In the final battle of the game, the Nets were on the back foot as a well-rested team.
Thanks to a strong third quarter, the Nets have some hope of redeeming themselves against the Timberwolves, who beat the Wizards on Wednesday for the second night of a back-to-back.
But even if Minnesota's energy was lower than usual, it didn't show up much, and because they couldn't deny their league-leading defense and size, it didn't affect the result, and they beat the Nets 96-94 on the 21st. I won. Thursday night at Barclays Center.
Karl-Anthony Towns had a game-high 27 points and 10 rebounds, and Anthony Edwards had 24 points.
Mikal Bridges led the Nets with 21 points on 8-of-18 shooting from the field.
However, despite Bridges' effort and leadership, he let the Nets down in the final seconds.
Timberwolves. Getty Images
After Brooklyn called a timeout with 25.3 seconds left, the Nets tried to get Bridges the ball for a 3-point winner, but Bridges was unable to take the shot as Nick Claxton tried to set a screen.
Bridges was forced to pass to Thomas, but the ensuing pass went wide and the Nets had the ball with 7.4 seconds left.
When Bridges got the ball again, he didn't take a shot, but he fouled Jaden McDaniels, prompting chants of “Let's Go Nets” throughout Barclays Center.
With the Nets trailing 96-94, Bridges missed his first shot and a lane violation on his second attempt gave Minnesota the decisive possession with 2.4 seconds left.
