Three takeaways from Brooklyn Nets ending their losing streak with a big win vs. Rockets

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The Brooklyn Nets got a much-needed victory by beating the Rockets to end a rough three-game losing streak. It was a stretch of crushing results with the Nets having considerable leads in all three matchups.
Cameron Thomas led the charge as a starter, scoring 37 points for the Nets, while Mikal Bridges and Dorian Finney-Smith had 19 points apiece. On the other side, Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, and Cam Whitmore all had 19 points.
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) January 28, 2024
Cam deserves a spot in the starting lineup
Thomas received the starting nod from head coach Jacque Vaughn after Cameron Johnson opted out of the game for personal reasons. Right away, Cam made an impact, as the Nets looked more confident in the first quarter.
Brooklyn outscored the Rockets 35 to 15 in the opening 12 minutes, setting the tone for the rest of the game. The former LSU Tiger was superb, hitting shots from all over the court and making big plays for his teammates.
.@mikal_bridges pullin' up 💰
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) January 27, 2024
12 PTS | 4/4 FG pic.twitter.com/XxtGYmUVwi
Now, Vaughn has to decide whether to re-insert Thomas into the starting five. Based on yesterday's performance, that might be the best thing for Brooklyn.
Fourth-quarter issues continue
This was a significant result for the Nets, but they still need to work on closing out games. Houston almost doubled Brooklyn's fourth-quarter point total, but the Nets were fortunate to ultimately get the win.
what we were referring to 😮💨
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) January 28, 2024
Amen CLUTCH play 🔥 https://t.co/aBNrmi5U48 pic.twitter.com/eBeg5dokXt
Turnovers were also a big issue during the final period, and the Rockets capitalized on that. Coach Vaughn wants the Nets to fix this moving for the team to close out winnable with games.
Simmons' return
Ben Simmons is returning soon for the Nets, which will be a massive boost for the team. Everyone on the roster is excited for his comeback because he will be a magnificent playmaker and defender for the Nets.
Vaughn: Ben Simmons (back) out Saturday, expected to play Monday.
— Underdog NBA (@Underdog__NBA) January 27, 2024
“We just gotta give him time, he’s been out for two months. It’s tough for anyone to come back and have a good transition like that. I have my faith in him, and he’ll be another great addition for us,” Cam Thomas said about Simmons.
The win is a strong foundation, but Brooklyn should not get complacent, especially with the team’s fourth-quarter issues. The Nets will have a tough stretch of games ahead, but they can win them by having more composure.
Cam Thomas leads Nets to a big victory over Rockets

Peter's journey with basketball commenced in the first grade, and it has since evolved into an integral part of his life. Standing on the brink of a potential professional playing career, Peter ultimately chose to pursue a degree in Political Science and Journalism in Zagreb, Croatia. Despite this academic pursuit, his deep-rooted love for the game of basketball endured, undiminished. Now, as a writer and editor, Peter finds an avenue to channel his unwavering passion for basketball-related news and analysis. Whether it's deciphering the latest happenings or delving into the lore of old-school basketball, he covers every corner of the NBA world.
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