. I’m tired of keep talking about the same thing. We’ve just got to do it and win some games,” said Dennis Schröder, per Brian Lewis of the <em>New York Post.</em></p>
<p id="fUkG3w">While there was no video attached to Schröder’s pragmatic comments, you can still hear the defeat in his voice. <em>Let’s just win some games</em>. <em>Let’s make this last month of the season just a little less painful</em>.</p>
<p id="U2PqW3">So, as the Nets sauntered into Austin to face Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs on the second night of a back-to-back, that was the hope, as it will be down the stretch. A little less pain. Some fun basketball. Even some wins, if it’s not too much to ask.</p>
<p id="paoRTe">But Brooklyn made such rational detachment impossible with their play early on Sunday, surviving an onslaught of highlight plays from Wemby...</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Wemby TOUGH reverse layup <a href="https://t.co/xNOeioQB34">pic.twitter.com/xNOeioQB34</a></p>— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) <a href="https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/1769514746003218816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<p id="Wquksa">...to build an early 11-point lead.</p>
<p id="1dyMYU">The Nets were responding in all the ways a professional — truly professional — ball-club should after their loss in Indy. They limited turnovers, their undoing on Saturday night, and persisted toward the paint as their 3-pointers refused to drop, even with Wembanyama racking up blocks.</p>
<p id="f2E5mA">That meant this was a game for Cam Thomas to shine, and that he did. Thomas scored eight points before the first media timeout, on his way to a team-high 31, five dimes, and no turnovers. Of course he hit his usual array of mid-range pull-ups and step-backs, but he complemented those buckets with strong, aggressive takes to the rim. Tall Frenchman or not, Thomas was bullheaded in all the right ways on Sunday night...</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">TOUGH take from Cam Thomas <a href="https://t.co/U8mSrWH4Fz">pic.twitter.com/U8mSrWH4Fz</a></p>— Lucas Kaplan (@LucasKaplan_) <a href="https://twitter.com/LucasKaplan_/status/1769510491603247350?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a>
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<p id="wGdV7F">Still, Brooklyn took just a 1-point lead into the halftime break, crippled by their inability to hit from deep. Mikal Bridges was once again ineffective, Cam Johnson cooled off, while San Antonio’s Keldon Johnson went on a shot-taking bonanza in the second quarter, hitting four 3-pointers to cut the hosts’ deficit to 56-55.</p>
<p id="oVmhSZ">Unsurprisingly, Brooklyn’s solid first half resulting in such a slim lead didn’t bode well for the remainder of the game, which turned into a back-and-forth battle. Bridges hit a couple shots, but finished with just 14/7/5 on 5-of-16 shooting, another disappointing game in a disappointing month for the ex-Sun.</p>
<p id="DiLwmb">As such, the Nets turned to Dennis Schröder and the bench for offensive support of Thomas. Schröder consistently got into the paint, as he’s been doing in Brooklyn, and while his mid-range shot was off, he poured in 19 points and seven assists as the leading ball-handler in the second half.</p>
<p id="MEu3aM">Dennis Smith Jr. and Day’Ron Sharpe (15 points) showcased their partnership to the Austin crowd as well, including this pell-mell highlight...</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Wild sequence for the Nets ends in a Day'Ron Sharpe bucket (but a DSJ tech): <a href="https://t.co/dZrNXJPRF6">pic.twitter.com/dZrNXJPRF6</a></p>— Lucas Kaplan (@LucasKaplan_) <a href="https://twitter.com/LucasKaplan_/status/1769526399268790359?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<p id="QLzLFc">Thanks to another collective effort, including an 11/14 double-double for Nic Claxton, the Nets took a 103-93 lead into the final minutes of the night, poised to notch a decent win that, if nothing else, could grant Brooklyn fans a smile on a Sunday night.</p>
<p id="xtppyO">The Spurs had other ideas, namely Wembanyama, who pushed Claxton to his limits all night long. The 2023 #1 overall draft pick checked back in and immediately registered an assist, a 3-pointer, and two finishes at the rim. After Keldon Johnson hit his fifth 3-pointer of the night, not only was Brooklyn’s lead gone, but they were down 110-107 with just second to play.</p>
<p id="vS5o9t">And while Schröder temporarily saved his squad...</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dennis Schröder with a game-tying three to cap a great clutch-time possession for Brooklyn. One stop: <a href="https://t.co/vMWyYvgtMa">pic.twitter.com/vMWyYvgtMa</a></p>— Lucas Kaplan (@LucasKaplan_) <a href="https://twitter.com/LucasKaplan_/status/1769535772879671805?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<p id="rPuBNz">...it wasn’t enough.</p>
<p id="UrPxg8">The Spurs would win the overtime period by seven, with Wembamayma once again taking over, blocking a critical Schröder layup to seal the deal. Bridges hit a 3-point prayer to start the scoring in the final five, but Brooklyn’s offense cratered from there. They had reeled us back in, only to disappoint again.</p>
<p id="XZBwLw">Cam Johnson, who finished with a dozen points, was the recipient of the game’s final play-call, and missed a tough-but-makeable game-tying three, while Thomas curiously sat on the bench...</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cam Johnson misses a game-tying three, and this one looks about over (Thomas was on the bench for this possession): <a href="https://t.co/ycUILE3nfp">pic.twitter.com/ycUILE3nfp</a></p>— Lucas Kaplan (@LucasKaplan_) <a href="https://twitter.com/LucasKaplan_/status/1769540860973031464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<p id="XgBTq0">“I guess they felt that was the best way to get a three off so, you know,” said Thomas of his exclusion from the plan. “It was a good look, he just missed it. But I guess they felt it was the best lineup to get the three off. I mean, it is what it is. If he made it, we wouldn’t be here right now talking about how I was in the game or not.</p>
<p id="FbepfZ">It was indeed a good look, about as good as you can ask for in that situation, but Head Coach Kevin Ollie didn’t play naive about his decision-making: “That one play didn’t call for [Thomas] being in in that situation, but that’s definitely something that we’ll look at going down the stretch again...”</p>
<p id="CkduF0">Ollie also credited his team’s fight, and while it may induce eye-rolls, the praise had some merit. Dorian Finney-Smith was everywhere in OT, ripping the ball from both Wembanyama and Devin Vassell in the period, on his way to eight points, seven boards, four steals, and countless hustle plays...</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cookies and Milk for Dorian Finney-Smith, his second poke-away of OT: <a href="https://t.co/KIf0QjosZ1">pic.twitter.com/KIf0QjosZ1</a></p>— Lucas Kaplan (@LucasKaplan_) <a href="https://twitter.com/LucasKaplan_/status/1769537648308166855?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<p id="d9T9kz">It just didn’t result in a win, not even with governor Joe Tsai in attendance for the first time in some time.</p>
<p id="kw4TRu">“We fight like that, we’ll win our share of games down the stretch in these last 14,” said Ollie.</p>
<p id="XmmTGJ">Brooklyn, as many other teams have and many other teams will, simply got Wemby’d...</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Spurs defeat the Nets in OT, 122-115. <br><br>Victor Wembanyama finished with 33 points, 16 rebounds, 7 assists and 7 blocks.<br><br>Only other players with 30-15-7a-7b in a game since 73-74: <br><br>Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (3x)<br>Joel Embiid<br>Charles Barkley</p>— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) <a href="https://twitter.com/_Andrew_Lopez/status/1769541138862485697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<p id="wyMiLR">Of course the Nets weren’t a helpless victim on Sunday night. They shot just 26% from three, and a poor 13-of-19 from the free-throw line. Cam Thomas missed the only shot he took in overtime. Really, their half-court offense was dreadful all night, but was partly resuscitated by the 13 steals the Nets accumulated on the night, boosting their transition offense. </p>
<p id="r4yFfI">In a word, Brooklyn was fine, particularly considering the back-to-back and travel circumstances, but Brooklyn doesn’t have room to be just fine, no matter who they play. They’ve now lost to each of the super-tanking six worst teams in the NBA this season, including multiple losses to the Portland Trail Blazers and Charlotte Hornets.</p>
<p id="eXTGi0">There won’t be a players-only meeting after this loss. Why would there be? Reality hasn’t just set in, it’s gotten old: The Brooklyn Nets are not a very good basketball team; the time for anger has passed, only sadness remains.</p>
<p id="AjEl9U">The Play-In Tournament is almost irrelevant at this point, though the mediocrity of the Atlanta Hawks keeps hopes alive. The real goal, however, is just making it to the end of the season. Please.</p>
<p id="UjrSdq"><strong>Final Score: San Antonio Spurs 122, Brooklyn Nets 115</strong></p>
<h2 id="UOiQVZ"><strong>Milestone Watch</strong></h2>
<p id="4k0VY3">Milestones abound for the first time in a while, even with the loss, but one isn’t so good.</p>
<ul>
<li id="2YQSUy">For the first time since 2019-20 when Kevin Durant sat with an achilles injury and Kyrie Irving hurt his shoulder and had multiple absences, the Nets will not finish above .500.</li>
<li id="wf4L2E">Mikal Bridges has now made 173 3-pointers this season, moving him into sixth place in Nets single-season history. Next up: Joe Harris’ 183 makes in the 2018-’19 season.</li>
<li id="6MWCYx">Cam Thomas notched his 11th 30-point game of the season, and the 17th of his blossoming career. He’s also recorded five consecutive 20-point outings, tying a career-long streak.</li>
<li id="vKdMKx">Brooklyn’s 13 steals tied a season-high, part of 18 SAS turnovers that directly led to 24 points for the Nets.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="qSq2Rh"><strong>Play-In Race</strong></h2>
<p id="2tR0MX">The Atlanta Hawks snapped their losing streak with a dominant win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday night, pushing them 4.5 games ahead of Brooklyn, including five games in the loss column. </p>
<p id="XnHZtr">While Cam Thomas remained optimistic postgame, saying, “We’re still in the race for the last spot of the Play-In. So whatever we got to do, we just got to pull together and try to string together these wins because we’re right there,” he may have veered toward unrealistic.</p>
<p id="0RyAHz">After Atlanta’s win over L.A., the Nets’ chances of snagging that 10-seed are below 15%, according to ESPN’s NBA Power Index. The end is nigh.</p>
<h2 id="oCFxWh"><strong>Next Up</strong></h2>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Cleveland Cavaliers v New Orleans Pelicans" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1Ueg58emEKq7RBEy7YoNz-HLdy4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25341691/2074399457.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="7Glj0E">The Brooklyn Nets will go from facing the Southwest Division’s worst team to its best. Before embarking on another lengthy road trip, the Nets stop at home to take on the New Orleans Pelicans. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday evening.</p>
<ul>
<li id="O2DdR0">
<a href="https://www.nba.com/game/bkn-vs-sas-0022300981/box-score">Box Score: San Antonio Spurs 122, Brooklyn Nets 115 (OT)</a> - NBA</li>
<li id="QlkBJQ">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siBHFX9VCe4">Game Highlights: San Antonio Spurs 122, Brooklyn Nets 115 (Video)</a> - NBA</li>
<li id="9GzDqG">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59kDC3AB7ZM">Victor Wembanyama’s HISTORIC Performance vs The Nets! (Video</a>) - NBA</li>
<li id="E39uYA">
<a href="https://www.yesnetwork.com/video/chris-shearn-recaps-tonight-s-game-after-nets-loss?t=nets"><strong>Chris Shearn recaps Sunday’s game after Nets’ loss (Vidieo)</strong></a> - YES Network</li>
<li id="rUcbWK">
<a href="https://www.yesnetwork.com/video/kevin-ollie-discusses-the-nets-loss-to-the-spurs?t=nets">Kevin Ollie discusses the Nets’ loss to the Spurs (Video)</a> - YES Network</li>
<li id="79y8KB">
<a href="https://www.yesnetwork.com/video/thomas-on-losing-winnable-games?t=nets">Cam Thomas on Nets losing winnable games (Video)</a> - YES Network</li>
<li id="ZJFYc1">
<a href="https://www.yesnetwork.com/video/dennis-schroder-on-improving-in-the-closing-minutes?t=nets">Dennis Schroder on improving in the closing minutes (Video) </a>- YES Network</li>
<li id="7mcyLF">
<a href="https://www.yesnetwork.com/video/claxton-speaks-following-ot-loss-to-spurs?t=nets">Nic Claxton speaks following tough loss to Spurs (Video)</a> - YES Network</li>
<li id="tnemEE">
<a href="https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/39756077">Wemby joins elite company with 33-16-7-7 game in Spurs overtime win (Video)</a> - ESPN</li>
<li id="1E93R9">
<a href="https://apnews.com/article/spurs-nets-score-wembanyama-ce1c8dccf4477a3aeee31dd3aebb7c6a">Wembanyama’s 33 points, 16 rebounds power the Spurs past Nets 122-115 in overtime</a> - Raul Dominguez - AP</li>
<li id="R51iIK">
<a href="https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/victor-wembanyama-spurs-rally-beat-nets-ot-2024-03-18/">Victor Wembanyama, Spurs rally to beat Nets in OT</a> - Larry Fleisher - Reuters</li>
<li id="gWXzun">
<a href="https://nypost.com/2024/03/17/sports/struggling-nets-give-away-late-lead-in-overtime-loss-to-west-worst-spurs/">Struggling Nets give away late lead in overtime loss to West-worst Spurs</a> - Brian Lewis - New York Post</li>
<li id="Dy6J2e">
<a href="https://nypost.com/2024/03/18/sports/nets-cam-thomas-curiously-absent-for-last-shot-in-loss-to-spurs/">Nets’ Cam Thomas curiously absent for last shot in overtime loss to Spurs</a> - Brian Lewis - New York Post</li>
<li id="HjugRr">
<a href="https://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/nets/nets-spurs-victor-wembanyama-mmdid7cd">Nets’ loss to Spurs clinches first losing season since 2020 ($)</a> - Evan Barnes - Newsday</li>
<li id="OOiuD3">
<a href="https://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/nets/nets-eh1bxbnq">Nets’ interior defense painting an ugly picture ($)</a> - Evan Barnes - Newsday</li>
<li id="gvvIRP">
<a href="https://www.nydailynews.com/2024/03/17/victor-wembanyama-spurs-overwhelm-nets-overtime/">Victor Wembanyama, Spurs overwhelm Nets in overtime thriller ($)</a> - C.J. Holmes - New York Daily News</li>
<li id="y0FNOl">
<a href="https://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/3-takeaways-spurs-victor-wembyanama-stuff-nets-19180884.php">3 takeaways as Spurs, Wembanyama stuff Nets in overtime ($)</a> - Jeff McDonald - San Antonio Express-News</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="yw6JGz"></h2>
<p id="ArdhTh"></p>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2024/3/17/24104424/nets-vs-spurs-122-115-cam-thomasLucas Kaplan2024-03-17T18:30:00-04:002024-03-17T18:30:00-04:00NBA Live Discussion: Brooklyn Nets at San Antonio Spurs, 7:00 PM ET
<figure>
<img alt="Denver Nuggets v San Antonio Spurs" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RiUoh_seIAx_ymthJ1jnhXTQ66E=/0x270:5245x3767/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73213861/2079450567.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Nets face Wemby and the lowly Spurs.</p> <p id="R2VKsl">The Nets haven’t been good this season and the Spurs have been worse. Difference between the two is (very) large — 2024 No. 1 overall Victor Wembanyama, who brings enough allure to watch a 14-win club like the Spurs. The Nets? Well, there isn’t much. Just a glimmer of hope that they slide into the 10 seed.</p>
<p id="am4qgw"><strong>WHO:</strong> <a href="https://www.netsdaily.com">Brooklyn Nets</a> (26-40) at <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com">San Antonio Spurs</a> (14-53)</p>
<p id="9BjQXU"><strong>WHEN:</strong> 7:00 PM ET</p>
<p id="ipVwbb"><strong>WHERE:</strong> YES Network on TV. WFAN on radio.</p>
<p id="7AWG9O"></p>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2024/3/17/24103405/nba-live-discussion-brooklyn-nets-at-san-antonio-spurs-7-00-pm-etAnthony Puccio2024-03-17T17:18:54-04:002024-03-17T17:18:54-04:00Long Island Nets lose second straight to Osceola Magic, 125-117
<figure>
<img alt="Long Island Nets v Osceola Magic" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZUxxj1lywMJcfeESqEr_0iIfDug=/0x562:3712x3037/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73213684/2082125715.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>No Noah Clowney and although two Nets two-ways scored 20 points each, Long Island lost its second straight to Osceola. </p> <p id="gUX4lH">Noah Clowney was in Indianapolis Saturday with the <a href="https://www.netsdaily.com">Brooklyn Nets</a>, where he played four minutes in garbage time vs. the Indiana Pacers. He didn’t score, missing on a three, and grabbed a single rebound.</p>
<p id="kVY0bo">Meanwhile, back in Osceola where Clowney registered a double double for Long Island Friday before being called up, his G League squad lost a second game in two nights to the Magic, 125-117.</p>
<p id="SGYNpd">Two of the Nets three two ways, Keon Johnson and Jacob Gilyard, scored 20 points each, Johnson complimenting his scoring with eight boards, Gilyard complimenting his with five assists. Brooklyn’s third two-way, Jaylen Martin had a rough night shooting, hitting only 1-of-7 overall, including 1-of-5 from deep. </p>
<p id="AidEvk">Meanwhile, Kyler Edwards, the Nets veteran wing, led the team with 22. </p>
<div id="nWBNBw">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kyler Edwards on both ends of the floor! <br><br> : <a href="https://t.co/fLGfbO13fw">https://t.co/fLGfbO13fw</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/LongIslandNets?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LongIslandNets</a> <a href="https://t.co/GRGWxkKrxf">pic.twitter.com/GRGWxkKrxf</a></p>— NBA G League (@nbagleague) <a href="https://twitter.com/nbagleague/status/1769145261908205852?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
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<p id="CpS2a1">Also in double figures: Jersey City’s Nate Pierre-Louis had 14, Merrick Long Island’s Patrick Gardner finished with Cape May Courthouse, New Jersey, native Jordan Hall picked up nine. </p>
<p id="RAld62">For the second night in a row, Osceola relied on NBA Slam Dunk Champion Mac McClung for his spark.</p>
<p id="MsOghs">“Our team is really unselfish,” McClung said post-game. “Our second unit came in for a shorter spurt but were still looking for me, and that meant a lot to me. I’m just trying to play the game. I know when there’s two guys guarding me I have a teammate open. My favorite highlights to produce are passing highlights.”</p>
<p id="dVscKs">The game was tied at 61 after two quarters, but Osceola, who leads the G League Eastern Conference, outscored sixth seed Long Island, 35-23, and basically coasted the rest of the way. </p>
<p id="ZBsGIA">Long Island returns home to Nassau Coliseum Wednesday morning vs. the Indiana Mad Ants. Game begins at 11:00 a.m. ET</p>
<ul>
<li id="R1wHdH">
<a href="https://twitter.com/nbagleague/status/1769145261908205852">Box Score: Osceola Magic 125, Long Island Nets 117</a> - G League</li>
<li id="o5SIBv">
<a href="https://gleague.nba.com/game/lin-vs-lak-2022300436?view=game-story">Game Report: Osceola Magic 125, Long Island Nets 117 (with Video)</a> - G League</li>
</ul>
<p id="2BFFYm"></p>
<p id="QGxx7v"></p>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2024/3/17/24104213/long-island-nets-lose-second-straight-to-osceola-magic-125-117Net Income2024-03-17T12:12:56-04:002024-03-17T12:12:56-04:00Brooklyn Nets vs. San Antonio Spurs preview: The road trip ends
<figure>
<img alt="San Antonio Spurs v Sacramento Kings" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gyFy5oWSFuWwm1zRSyj-47Mt1JI=/0x0:4800x3200/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73213300/2068790947.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Nets close out their six game road trip. The Spurs await them.</p> <p id="6WyYN6">The days are technically shorter, but it sure doesn’t feel that way. Well, that is if you’re the <a href="https://www.netsdaily.com">Brooklyn Nets</a>. The Nets were competitive for a half against the Indiana Pacers last night, but that’s as good as it got. Indiana outclassed the Nets after the break and <a href="https://www.netsdaily.com/2024/3/16/24103510/nets-vs-pacers-121-100-cam-thomas">cruised </a>to a 21 point victory. The play-in is still within reach, but it feels like it’s impossible to reach.</p>
<p id="3WGR6K">The opponent tonight is building a better tomorrow. The <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com">San Antonio Spurs</a> are near the bottom of the standings, but they’ve started to figure some things out. They got off to a rough start against the Denver Nuggets on Friday night and fought to make it a game, but the champs proved to be <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/2024/3/15/24102520/spurs-nuggets-final-score-austin-nikola-jokic-victor-wembanyama">too much</a> to handle.</p>
<h2 id="d6KtmI"><strong>Where to follow the game</strong></h2>
<p id="ILpQYU">YES Network on TV. WFAN on radio. Tip after 7:00 p.m. ET.</p>
<h2 id="s0dWad"><strong>Injuries</strong></h2>
<p id="v12WL2">No Ben Simmons. Night two of a back-to-back so we’ll see if anyone is sitting.</p>
<p id="10dlHa">Charles Bassey is out with an ACL tear. Cedi Osman is questionable with a left ankle sprain.</p>
<h2 id="KPHAql"><strong>The game</strong></h2>
<p id="7he0KU">Brooklyn won the <a href="https://www.netsdaily.com/2024/2/10/24068977/nets-vs-spurs-123-103-dennis-schroder">first </a>meeting.</p>
<p id="JmBDPu">This game is in Austin, Texas, but it appears not everyone is a fan of this development. Over at <a href="https://airalamo.com/posts/san-antonio-spurs-outrageous-austin-games-tradition-slap-face-fans"><em>Air Alamo</em></a>, Jahlil Williams writes:</p>
<p id="56VScq">“The NBA season is long, 82 games. You are supposed to get 41 of those at home, not just for the crowd advantage but because the constant travel can be rough on players, and families often cannot travel with them. Adding away games to the schedule at the expense of your fans for a money grab is not a good look and that is exactly what this is. Under the guise of, “expanding the brand,” the organization is simply looking for ways to make more money.”</p>
<p id="M7kJVN">Teams are always trying to make more, but they have to find ways not to do it at the expense of the loyal folks at home.</p>
<p id="3NwUQK">Aye man</p>
<div id="3aPbDM">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Wemby scoop dunk <a href="https://t.co/Rwv1vYiuDU">pic.twitter.com/Rwv1vYiuDU</a></p>— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/UsherNBA/status/1767737647361818732?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p id="29yQk5">It’s been a magical rookie year for superstar rookie Victor Wembenyama. The big guy leads the entire NBA in blocks by a considerable margin and is putting everyone on notice.</p>
<div id="o3xW6l">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Asked in French by <a href="https://twitter.com/TheoQuintard?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheoQuintard</a> about contending for the DPOY, Wemby responded with this:<br><br>“I know that Rudy (Gobert) has a very good chance of winning it this year, and it would be deserved. Let him win it now, because after that it's no longer his turn."</p>— Tom Orsborn (@tom_orsborn) <a href="https://twitter.com/tom_orsborn/status/1768394094840000598?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
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<p id="x0CSNj">When you have a generational player like Wembenyama that’s as good as he is already and getting better by the day, it makes life so much easier for the team. Having a 20 year old big give you a double double (and has the skill to pull off the rare <a href="https://www.theringer.com/nba/2024/2/22/24079101/nba-quadruple-double-david-robinson-victor-wembanyama">quadruple double</a>) every night is a luxury.</p>
<p id="H2QHdt">Nic Claxton will have to wrestle with the Giant tonight. He outplayed Wembenyama the first time he saw him, and the Nets are going to need a big game out of Clax in the worst way. The Pacers bludgeoned the Nets on the inside to the tune of 82 points in the paint, and the Nets can’t afford to let that happen again.</p>
<p id="PxfZHA">Cam Johnson has been a bit more aggressive coming off the <a href="https://www.netsdaily.com/2024/3/16/24103285/cam-johnson-says-all-the-right-things-about-coming-off-the-bench-but">bench</a>, and it’s a welcome development for him and the team. The Nets need to figure a bunch of things out before they fully devote themselves to the off-season, and Johnson’s fit on offense is one of them. He’s shown that he can make things happen off the dribble. Can he do that more frequently and give the team some more punch going forward? That’s one of many questions the Nets will need the answer to.</p>
<h2 id="BIJsTJ"><strong>Player to watch: Devin Vassell</strong></h2>
<p id="KBVgnt">The Spurs have their centerpiece, now they need to build the rest of the foundation. They got to work on that goal when they inked Vassell to a five year <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/2023/10/2/23900552/report-devin-vassell-signs-5-year-146-million-extension-with-san-antonio-spurs">extension </a>in October. You can see the potential he has, and he’s paid that extension off with the best season of his young career thus far. Vassell is averaging a career best 19.2 points per game on .469/.384/.791 shooting splits. He’s a dynamic finisher at the basket and can finish over all types of defenders</p>
<div id="ZJtqQT">
<div><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://cdn.iframe.ly/api/iframe?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvideos.nba.com%2Fnba%2Fpbp%2Fmedia%2F2024%2F03%2F07%2F0022300908%2F74%2F7395b123-93c9-9569-d8c8-5e985e8a3cbc_1280x720.mp4&key=9ef4a209439e42bc59783ba959d50197" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" allow="encrypted-media *;"></iframe></div></div>
<script async="" src="https://cdn.iframe.ly/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p id="nvU9dY">Vassell and Wemby is a good start for the Spurs and they’ll be back in contention sooner rather than later.</p>
<p id="57Exs5">Brooklyn’s 24 will try to see if he can will the team to victory. Cam Thomas was one of the few Nets that had his shot going last night, but even that comes with a caveat. CT tied his career high in turnovers with five as he and the team kept giving possessions away. The great thing about Thomas is that he doesn’t let bad games linger for too long. Brooklyn needs something to hold on to, and if Thomas can give the fans a great showing every night, at least something good can come out of this stretch of games.</p>
<h2 id="DhlYPI"><strong>From the Vault</strong></h2>
<p id="bxKBun">Yesterday was 3:16 and we’re in <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/wrestlemania">Wrestlemania</a> season!</p>
<div id="4H5E9f"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_vBEVP2VGd4?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="2BbV3L">More reading: <a href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">Pounding the Rock</a>, <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nba">SB Nation NBA</a>, <a href="https://netsrepublic.com/">Nets Republic</a>, <a href="https://airalamo.com/">Air Alamo</a></p>
<ul>
<li id="qhiCv8">
<a href="https://www.nba.com/gamenotes/nets.pdf"><strong>Brooklyn Nets Game Notes</strong></a> - <a href="https://www.netsdaily.com/"><strong>Brooklyn Nets</strong></a>
</li>
<li id="Pdxamt">
<a href="https://www.nba.com/gamenotes/spurs.pdf">San Antonio Spurs Game Notes</a> - San Antonio Spurs</li>
<li id="0MldDW">
<a href="https://apnews.com/san-antonio-spurs-brooklyn-nets-ae50bc379d384ef1b88ca088af1a4e47">San Antonio faces Brooklyn on home losing streak</a> - AP</li>
<li id="tebwCB">
<a href="https://www.nba.com/game/bkn-vs-sas-0022300981">NETS, WITH DIM PLAYOFF HOPES STILL ALIVE, FACE SPURS</a>- Larry Fleisher - Field Level Media</li>
<li id="ZlWqI5">
<a href="https://nypost.com/2024/03/17/sports/nets-need-to-end-struggles-in-back-to-back-games/">No rest for weary Mikal Bridges after ugly Nets showing</a> - Brian Lewis - New York Post</li>
<li id="h4luV0">
<a href="https://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/nets/nets-schedule-s3xh9s9a">Nets still seeking effort on court with 15 games remaining ($)</a> - Evan Barnes - Newsday</li>
<li id="rhrGxN">
<a href="https://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/victor-wembanyama-power-politeness-prevails-19086580.php">For Victor Wembanyama, the power of politeness prevails</a> - Mike Finger - San Antonio Express-News </li>
</ul>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2024/3/17/24100908/brooklyn-nets-san-antonio-spurs-nba-preview-devin-vassell-cam-thomas-nic-claxton-victor-wembanyamaBrian Fleurantin2024-03-16T22:53:56-04:002024-03-16T22:53:56-04:00Brooklyn Nets clubbed by Indiana Pacers in second half, lose 121-100
<figure>
<img alt="Brooklyn Nets v Indiana Pacers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bAeByFTKb2M54Ncwk-tLJtrzmyA=/546x671:5777x4158/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73212596/2090064786.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Brooklyn Nets lost, and boy it wasn’t pretty. Rinse, repeat.</p> <p id="vvPePa">“We got 16 games left. The Play-In is right in front of us.”</p>
<p id="5L0hXd">Well, <em>right in front</em> may be a stretch, by the Brooklyn Nets still had something to play for when they visited the Indiana Pacers on Saturday evening, the first game of a weekend back-to-back.</p>
<p id="VBCONn">Since Brooklyn’s last contest, a loss to the Orlando Magic on Wednesday, the Atlanta Hawks had dropped two West Coast games, meaning the Nets entered three back of the 10-seed.</p>
<p id="4Yb8fT">So when Cam Thomas spoke to Evan Barnes of <em>Newsday</em> at Saturday’s shootaround, his eyes were on the lowly, yet attainable prize. And in order for his Nets to take a step toward the Play-In, they’d have to rebound against the second-best offense in the NBA.</p>
<p id="sNVc7U">There was hope, to be sure. Brooklyn’s defense has hardly been the issue in recent months and is seemingly designed to give Indiana issues. With Nic Claxton able to switch out on the dynamic Tyrese Haliburton, the Nets had a strong answer to the head of the snake, and Dorian Finney-Smith is no pushover for Pascal Siakam.</p>
<p id="nsoniY">The inverse matchup seemingly favored the Nets as well. Indiana’s defense is notoriously help-averse. Their refusal to allow corner and wing 3-pointers on the weak side of the floor often leads their opponent directly to the paint, an area Brooklyn often needs assistance in getting to.</p>
<p id="K5IaNb">As such, the question was: Could the Nets keep the young, athletic Pacers out of transition? <strong>No.</strong></p>
<p id="DP6C09">Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers. Turnovers kept the game close in the first half, where Brooklyn was comfortably the better half-court team but trailed 59-57 after 24 minutes thanks to miscues like these...</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">count it‼️<br><br>Aaron Nesmith finishes the fastbreak and-1. <a href="https://t.co/w6MHSd0Xp2">pic.twitter.com/w6MHSd0Xp2</a></p>— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pacers/status/1769144458505822215?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a>
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<p id="6wfNr2">It hardly mattered that the Pacers were on their way to a horrific night from three. They'd end up shooting just 6-of-30 from beyond, but still had no trouble scoring. Pascal Siakam had a strong performance with 28 points, yes, but he shot 22 field-goals and six free-throws to get there.</p>
<p id="mgZYrg">Still, the Nets kept it close because their first-half offense, when they weren't giving it away, was admirable. Trendon Watford got a promotion as the second sub off Brooklyn’s bench on Saturday night, ahead of fellow guards Lonnie Walker and Dennis Smith Jr., and he got into the paint at will on his way to a dozen points...</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Trendon Watford with another impressive take, this ends in an And-1: <a href="https://t.co/Ldqqq1HmXF">pic.twitter.com/Ldqqq1HmXF</a></p>— Lucas Kaplan (@LucasKaplan_) <a href="https://twitter.com/LucasKaplan_/status/1769165472300151105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a>
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<p id="CdswJ2">It was almost (but not quite) enough to distract from another Mikal Bridges disappearance. For the second game in a row, Bridges did not make a field goal in the first half, and would finish the night 1-of-8 for a measly seven points.</p>
<p id="NsJT3K">“He had some good looks, I thought. Gotta convert them,” opined Head Coach Kevin Ollie, later saying “I got to do a better job, teammates got to do a better job, he’s got to do a better job.”</p>
<p id="mFcsmt">Still, Ollie wasn’t too down on the franchise’s leading man: “This is an opportunity for him to grow in the midst of what looks like a dark time, but there’s actually light at the end of the tunnel because he’s able to play through mistakes and able to learn.”</p>
<p id="RibkQq">In the first half, Cam Johnson and Cam Thomas were the only Nets to crack double-digits, and the former displayed the newfound aggressive we’ve come to expect from him, even off the <a href="https://www.netsdaily.com/2024/3/16/24103285/cam-johnson-says-all-the-right-things-about-coming-off-the-bench-but"><strong>bench</strong></a>. Johnson took pull-up threes when defenders went under screens and insisted his way toward the paint otherwise, while Thomas took advantage of Indiana’s thin help defense.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Haven't seen Cam Thomas leverage his size/strength like this on a ton of drives -- good to see: <a href="https://t.co/pj1oXnawiZ">pic.twitter.com/pj1oXnawiZ</a></p>— Lucas Kaplan (@LucasKaplan_) <a href="https://twitter.com/LucasKaplan_/status/1769144377127903348?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a>
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<p id="VRPZYI">And yet, any good will the Nets built up in the first half, they threw away in the final 24. The turnovers kept coming, and they kept getting worse, as they’d finish with <em>twenty</em> on the night, stifling any hope of the consistent offense they needed.</p>
<p id="GkNebR">Thomas accounted for five turnovers to “lead” the way, while Johnson, Dennis Schröder (4-of-13, 13 points), and Day’Ron Sharpe all had three or more. By the end, all of Brooklyn’s ineptitude blended into one ugly picture, with the defining play of the night so grotesque it could have an NSFW tag...</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Brooklyn's 18th turnover of the night is their most embarrassing, out of a timeout. <a href="https://t.co/5gLPFnMjvC">pic.twitter.com/5gLPFnMjvC</a></p>— Lucas Kaplan (@LucasKaplan_) <a href="https://twitter.com/LucasKaplan_/status/1769168235679690976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a>
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<p id="atRBpU">Worse yet, it was a double-whammy for the Nets. They got punked on the glass from the second quarter on, losing the offensive-rebounding battle 17-12. Indiana finished with a whopping 20 more shooting possessions than the Nets, which nullified their poor 3-point shooting night.</p>
<p id="xIbDZj">It all added up to a monster 82 points in the paint for the Pacers, two off their season-high, but somehow Brooklyn’s half-court offense was somehow more efficient than Indiana’s. It just didn’t matter...</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">sigh, again <a href="https://t.co/7PcLg4wGpj">pic.twitter.com/7PcLg4wGpj</a></p>— Lucas Kaplan (@LucasKaplan_) <a href="https://twitter.com/LucasKaplan_/status/1769185324767297658?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a>
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<p id="YdJVxF">Oh, but there’s more! Brooklyn made 13 of their first 22 shots, then shot 20-of-55 the rest of the way. After a competitive first half, their energy was destroyed early in the second half, as the game quickly turned from fun to a chore to watch...</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">sigh <a href="https://t.co/kCwjMyPGAP">https://t.co/kCwjMyPGAP</a> <a href="https://t.co/HgAZkdJ76H">pic.twitter.com/HgAZkdJ76H</a></p>— Lucas Kaplan (@LucasKaplan_) <a href="https://twitter.com/LucasKaplan_/status/1769170391946104864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a>
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<p id="rYeFE9">Said Ollie: “First half: Basketball was beautiful. I thought the ball movement was great, and then the second half, we went into iso basketball, and that’s what we get when we go into iso basketball. We’re not good enough to do that.”</p>
<p id="sNcPnx">Brooklyn’s head coach stopped short of his team’s desire to win, but instead questioned “the way we’re doing it,” as it seems proven that a coaching change couldn’t fix a deeply flawed roster.</p>
<p id="tp6Dvb">Dennis Schröder and Cam Johnson spent the final five minutes of the game standing around the Nets bench, engrossed in a conversation about ... something. Presumably, the depressing way things are going for Brooklyn, and how to potentially fix them. Do the Nets care? Probably. At least, as much as you can expect from a team going nowhere, with so little of the roster as core pieces.</p>
<div id="wN51BA">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cam Johnson and Dennis Schröder have been engaged in standing conversation since exiting the game five (real time) minutes ago <a href="https://t.co/ZcGTtmTa1q">pic.twitter.com/ZcGTtmTa1q</a></p>— Lucas Kaplan (@LucasKaplan_) <a href="https://twitter.com/LucasKaplan_/status/1769172547990421699?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a>
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<p id="aRNJEE">Now, can they do anything about it?</p>
<p id="o4aSgn">No. This season is over. We’ll update you about the Play-In race, rest assured. We’ll keep an eye on what the Hawks are up to, who the Nets would have to beat to even have a hope of experiencing a brutal beatdown by the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs. There will be small positives, like Watford playing well, or Johnson showing offensive aggressiveness and the promise of living up to his contract.</p>
<p id="9rB2gE">But the season is over, even more so than it was when Brooklyn went into training camp with a mediocre roster built around Ben Simmons. The plan, such that it exists beyond pure hope of attracting a superstar to the borough (I can hardly type those words again), has been discussed ad nauseam.</p>
<p id="tx3c61">Currently, Brooklyn is lying is the ugly details of that plan, that is a ditch on NBA’s fringes where irrelevant teams dawdle. There is no reason to watch the Nets over the final month of the season. There’s more incentive to tune into the Long Island Nets to see how Noah Clowney is playing in the G League, when he’s assigned there.</p>
<p id="SJN8wr">Maybe this seems harsh for one measly loss to Indiana — a playoff team — after a decent first half. But I’d say the only thing wrong with this breaking point is that it should have come sooner. This season is gone, and hopefully, it can be forgotten.</p>
<p id="tMWn5I"><strong>Final Score: Indiana Pacers 121, Brooklyn Nets 100</strong></p>
<h2 id="UMYcBf"><strong>Next Up</strong></h2>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Denver Nuggets v San Antonio Spurs" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1E5PEYnKQPGw6YYT4i-jwrkIapQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25340236/2079450567.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="5lsMxp">The Brooklyn Nets will conclude a back-to-back — and their six-game road-trip — by facing Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs for the second and final time this season. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET on Sunday night.</p>
<ul>
<li id="ICY30w">
<a href="https://www.nba.com/game/bkn-vs-ind-0022300968/box-score">Box Score: Indiana Pacers 121, Brooklyn Nets 100</a> - NBA</li>
<li id="Vcrnci">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhVK-PTHyhI">Game Highlights: Indiana Pacers 121, Brooklyn Nets 100 (Video) </a>- NBA</li>
<li id="cyPfT7">
<a href="https://www.yesnetwork.com/video/nets-fall-to-pacers-121-100?t=nets">Nets fall to Pacers 121-100 on Saturday night (Video)</a> - Chris Shearn - YES Network</li>
<li id="hXCO4b">
<a href="https://www.yesnetwork.com/video/kevin-ollie-on-turning-the-ball-over-20-times?t=nets">Kevin Ollie on Brooklyn committing 20 turnovers in loss (Video)</a> - YES Network</li>
<li id="m10SCb">
<a href="https://www.yesnetwork.com/video/cam-thomas-on-nets-loss-x0657?t=nets">Cam Johnson talks about the Nets’ loss to the Pacers (Video) </a>- YES Network</li>
<li id="UUSWlZ">
<a href="https://www.yesnetwork.com/video/dennis-schroder-on-discussion-with-cam-johnson?t=nets">Dennis Schroder on the team’s flat second half (Video)</a> - YES Network</li>
<li id="Bqzg2F">
<a href="https://www.yesnetwork.com/video/mikal-bridges-discusses-the-nets-second-half?t=nets">Mikal Bridges discusses the Nets’ second half (Video)</a> - YES Network</li>
<li id="eknk27">
<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pacers-nets-score-9f5e3d812d1116dc94527eacbda3370f">Pacers roll after halftime, beat the Nets 121-100</a> - Chris Goff - AP</li>
<li id="MNxQzW">
<a href="https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/pacers-put-nets-away-with-strong-fourth-quarter-2024-03-17/">Pacers put Nets away with strong fourth quarter</a> - Larry Fleisher - Reuters</li>
<li id="bgn5JE">
<a href="https://nypost.com/2024/03/16/sports/nets-ripped-by-pacers-as-fading-play-in-hopes-take-another-hit/">Nets walloped by Pacers as fading Play-In hopes take another hit</a> - Brian Lewis - New York Post</li>
<li id="DWoFeY">
<a href="https://nypost.com/2024/03/17/sports/nets-need-to-end-struggles-in-back-to-back-games/">Nets need to end struggles in back-to-back games</a> - Brian Lewis - New York Post</li>
<li id="JaW043">
<a href="https://www.nydailynews.com/2024/03/16/nets-82-points-in-paint-loss-pascal-siakam-pacers/">Nets allow season-worst 82 points in paint in blowout loss to Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers ($)</a> - C.J. Holmes - New York Daily News</li>
<li id="O8Zkne">
<a href="https://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/nets/nets-pacers-jqpdkbx0">Nets’ effort problems still apparent in second-half collapse vs. Pacers ($)</a> - Evan Barnes - Newsday</li>
<li id="IX3pfK">
<a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nets-news-brooklyn-fails-kevin-ollie-recipe-historic-stat-blowout-loss-pacers">Nets fail to follow Kevin Ollie ‘recipe’ while posting historic stat in blowout loss vs. Pacers</a> - Erik Slater - Clutch Points</li>
<li id="dz02Jc">
<a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.indystar.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fnba%2Fpacers%2F2024%2F03%2F16%2Fpascal-siakam-scores-28-points-to-help-pacers-handle-nets%2F72926447007%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.netsdaily.com%2F2024%2F3%2F16%2F24103510%2Fnets-vs-pacers-121-100-cam-thomas" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Pascal Siakam scores 28 points to help carry Pacers over Nets</a> - Dustin Dopirak - Indianapolis Star</li>
</ul>
<p id="N4alIc"></p>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2024/3/16/24103510/nets-vs-pacers-121-100-cam-thomasLucas Kaplan2024-03-16T18:30:00-04:002024-03-16T18:30:00-04:00NBA Live Discussion: Brooklyn Nets at Indiana Pacers, 7:00 PM ET
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<img alt="Chicago Bulls v Indiana Pacers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qOSq2kF2dzVekaK99Y08VxmQ4Io=/0x168:3456x2472/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73212322/2074398634.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Nets look for a W in Indiana.</p> <p id="E0tbhM">Time is running out for the <a href="https://www.netsdaily.com">Brooklyn Nets</a>. They’re three games out from the final play-in spot with 16 remaining. It hasn’t been pretty nor consistent in any shape, way, or form but the games still go on. Let’s see what they got...</p>
<p id="43olfY"><strong>WHO:</strong> Brooklyn Nets (26-40) at Indiana Pacers (37-30)</p>
<p id="d2DnfL"><strong>WHEN:</strong> 7:00 PM ET</p>
<p id="d0JlWQ"><strong>WHERE:</strong> YES Network on TV. WFAN on radio.</p>
<p id="mfJi3S">***</p>
<p id="jCJECQ"><strong>From our </strong><a href="https://www.netsdaily.com/2024/3/16/24100833/nets-pacers-nba-preview-tyrese-haliburton-dennis-schroder-pascal-siakam-cam-johnson"><strong>game preview...</strong></a></p>
<p id="abtJ5W"><strong>Injuries: </strong>Ben Simmons <a href="https://www.netsdaily.com/2024/3/14/24101080/ben-simmons-undergoes-back-surgery-expected-back-by-training-camp"><strong>underwent </strong></a>a microscopic partial discectomy on Thursday and the Nets expect him to be back in training camp. Dariq Whitehead is with the team in Indianapolis but remains out for the season after shin reaction surgery in January. Noah Clowney got called up to the big club Saturday morning.</p>
<p id="FBLMc4">Doug McDermott is out with a right calf strain. Ben Mathurin is out with a labral tear in his right shoulder.</p>
<p id="TTmH1l"><strong>The Game: </strong>Indiana made a franchise altering move in January when they <a href="https://www.raptorshq.com/2024/1/17/24041954/siakam-gone-raptors-make-deal-to-send-siakam-to-the-indiana-pacers#:~:text=The%20last%20piece%20of%20the,with%20the%20New%20Orleans%20Pelicans.&text=In%20return%20for%20Siakam%2C%20Toronto,first%2Dround%20picks%20from%20Indiana."><strong>acquired </strong></a>Pascal Siakam from the <a href="https://www.raptorshq.com/"><strong>Toronto Raptors</strong></a>. Siakam is the player that the team hopes can push them into the playoffs for this season and for many years to come. Since the move, he’s given Rick Carlisle and friends 20/7/4 a night on 55/38/70 shooting splits. If the Pacers are healthy once the postseason begins, they figure to be a headache for whoever’s facing them.</p>
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https://www.netsdaily.com/2024/3/16/24103396/nba-live-discussion-brooklyn-nets-at-indiana-pacers-7-00-pm-etAnthony Puccio