© Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The Brooklyn Nets lose a heartbreaker against the Cavaliers in season opener, 113-114
Cam Thomas came off the bench to score 36 points, but the Brooklyn Nets came up short in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Donovan Mitchell hit a go-ahead three-pointer in the game’s dying seconds, propelling the Cavs to their first win of the 2023/24 season, 113 to 114.
Poor execution happened during the final play when the Nets couldn’t get the ball to Mikal Bridges. Thomas had to shoot a desperation heave, but it missed, leading to the loss.
“Tried to get open. I thought it was a tough pass for Cam. I think it was just a tough, risky pass for him,” Bridges said after the game.
The Nets were in a hole from the jump
Early into the game, the Nets dug themselves into a hole by going down 13 points at 22-9. They came back due to Thomas’ sweet shooting, who scored 24 in the first half.
The Cavs displayed solid defense against the Nets, particularly containing Bridges, who only reached double-digit scoring in the fourth quarter. This defensive pressure added to the Nets' challenge of playing catch-up through most of the first half.
Little too late
The second half was a different story, as the Nets kept it close and were competitive on both ends. Backup point guard Dennis Smith Jr. stood out in the fourth quarter, scoring a go-ahead three to put the Nets up by two. That was part of a 10-0 run for the Nets, helping them get a 101-95 lead.
Star wing Bridges struggled for most of the game, scoring 11 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter alone. He hit two free throws to take a six-point lead with just over a minute left, but the Nets could not close the game out.
After the game, head coach Jacque Vaughn lamented that the refs did not see him calling for a timeout during the last play. This led to the poorly executed play as the Cavs’ defense kept up well.
“I wish I had a buzzer that I could push [that] the referees are locked in. The play was for Mikal,” Vaughn said. “Cam was supposed to hit it to Mikal. Couldn’t call timeout. I’m across half-court trying to, though.”
The Nets will look to bounce back on Friday, October 27, at American Airlines Center against the Dallas Mavericks.
