For one night, “Hack-a-Clax” did not work.
Nick Claxton said he was not bothered by this strategy but wished it could have been avoided.
It was the second time in a week that the Thunder intentionally fouled the Nets' big man, hoping to capitalize on a mistake at the free-throw line.
Claxton is almost ready for the second time, going 7-for-10 in the Nets' win at Barclays Center on Friday.
In the fourth quarter of a close game, the Thunder sent Claxton to the line twice with less than four minutes left.
Claxton missed both in the first, but Mikal Bridges grabbed the rebound and kept the ball.
With 1:33 left, the Thunder hacked Claxton down by 10 points again, but made two free throws.
“Honestly, it didn't work for me, so I need to try something else.” [Friday]'' Claxton said. “They were trying everything at that point and they were desperate. They went 7-of-10 from the free-throw line tonight, which is pretty solid.”
That strategy was even more effective last Sunday, when the Thunder narrowly defeated the Nets in Oklahoma City thanks to a foul on Claxton, who went 5-of-10 from the line.
Claxton has long struggled at the line, culminating in a series-ending loss to the Celtics in the first round of the 2022 postseason. Claxton missed 10 consecutive free throws in this game.
He took a leap forward this season, increasing his batting average to a career-high 60 percent. He shot 54 percent from the field in his first four seasons in the NBA.
“I’m just going to keep getting better, trusting my process, making free throws and getting up there,” Claxton said.
The Nets had a few close calls in their win over the Thunder, but they appeared to come away unscathed.
Cam Johnson, who was sprawled on the floor late in the game with a hamstring issue, and Cam Thomas, who appeared in the first half but appeared in the second half, were placed on the injury report ahead of Sunday's away matchup. It's not in the book. Trail Blazers at Barclays Center.
Head coach Jacques Vaughn said Friday that the “primary prognosis” was that Johnson was just having cramps.
The only non-G Leaguer to miss Sunday's game is Ben Simmons, who will miss his 30th straight game with a pinched nerve in his lower back.
The Nets waived guard Armoni Brooks. Brooks played in 10 games this season on a two-way contract, averaging 4.2 points and 1.8 rebounds in 10.4 minutes per game.
