Nets Face Tough Loss Against Clippers
The Nets endured a heavy 126-89 defeat against the Clippers on Sunday night in Los Angeles. Despite the result, Nick Claxton put in considerable effort.
The starting center played with a bandage on his right pinky, which was fractured during a game against the Celtics on Friday. He was set to have an imaging test on Saturday morning, although the results haven’t been disclosed yet.
Coach Jordi Fernandez commented on Claxton’s condition, saying, “I think it’s his right hand. He’s feeling some discomfort, but I really give him credit.” During his time on the court, Claxton logged six points and five rebounds in 24 minutes.
“He made it through Friday’s game, so I know he’s eager to compete with his teammates. Of course, we’re concerned about his health,” added Fernandez. “But everything is fine.” Claxton did wince after taking a hard shot from Kawhi Leonard midway through the third quarter, yet he chose to stay in the game.
In another note, starting power forward Noah Clowney was absent due to back pain. Michael Porter Jr. shifted from small forward, and Terrence Mann took the starting spot on the wing. Mann even received a tribute video in the first quarter for his past contributions to the Clippers before his trade to the Hawks last season.
Meanwhile, rookie Nolan Traore, who scored a career-high 21 points on Friday, missed the game against the Clippers because of illness. Additionally, Cam Thomas was sidelined with a sprained left ankle. Fernandez mentioned, “He’s hurting and is going to miss Sunday’s game. We don’t have a timeline, so it’s important he gets the right treatment.”
With a depleted backcourt, rookie Ben Saraf was brought up from Long Island and made his first NBA appearance since December 6, scoring six points in 17 minutes. Fernandez remarked on Saraf’s improvement, praising the players under the guidance of Long Island Nets head coach Mfon Udofia, saying, “They’ve been getting better every game.”
The Nets are set to face the Suns in Phoenix on Tuesday, although Suns star Devin Booker is also out due to a sprained right ankle.
