Bulls Torch Nets in Lopsided Loss, But Nolan Traore Shines Bright in Breakout Performance
Coming off a gritty win over the Bulls just two nights prior, the Brooklyn Nets looked poised to build some momentum. But Sunday night in Chicago told a different story - one where the Bulls came out firing and never looked back. The Nets fell hard, 124-102, in a game that got away from them early and never really came close to swinging back.
Brooklyn trailed by as many as 27 points, and the first half was a perfect storm of everything going wrong. Chicago couldn’t miss, shooting a blistering 59.6% from the field and 60% from deep through two quarters. Coby White led the charge with 24 points in the first half alone, setting the tone for a Bulls team that looked locked in from the opening tip.
For the Nets, the bright spot came from rookie guard Nolan Traore, who turned in what looked like his most confident outing of the season. The young guard poured in 16 points and added two assists, playing with a composure that’s been building game by game. Jalen Wilson also gave Brooklyn a solid lift off the bench with 14 points and five boards, continuing to show he’s ready when his number is called.
With less than 24 hours before they face the Phoenix Suns, let’s break down how each Net performed in a tough outing on the road:
Egor Demin: C
There were flashes from Demin, particularly from beyond the arc, where he knocked down a couple of timely threes.
But beyond that, his offensive game still looks a bit one-dimensional. The midrange and rim attacks weren’t there, and his overall energy didn’t quite match what head coach Jordi Fernandez is clearly looking for - evidenced by his benching to start the second half.
A learning moment for the young guard.
Terance Mann: B
Mann got the start in place of the injured Drake Powell and delivered a steady, if unspectacular, performance.
He found ways to score, but his usual playmaking spark was a bit dimmed. Defensively, he had some lapses that allowed the Bulls’ perimeter players to find rhythm early.
Still, he played within himself and didn’t try to force the issue - something that matters in a game where everything felt a bit off.
Danny Wolf: C+
With Michael Porter Jr. resting, Wolf stepped into the starting lineup and looked comfortable offensively.
He found his spots and contributed on that end, even if his three-point shot wasn’t falling. The concern?
His defense and passing didn’t quite rise to the level needed with extended minutes. He’s got offensive instincts, but the rest of his game still needs to catch up when he’s starting.
Noah Clowney: C
Clowney just couldn’t find the touch.
His shot betrayed him, and when that happens, his offensive impact takes a big hit. To his credit, he stayed engaged on the glass and brought more defensive energy in the second half after getting benched to start the third.
That kind of response is what coaches want to see - even on an off night.
Nic Claxton: B
Claxton continues to be the Nets’ Swiss Army knife.
He did a little of everything - rebounding, defending, passing - and held his own in a tough matchup against Nikola Vucevic. Vucevic’s ability to stretch the floor puts pressure on any big, but Claxton stayed disciplined and didn’t let the game get away from him, even as the score did.
Jalen Wilson: B
Wilson is carving out a reputation as a guy who’s always ready.
With three rotation players out, he stepped up and made the most of his minutes. He played hard, scored efficiently, and battled on the boards.
The kind of performance that doesn’t always show up in headlines but earns trust in the locker room.
Day’Ron Sharpe: C
Sharpe’s usually a per-minute monster on the glass, but in this one, the Bulls’ shooting spree meant there just weren’t many rebounds to grab. He didn’t have his usual impact, and Chicago’s game plan - spacing the floor and forcing the Nets to defend the perimeter - kept him from settling into his comfort zone in the paint.
Tyrese Martin: B-
Martin got extended run due to the short-handed roster, and he made it count.
He was efficient with his touches, didn’t try to do too much, and competed defensively. On a night where Chicago couldn’t seem to miss, Martin still managed to contest shots and stay disciplined on the perimeter.
Cam Thomas: B+
Thomas had a rough night scoring-wise, but that’s not the full story.
He drew Chicago’s top perimeter defender and often saw double teams when he did get past his man. Still, he adjusted - finding teammates, protecting the ball, and showing that he can contribute even when the shot isn’t falling.
That’s growth, and it’s exactly what the Nets need from him when Porter Jr. is sidelined.
Nolan Traore: A
This might be the game that gets Traore over the hump.
He looked confident, composed, and aggressive - all things that haven’t always been there for him this season. His outside shot still needs consistency, but the willingness to take those shots and pair it with smart passing is a huge step forward.
If this is the version of Traore Brooklyn gets moving forward, their backcourt depth just got a lot more interesting.
Up Next: The Nets don’t have much time to dwell on this one. They’ll be back in action Monday night against the Suns - a chance to shake off the sting of Sunday’s blowout and show some resilience.