Nets Search for First Win in Tough Start

The Nets have another six months to figure out if this season’s struggles will lead to something worthwhile. Meanwhile, the Yankees and Mets will only have a handful of games left before the next season, hoping for a little luck to change their fortunes.

For the time being, the most significant mystery will be when the Nets will finally notch their first victory.

Despite showing some promise, the Nets lost their first seven games, falling 125-109 to the Timberwolves, even with Anthony Edwards absent from the lineup.

With an 0-7 record, the Nets have matched their worst start in a decade and are, unfortunately, on a path toward the worst start in NBA history—remember the New Jersey Nets’ 0-18 from 2009-10? Their next chance to break this losing streak comes Wednesday against a struggling Pacers team.

Cam Thomas scored 25 points, while Nick Claxton contributed 19 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. Noah Clowney also had a solid game with 15 points and six rebounds. Still, the Nets were let down by a defense that ranks at the bottom of the league, allowing the Timberwolves to shoot over 56 percent from the field.

Julius Randle recorded a triple-double, Rudy Gobert had a double-double, and Donte DiVincenzo led his team with 25 points.

The Nets initially jumped out to a seven-point lead, shooting well early on, making 7 of their first 10 attempts.

Clowney looked energetic in his first start of the season, taking the place of Michael Porter Jr., who was away for personal reasons. Thomas took full advantage of his opportunities, scoring 19 points in the first half.

Despite calls for better defensive play from coach Jordi Fernandez, the Nets kept giving up open shots, allowing Minnesota to excel from both the perimeter and inside the paint.

A key moment came when Ziare Williams hit a 3-pointer to end the first quarter with the game tied at 28, marking the first time this season the Nets didn’t trail at the end of the first quarter.

At halftime, the score was a solid 63-59, showcasing their best first-half performance to date.

However, shortly after the second half started, the Timberwolves extended their lead to double digits. Still, the Nets managed to rally back in front of a crowd of 17,287, briefly taking an 88-87 lead late in the third quarter.

Unfortunately for Brooklyn, Minnesota responded swiftly, with crucial shooting and a rebounding advantage that was hard to overcome. The Nets struggled down the stretch, converting only 25 of 38 free throws.