The Nets stumble to a third-straight loss against Utah

The Nets end their Western Conference road trip with a disappointing 1-4 record.

© Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports

Starting their West Coast tour with a decent 12-9 record, the Brooklyn Nets return home with a less impressive 13-13 tally after a disappointing journey. The final game added to the frustration with a 108-125 loss to the Utah Jazz.

Cameron Thomas led the way again for the Nets with 31 points, while Spencer Dinwiddie had another double-double with 17 points and 11 assists. 

The Nets were taken aback by the outcome, expecting to capitalize on the Jazz's struggles. However, three Jazz players reached double figures, complicating Brooklyn's plans.

ZERO hesitation from @24_camthomas pic.twitter.com/M7zr5YpaIQ

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) December 19, 2023

"At the end of the day, this trip took a toll on us physically and mentally. Now, we're 13-13. We gotta go home and regroup," Coach Jacque Vaughn said after the disappointing result.

The Nets fell apart in the second half

The Nets came out strong, matching the Jazz step for step and holding a 59-54 lead at halftime. Unfortunately, their performance dipped in the third quarter, contributing to a lackluster showing against the Jazz.

Jacque Vaughns's men struggled in the third quarter as the Jazz seized an 88-82 lead, marking the turning point that led to Utah's eventual victory.

the OH MY! in question 🫢 https://t.co/gf4WhDfeeY pic.twitter.com/io37c3qXVz

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) December 19, 2023

It proved to be a challenging game for the Nets, with Thomas being the sole player surpassing 20 points and Mikal Bridges struggling, managing only 13 points on 4-of-16 shooting. Although not the ideal performance from their star player, the team looks to regroup and revitalize back in Brooklyn.

The Jazz were led by Collin Sexton and Talen Horton-Tucker with 27 points each, while Finnish star Lauri Markkanen had 20 points along with ten rebounds.

Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson both struggled across the 1-4, five game west coast swing for Brooklyn.

Bridges:
17 points per game
26-of-73 (36 percent shooting)

Johnson:
12 points per game
22-of-54 (41 percent shooting)

Both need to be a whole lot better.

Bridges played like… https://t.co/zePJAAKuF9

— Billy Reinhardt (@BillyReinhardt) December 19, 2023

The trip back home will help the Nets recover

After a stellar run of form in previous weeks, the five-game road trip marked the Nets' toughest stretch this season.

Now, as they head home, the Nets must rebound and recapture their form. Getting their injured players back will be the key to that, but unfortunately, coach Jacque Vaughn is not confident about the chances of them returning soon.

"They both have been home by themselves. They haven't played any one-on-one, two-on-two, three-on-three with anybody," Vaughn said in his press conference.

In the meantime, the Nets are focused on resting for a couple of days before they get back to Barclays Center on December 20, where they will face their rivals, the New York Knicks.

Jacque Vaughn provides Ben Simmons' recovery update