© Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports
Nic Claxton shows frustration after the loss to the Magic
Brooklyn Nets are 66 games into the 2023/24 season, and they are still struggling, which was evident in the team's loss to the Orlando Magic on Tuesday. Nic Claxton was quieter than usual statistically, only scoring 10 points and grabbing five rebounds.
That was unusual for the former Georgia Bulldog because he has regularly produced double-doubles over the past few games. Clax was visibly upset after the game, considering he previously said every Nets game is a must-win.
“The same thing that’s been going on just this last stretch: We didn’t make shots, and our energy just wasn’t where it needed to be,” Claxton said after the loss to Orlando. “It’s frustrating, man. It’s not easy. It’s frustrating. Nobody likes losing, like I always say. But we’ve just got to get ready for Indiana.”
It’s easy to see why Nic is frustrated
The Nets had a disappointing game against Orlando. It was an untimely performance, especially when they went down 33 to 16 in the first quarter. Coach Kevin Ollie was disappointed that his Nets squad was not hustling for the ball like he wanted them to.
Claxton must step up as the team’s best overall defender. He can guide his team to victory using his mix of elite paint defense and solid perimeter defense. That will also fit into the “hunter” playstyle that Coach Ollie wants to see from his squad.
With a game against the Indiana Pacers on the horizon for the Nets, Nic must step up, as he has a significant task with playing against Myles Turner and Pascal Siakam in the frontcourt.
Claxton wants to see the players to step up
The Nets almost caught up to the Magic on Tuesday, but Orlando pulled away again. That should not happen when the momentum is in the Nets’ hands. It is something that Nic and the rest of the Brooklyn squad want to improve on because they know their on-court performances are the deciding factor.
“Everybody just has to look themself in the mirror and bring it. It’s on everybody. It’s our job, it’s not on the coaches. It’s on the players for us to go out and just bring it every single night, regardless of what’s going on out there,” Nic added.
