The Brooklyn Nets are starting to look like a team that’s figured something out - and Nic Claxton believes it starts with embracing what today’s NBA demands: length, versatility, and composure under pressure.
After stumbling out of the gate with a 3-16 record and whispers of a roster shakeup growing louder, the Nets have flipped the script in December. They’ve now won six of their last nine, including a 114-106 road win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday. And at the center of it - both literally and figuratively - is Claxton, who’s become the defensive anchor for a team suddenly playing with purpose.
Brooklyn’s defense has quietly turned elite this month. Heading into Tuesday’s game, the Nets were holding opponents to just 102.3 points per game in December - the best mark in the league during that span.
They’ve also clamped down on the perimeter, giving up the third-fewest made threes recently. That’s not just a stat - it’s a statement.
And Claxton knows why it’s working.
“That’s the new NBA - it’s a lot of length, a lot of positional basketball and a lot of people doing multiple things out there,” Claxton told YES Network after the win in Philly. “That’s a really good group and we have to keep growing as a unit.”
It’s not just about wingspan and switching, though. The Nets are showing growth in how they handle adversity - a trait that’s been missing in recent years.
Claxton pointed to a key moment against the Sixers: when Philadelphia made a push to cut into Brooklyn’s lead, the Nets didn’t fold. No panic, no bad habits creeping in.
Just execution.
“We executed, got into some good sets and got clean looks. And our defense was solid the whole game,” Claxton said.
“We just had to be solid and keep our composure through things getting chippy and playing through the physicality. That’s what we really harp on.”
Claxton backed up his words with another strong performance, posting a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds - his fifth such game this month. He’s been a consistent presence in the paint, cleaning up the glass and making life difficult for opposing bigs.
But he’s not alone in driving this turnaround. Michael Porter Jr. has stepped up as the offensive engine, delivering the kind of scoring punch the Nets have needed.
“That’s what All-Stars do - they come out and play at an extremely high level every single night,” Claxton said. “They demand double teams and make their teammates better. That’s what we expect from him every single night.”
Brooklyn’s defense was active again on Tuesday, racking up eight steals - two each from Porter and rookie Noah Clowney. Clowney and Terance Mann also chipped in with a block apiece, helping the Nets protect the rim and disrupt Philly’s rhythm.
This isn’t just a hot streak. It’s starting to look like a team finding its identity - one built on length, defensive grit, and a growing sense of confidence. The early-season struggles aren’t forgotten, but they’re being pushed further into the rearview mirror with each win.
“Everything is just really coming together for us,” Claxton said.
And if this version of the Nets is here to stay, the Eastern Conference might want to start paying closer attention.