NEW YORK — A current rash of trades, accidents and diseases has solely made yr yet one more troublesome for Jordi Fernandez and his staff. However regardless that the Brooklyn Nets tank unabashedly, it is arduous to disregard them most nights. Whatever the obtainable personnel, if they’ve the heartbeat, Fernandez normally has them able to play.
Brooklyn was fairly shorthanded in Monday’s recreation in opposition to the Pacers, however outscored them 31-23 within the third quarter to maintain issues fascinating — till Indiana awoke and pulled away.
Wednesday’s 113-98 loss to the red-hot Detroit Pistons on the Barclays Middle performed out the identical method – besides this time the Nets solely had eight gamers obtainable after Day’Ron Sharpe (sickness), Ben Simmons ( decrease again harm administration) and Dariq Whitehead (concussion protocol) was dominated out earlier in the present day, becoming a member of Cam Thomas (left hamstring pressure), Cam Johnson (left hamstring pressure), proper ankle), D’Angelo Russell (proper shin contusion), Trendon Watford (left hamstring sprain) and Maxwell Lewis (left shin fracture) on the inactive listing.
Fernandez began Keon Johnson, Tyrese Martin, Ziaire Williams, Noah Clowney and Nic Claxton in opposition to the Pistons – Reece Beekman, Jalen Wilson and Tosan Evbuomwan have been the reserves on the bench – and his guys got here out in nice form.
The Nets shot simply 32.1 p.c within the first quarter, however have been down simply two factors early within the second thanks to 6 pressured turnovers, 10 first factors from Clowney and an early 11-2 benefit within the second likelihood factors. That helped the Pistons go 2-for-6 from deep within the first 12 minutes of motion.
Fernandez’s troops have been down 10 at halftime, however Beekman went 3 of three from the sector and three of three from the free throw line within the second quarter to maintain the sport from getting out of hand, and the Nets restricted the Pistons to 44.8% capturing. within the interval – huge defensive enchancment from the 58.8% capturing common they gave as much as Detroit within the first quarter.
Clowney scored 15 factors within the first half on 5-of-11 capturing, tying the best scoring half of his profession. Fittingly, the second-year ahead – having acquired the all-season nod – completed the night time with a career-high 29 factors in his eighth begin of the yr. The 20-year-old added six rebounds, three assists and two steals, and knocked down 5 3-pointers.
It was the form of match followers have been ready for, one that ought to do wonders for his confidence shifting ahead. However Clowney could not carry the Nets alone on Wednesday – or spare them a 3rd straight loss.
Brooklyn went on a 10-2 run to chop the Pistons’ result in six with 5:37 left within the third quarter, however Detroit responded with a 16-2 run to chop the result in 20.
It was a 91-70 recreation early within the fourth quarter. The Pistons saved their distance with a closing rating of 28-22 to earn their fifth straight victory. Martin notched his first double-double with 12 factors and 10 rebounds, and Evbuomwan added 13 factors coming off the bench. Malik Beasley led Detroit with 23 factors and 5 assists.
The Nets completed winless of their three-game homestand. Wednesday marked seven straight losses at Barclays Middle.
They go away for a six-game highway journey on Thursday, the place they’ll face the Nuggets on Friday, adopted by matchups in opposition to the Jazz, Path Blazers, Clippers, Lakers and Thunder.
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