How Royce O'Neale Ignited Nets' Comeback against the Bulls

The Brooklyn Nets immediately had a lot of trouble in the first quarter of the game against the Chicago Bulls. They went down 30-9 at one point as both their defense and offense were struggling. However, Royce O’Neale was a spark plug for the Nets as he was effective on both sides of the ball in the second quarter.

It was a big night for @BucketsONeale00 👏

He matched his career highs in both 3-pointers (6) and points (20) pic.twitter.com/W66wpkqTtc
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) November 27, 2023

He provided the energy that the Nets needed to have a strong second quarter, outscoring the Bulls 41 to 19.

The team embarked on an impressive run, with Royce actively contributing to nearly every play by securing rebounds, setting screens, creating floor space, and, of course, making crucial shots.

“It started on the defensive end, getting stops. Bring a lot of energy whether I’m getting steals, rebounds, getting assists for guys and they’re finding me back when I’m open,” O’Neale said in his post-game presser. “These guys gave me a lot of confidence to keep shooting.”

O’Neale has been the unsung hero of Brooklyn

So far in the 2023/24 season, Mikal Bridges or Cameron Thomas have been talked about as the biggest stars on the Nets. However, the most impressive part of what the Nets are doing this season has been their depth. They have been dealing with plenty of injuries to start the year but they remained competitive through it.

Coach Jacque Vaughn seeks the level of play displayed by the team—playing with pace and superb defense. Royce's impactful contributions, including stops, plays, and motivation, deserve recognition, witnessed notably against the Bulls.

The bench continues to step up for the Nets

While O'Neale started the game against the Bulls, he has been one of the most reliable players off the bench beforehand. He loves getting into the game and showcasing that he can make contributions on both ends of the floor, especially with his three-point shooting and spacing.

Speaking of stepping up off the bench, @dayron_sharpe finished with 9 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and +31 (!!)

+31 is the best plus/minus of his career. pic.twitter.com/jmwfnGXIxQ
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) November 27, 2023

So far this season, he has well-rounded stats, scoring 7.9 points, grabbing 5.3 rebounds, and making 3.2 assists per game. To add onto that, he is shooting 39.6% from beyond the arc, which mostly comes off his spot-up shooting and his trademark shot fake that Nets fans love.

Royce isn't the sole bench standout; Lonnie Walker IV eyes the Sixth Man of the Year award, and Day’Ron Sharpe steadily evolves as a reliable backup center. The Nets boast a promising roster, and now, they await a full recovery from injuries.

Speaking of matching a career-high, @lonniewalker_4 did the same with 6 made threes 🔥

Lonnie finished with 20 points, his fifth 20-point game off the bench this season, a league-leading total. pic.twitter.com/h8njnvtn0N
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) November 27, 2023

O’Neale has been the unsung hero of Brooklyn

The bench continues to step up for the Nets

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