Cam Thomas says he doesn't treat the Knicks any differently than other teams, and he doesn't treat the Garden any differently than other buildings.
But his plays tell a different story.
Far from shrinking from the spotlight, the Nets' young guard blossoms into a star every time he steps on stage at the world's most famous arena.
On Friday, Thomas posted his second 40-point performance at the Garden in just over six months, and the Nets could use a third point in Sunday's rematch.
“Yeah, he’s not afraid of the bright lights,” Nets coach Jordi Fernandez said of Thomas. “And from the very first shot he took, [on Friday]. And his teammates knew we had to find him. I tried my best to help him and find him. Obviously, they put the O.G. [Anunoby] He was a very good defender, a very physical player and still found a way to score.
“The good thing is that we will have a chance to play against the same team again. They will feel the same way and then he will have to come back and perform again. With a great performance by CT. , I'm very happy because he kept us alive from the beginning.”
Thomas scored 43 points on Friday, surpassing Knicks star Jalen Brunson.
He made 16-of-22 and an impressive 7-of-10 from deep, but Brunson hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with six seconds left.
“It's great, he's one of the top guards in the league, and you always try to play well against an opponent like that,” said Thomas, who didn't make the final shot for the Nets.
With no timeouts, they had to push the ball, but it ultimately ended on a buzzer miss by Dennis Schroder, leaving Thomas with no chance to respond.
But Brooklyn will have a chance to answer in Sunday's rematch, as they are playing without Nic Claxton and have lost four of their past five games.
“Just stay aggressive,” Thomas shrugged. “They guarded hard, they switched on, they switched on, they had multiple defenders attacking me. So I had to figure that out. But I just got forward and was aggressive. I just wanted to get things in order as soon as possible.
“beginning [NBA] We want to get into shape quickly for the cup match. So I've done a good job on that, I've done a decent job on that. But at the end of the day you always want to win. So, what was nice about it, though, is we get to play again on Sunday and get some redemption. So I can't wait for that. ”
Thomas' 41 points against the Knicks on April 12 became the Nets at the Garden's highest scoring record.
Friday's performance not only surpassed that, but tied John Williamson's record against the Knicks and tied for second in franchise history behind Kevin Durant's 53 points in 2022.
Only one other player had a 40-plus point game at the Garden before he turned 24: Wilt Chamberlain. So does the smooth-talking Thomas enjoy being Nick's villain?
“No, I'm never the type of person to do that. I'm just trying to play wherever I'm playing, whoever's playing. I'm just trying to give. [my best]No matter who the opponent is, I just do my best and play to the best of my ability,'' said Thomas, who admitted he enjoyed the moment of meeting NFL great Tom Brady. spoke.
“[It] It was kind of crazy to watch Tom Brady. I've been a huge Tom Brady fan since I was little. I don't usually act like that towards people, but that was kind of crazy. Even when I hit a 3, he gave me a little look. Indeed, it was a really good moment for me. But I don't actually play much [in the Garden];It's just where I'm playing, what is it [team] I'm playing and I just want to give it my all and be aggressive and help the team win.”
