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The Brooklyn Nets lose to the Dallas Mavericks due to Doncic’s 49-point outburst
The Brooklyn Nets lost another close game, this time to the Dallas Mavericks 120-125. The biggest story of the night was Mavs star Luka Doncic, who had a 49-point outburst, the highest-point total so far in the 2023/24 season.
The Nets competed well as they were down two starters after Nic Claxton sprained his left ankle while Cameron Johnson was a late scratch from this game. Nevertheless, head coach Jacque Vaughn was impressed with what he saw from his team.
“Without a doubt, I think it started with the physicality. I think the way we tried to punch first tonight was very different from the first game this year. That response from our guys, extremely encouraged by that,” Vaughn said after the game. “Our start was better, and overall, I think we had a defensive mindset to start the like we talked about... The approach that we had, that has to be who we are.”
Another excellent Cam Thomas performance
Thomas got the starting spot as coach Vaughn decided to go small-ball for the starting lineup with Ben Simmons, Cam Thomas, Spencer Dinwiddie, Mikal Bridges, and Dorian Finney-Smith.
Among them, Thomas had the most notable performance as he scored 30 points after his 36-point outburst in the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He showcased his scoring prowess with successful shots from every part of the court, even sinking a challenging step-back jump shot over the formidable defender, Josh Green.
The LSU product has consistently demonstrated his starting caliber, excelling in the lineup. However, with Johnson and Claxton's impending return, a genuine competition for minutes is on the horizon.
Among other players, Mikal had another quiet game with 18 points, while Dinwiddie had a solid 23-point outing. Simmons also had a strong game with a near-triple-double of ten points and ten rebounds with eight assists.
Doncic was too much for Brooklyn
Even though the season has just begun, Luka Doncic already has a game-of-the-season contender, having notched 49 points, ten rebounds, and seven assists, with impressive ZERO turnovers. An amazing performance from the Slovenian guard was enough to help the Mavs squeak past the Nets.
Coach Vaughn highlighted that the Mavs had some tough shot-makers on their squad, especially with Luka and former Nets player Kyrie Irving.
“I think at the end of the day, what makes teams special is they have dudes who can make tough shots like what Donovan against us the first night, Luka did tonight,” Vaughn said. “That’s the difference of layers in the league. We’ll grow to understand how to make plays like that at the end of the night.”
The Nets will now gear up for their upcoming game against the Charlotte Hornets. With two days of rest ahead, Coach Vaughn anticipates a full-healthy squad, determined to secure their first win of the season.
