The Brooklyn Nets may not be suiting up on Christmas Day, but they’ve got a few gifts of their own to unwrap - and they’ve come just in time to brighten what’s been a rocky season so far.
At 9-19, the Nets are still sitting at the bottom of the Atlantic Division, but if you’ve been paying attention lately, you know this team is starting to turn a corner. Brooklyn has won six of its last nine games, and while that’s not enough to erase the early-season struggles, it is enough to shift the tone heading into the new year.
So, what exactly should have the Nets feeling festive right now? Let’s break it down.
1. A Defensive Identity Is Taking Shape
This is where the recent surge starts - on the defensive end. Brooklyn has quietly become one of the stingiest teams in the league this month, allowing the fewest points per game in December heading into the week.
That’s not just a stat to glance over. It’s a sign of a team that’s bought in, locked in, and finally finding its identity.
Against the Sixers on Tuesday, the Nets continued that trend, racking up eight steals and a pair of blocks. They’ve gone from being a team you could score on at will to one that’s making you work for every bucket. That’s a massive shift - and it’s not happening by accident.
2. Nic Claxton Is Owning the Paint
If you’re looking for the anchor behind Brooklyn’s defensive turnaround, start with Nic Claxton. The 6-foot-11 big man has been a force inside, posting five double-doubles in December alone and using his length and timing to disrupt everything around the rim.
Claxton’s impact goes beyond the box score. He’s altering shots, cleaning up the glass, and setting the tone defensively. When he’s locked in, the entire defense follows - and right now, he’s playing some of the best basketball of his career.
3. Egor Demin: The Rookie Sharpshooter Emerges
Brooklyn’s front office has to be feeling good about this one. Egor Demin, one of the Nets’ prized rookies, is starting to look like a legitimate weapon - and he’s doing it with confidence. The 6-foot-8 wing has rattled off four straight games in double figures, including a 20-point outing against the Sixers where he looked every bit like a future starter.
But it’s not just the scoring - it’s how he’s doing it. Demin has knocked down 12 threes over his last three games, giving Brooklyn a much-needed perimeter threat. For a team that’s been searching for consistent shooting, this is a welcome development.
4. Bench Mob Stepping Up
Depth doesn’t always get the spotlight, but it’s been a quiet strength for Brooklyn during this recent stretch. The bench unit is producing - and it’s the rookies who are leading the way.
Danny Wolf is showing off some serious court vision and decision-making that’s already drawing whispers of Nikola Jokić comparisons. That’s lofty company, but the flashes are there.
Ziaire Williams and Day’Ron Sharpe are bringing energy on both ends, showing they can score, facilitate, and defend. Tyrese Martin is giving Brooklyn another floor spacer, and Nolan Traore is carrying his G League momentum into meaningful NBA minutes.
This isn’t just filler - it’s functional, reliable depth that’s helping the Nets stay competitive.
5. Michael Porter Jr. Is Playing Like an All-Star
Let’s talk about the guy who’s been Brooklyn’s engine during this stretch: Michael Porter Jr. He’s not just scoring - he’s scorching.
MPJ has topped the 20-point mark in seven of the last eight games and opened December with four straight 30+ point performances. That’s All-Star level production, plain and simple.
But Porter’s contributions go beyond just buckets. He’s rebounding, defending, and playing with a level of confidence that’s contagious.
And perhaps most importantly, he’s quieted any trade rumors that were swirling earlier this season. Right now, he’s not just part of the Nets’ future - he’s the focal point.
The Bottom Line
No, the Nets aren’t where they want to be in the standings. But there’s real progress happening in Brooklyn.
The defense is tightening up, the young core is stepping forward, and MPJ is playing like a star. It’s not a finished product, but it’s a team that’s starting to believe in itself - and that’s a gift worth celebrating this holiday season.