The Brooklyn Nets, sitting at a challenging 15-39, entered the All-Star break with a glimmer of hope, having won two of their last three games. But coming out of the break, they faced a formidable opponent in James Harden and the Cleveland Cavaliers (35-21). Unfortunately for Brooklyn, the post-break matchup didn't go as planned, as they fell to the Cavaliers 112-84.
The Nets found themselves overwhelmed by a Cleveland team firing on all cylinders. At one point, Brooklyn trailed by as much as 43 points.
Michael Porter Jr. led the Nets with 14 points and five rebounds, but it was a tough outing compared to his usual performance. Ochai Agbaji, a recent acquisition from the Toronto Raptors, made his presence felt off the bench with 13 points and three rebounds.
Brooklyn's troubles began early, as they stumbled out of the gate, losing the first quarter 34-16. A former Brooklyn center contributed 10 points to Cleveland's early surge.
The Nets managed to tighten up slightly in the second quarter, losing it 36-32 while shooting 48.1% from the field. However, their defense couldn't contain the Cavaliers, who shot a blistering 64.3% in the same period.
The third quarter saw Cleveland break the game wide open, with former Nets guard Dennis Schroder adding nine points to extend their lead to 43. Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez seemed to wave the white flag, resting key players like Porter, Noah Clowney, and Day'Ron Sharpe for most of the second half.
With some starters on the bench, players like Agbaji and rookie Danny Wolf seized the opportunity. Wolf contributed 11 points, six rebounds, and seven assists, showcasing his potential.
Despite these efforts, Brooklyn's unofficial second half of the season began with another tough loss. Next, they face the Oklahoma City Thunder on a back-to-back.
Offensive Struggles for Michael Porter Jr.
Porter's shooting woes from beyond the arc were evident, and the game against the Cavaliers highlighted a bigger issue: the Nets' difficulty in running an effective offense when Porter is neutralized. While he's improved at attacking the rim, Brooklyn needs to develop strategies to capitalize on the defensive attention he draws.
Ochai Agbaji's Emergence
Since joining the Nets, Agbaji has gradually found his footing in the rotation. His performance against Cleveland suggests he could be a valuable asset off the bench, especially with Cam Thomas no longer on the roster. Agbaji's two-way play could inject some much-needed energy into Brooklyn's lineup.
Nets' Ongoing Challenges
Brooklyn's struggles are no secret, reflected in their record. The team has consistently struggled to recover from slow starts, often finding themselves in deep holes early in games. While they managed some second-quarter runs, urgency from the tip-off remains a crucial area for improvement if the Nets hope to compete consistently.