SAN ANTONIO — Nets Continue Struggles in Loss to Spurs
The Nets are in a bit of a scramble this season, hoping to land a top draft pick to transform their team next year.
In their recent game against the Spurs at Frostbank Center, the score indicated a loss for the Nets, 118-107. But really, they struggled against standout performances from Victor Wembanyama and Dylan Harper.
Initially, the Nets fell behind, managing only 26 points before rallying in the fourth quarter to briefly claim the lead. Unfortunately, that momentum didn’t last.
Cam Thomas led the Nets with an impressive 40 points, but he didn’t get much support. Michael Porter Jr. contributed 16 points, and Nic Claxton added 10. Overall, Brooklyn’s shooting was just 39.1 percent.
On the flip side, Wembanyama dominated the court with 31 points, 14 rebounds, and 6 blocks, overpowering the Nets’ defense. Meanwhile, rookie Harper, selected second overall in the draft, scored 20 points, assisted with eight, and grabbed six rebounds, finishing plus-33 from the bench, overshadowing Nets lottery pick Egor Demin.
It seemed like the Nets were in a deeper hole than just a six-point deficit before they decided to fight back. Stephon Castle hit a three-pointer to give the Spurs an 81-55 lead, but that triggered a significant comeback.
Brooklyn erupted with a 35-7 scoring run, bolstered by aggressive defense that forced San Antonio to miss 10 of their next 12 shots, converting those opportunities into quick scores.
Still, they stuck to perimeter shots instead of challenging Wembanyama in the paint. They made 7 of 11 from beyond the arc during that stretch, and a three-pointer from Jalen Wilson off Tyrese Martin’s assist gave them an unexpected 90-88 lead with just over ten minutes left.
Martin extended the lead to 97-92 with a free throw at 8:40, but the Nets couldn’t maintain that edge, surrendering 11 straight points. Once again, Harper and Wembanyama made pivotal plays that shifted the game’s momentum.
As the clock wound down to 6:11, Harper nailed a three-pointer off a pass from Wembanyama, making it 103-97, effectively sealing the Nets’ fate.
Adding to the woes, Giare Williams exited the game with a back injury after a tough fall.
