Jacque Vaughn explains why he did not take a timeout in the final seconds

The Brooklyn Nets lost a close game to the Miami Heat 95-96. It was a crushing defeat for Brooklyn, considering the Nets had a chance to win the game with 11 seconds left.

The Nets lost because Mikal Bridges got forced into taking a tough shot. Coach Jacque Vaughn still had a timeout left but opted not to take one, even when he could’ve drawn up a better play.

This look from Frank Isola’s break down makes it pretty clear imo

I see “Damn(or That) Timeout” at the end, I pieced the rest together through real game time. But either way Bridges looked visibly irritated and overwhelmed pic.twitter.com/JWvbdTuoRu
— 🧑🏾‍🍳 (@BoredroomDJ) January 16, 2024

“11 seconds on the clock, we have shooters on the floor, great opportunity for them not to sub. They kept Herro in the game. We tried to attack him and turn the corner. Really good defense by Jimmy Butler,” Vaughn said after the loss.

“We got a shooter spotted up in the left corner, Royce is peeling at the top, and Cam Thomas is over in the right corner. I don’t think I’d be able to draw anything up better than that.”

Vaughn had two opportunities to use the timeout

Before the final chance to take a timeout, Coach JV could’ve also used the timeout for a challenge on a controversial foul. Dennis Smith Jr. was called for a "contact" on Jimmy Butler with 11 seconds left, leading Vaughn to consider challenging the call.

Dennis Smith Jr. on if he thought his play on Jimmy Butler was a foul and if he's surprised Jacque Vaughn didn't challenge the call: “I don't think I fouled him. But the decision to challenge, that’s not my decision. Whatever we go with, that’s what I’m rocking with." #Nets #Heat
— Brian Lewis (@NYPost_Lewis) January 16, 2024

JV and the coaching staff opted not to challenge, leaving the timeout unused for the final play. It is a bad look for Vaughn because Butler made the second free throw. Not taking a timeout is reasonable when the opponent misses a second free throw because the defense wouldn't be able to fully set up.

Unfortunately, Brooklyn had to inbound the ball, helping Miami to set up their defense. It led to them locking up Bridges and failing to get a good look at the rim for a potential game-winner.

Bridges looked upset after the game

When Bridges missed the last shot, he was caught on camera questioning why the coaches didn’t take a timeout. This is a worrying event for Coach Vaughn because the Nets star is potentially upset with what happened. Even in the post-game interview, Mikal looked distraught, only giving short answers.

Mikal Bridges speaks with the media following the Nets' 96-95 loss in overtime.#NETSonYES pic.twitter.com/un2Bpb3ZRa
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) January 16, 2024

Brooklyn can redeem this loss as they visit the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on January 17. That upcoming game is a chance to reset and redeem the loss from a week ago.

Vaughn had two opportunities to use the timeout

Bridges looked upset after the game

Brooklyn suffers a brutal 95-96 loss to the Miami Heat