The Brooklyn Nets handed the Washington Wizards a blowout loss to break their four-game losing streak this past week. While the Nets did not make front-page news after the trade deadline, they did make some big-time moves of their own that could greatly impact their future.
Starting with the biggest news, Cam Thomas was put on waivers, promptly ending the relationship between Thomas and the Nets. Thomas was drafted 27th overall in the 2021 NBA Draft by the Brooklyn Nets and was seen as a future cornerstone of the franchise. In his five-year career as a Net, he averaged 15.2 points per game and 2.2 assists per game.
Thomas had spurts of greatness as a Net, becoming the youngest player in franchise history to score 40 points in February 2023, but things became sour between the Nets and Thomas, when Thomas’ performances did not lead to wins. Thomas dealt with a hamstring injury throughout this season, lowering his value, and was placed in a playmaking role.
Thomas struggled to play good defense and stick to his role as a playmaker, prompting the Nets to waive his contract. While it would have been great for the Nets to get a trade done, they had to end their relationship with Thomas one way or another.
The Nets traded draft rights of shooting guard Vanya Marinkovic to the Toronto Raptors for forward Ochai Agbaji. The Nets gave up a 2026 second-round draft pick in exchange for a 2032 second-round draft pick and small forward Hunter Tyson.
In addition to waiving Thomas, the Nets also waived Tyrese Martin, Haywood Highsmith, and newly acquired Tyson. Lastly, the Nets sent $110,000 in cash considerations to the Boston Celtics for point guard Josh Minott.
Detroit Pistons Crush Nets in 53-Point Deficit Loss
The Brooklyn Nets were destroyed in a 130 to 77 lopsided defeat by the Detroit Pistons. It was Jalen Duren’s double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds that helped lead the Pistons to victory. Cade Cunningham added on a double-double of his own with 18 points and 12 assists, including four steals.
Cunningham had 13 of his total 18 points in the first half, including all 10 assists. These two controlled the offense, creating a 53-point margin between the Nets and Pistons.
Cam Thomas and Drake Powell matched with 12 points. Egor Demin ended his streak of scoring at least one three-pointer in a game when he went 0 for 4 from the perimeter. The Nets were without Michael Porter Jr., who was out for personal reasons.
The matchup against the Pistons exposed the Nets’ weaknesses in other areas of the game. They were without their star player, Michael Porter Jr., and the Nets had no one to create steals, rebounds, or assists off turnovers. While the offense is great when it gets hot, and there are flashes of great playmaking, the Nets need to improve their off-ball abilities, particularly rebounding and steals.
Luka And LeBron Trample All Over Brooklyn
The Brooklyn Nets were no match for the All-Star duo of LeBron James and Luka Doncic as they were promptly defeated 125 to 109. James had 25 points, and Doncic had 24 to lift the Lakers to victory. Behind them was Austin Reaves with 15 points after coming off an injury, and Jake LaRavia had 18 points for Los Angeles.
The 53-point loss to Detroit did not help Brooklyn’s momentum, as they continued to get slaughtered by another top NBA team. While Porter Jr. had a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds, along with Day’Ron Sharpe’s double-double with 19 points and 14 rebounds, it was not enough.
The Lakers created an insurmountable lead and never looked back. The Lakers made 15 of their 18 shots in the first quarter and built a 45-23 lead. The Lakers looked like they wanted the win more, and Brooklyn fell behind with another lopsided loss.
The Brooklyn Nets are now getting the tougher end of their schedule by going against top teams. With a young team in this franchise, they are not used to the wear and tear of the regular season. As many of the guys are experiencing their first full NBA season, many are tired, and the tough schedule ahead continues to pile onto the team.
It is a tough pill for the Nets to swallow, especially the rookies. With the trade deadline looming over their heads, the Nets are scrambling as they adjust their roster and likely look forward to the All-Star Break to get their heads back in the game.
Demin Lands Career-High in Loss to Orlando Magic
The Nets were defeated 118 to 98 by the Orlando Magic. Brooklyn allowed a dominant performance by Jalen Suggs to give him his first triple-double of 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. Behind him were Desmond Bane with 23 points and Paolo Banchero with 22 points.
The triple-double was not the only standout of Suggs’ performance, as he also added four blocks and three steals. Anthony Black had 18 points, and Mo Wagner had 14 points for Orlando.
Egor Demin led Brooklyn with his career-high 26 points, with Nolan Traore behind with 21 points. Porter Jr. had an off-night with nine points on 2-of-13 from the field. This loss to Orlando marks their 15th in the last 17 games. According to ESPN, the Nets came into the game with the lowest scoring in the NBA at 107.1 points-per-game and the lowest field-goal shooting at 44.3 percent.
The loss was tough, but it gave Brooklyn an opportunity to put the young guys in to play. Dubbed the Flatbush 5 of Demin, Ben Saraf, Traore, Powell, and Danny Wolf, the fans got to see the 2025 draft class get some playing time all together.
While it was not anything to write home about, their time on the court together was a treat for fans and a potential starting lineup in the next few years. There seems to be something clicking between Demin and Traore, who could be a great duo for the Nets if they continue to build chemistry and live up to their potential.
Nets Flush Down Short-Handed Washington Wizards
The Nets took great advantage of a Washington Wizards team going through a roster overhaul in a 127 to 113 win. The Wizards had only eight players available after a tumultuous trade deadline that included Washington acquiring Trae Young and Anthony Davis.
Porter Jr. led the Nets with 23 points and contributed to an 80-point first half for Brooklyn. Behind Porter Jr. were Sharpe with 19 points, Clowney with 18 points, and Wolf with 16 points.
For Washington, Will Riley had a career-high of 27 points, and behind him was Justin Champagnie with 21 points. In addition to waiting for their trade assets to arrive, the Wizards were without three players who were ruled out due to injury.
The Nets took control with a 23-3 scoring run in the final few minutes of the game, pushing the momentum into the second quarter and leading by as much as 34 points. The Nets were up 80 to 47 by halftime and never looked back, winning the game and breaking their four-game losing streak.
The win was much needed for a Brooklyn Nets team that is on the verge of breaking down completely. With the young guys experiencing their first NBA season, a break is much needed, and the All-Star Weekend is looming over their heads.
Taking the win was much-needed for this kind of team’s morale and can help the Nets deliver great performances in the second half of the season, even if it doesn’t result in a win.
What’s Next For The Nets
With Cam Thomas officially out of the picture, the Nets can adjust their lineup and focus fully on developing the young guys. They no longer have to worry about the stress of Thomas’ role on the team, and can now gel together into a team that fits their needs.
The Nets do need a player who can create opportunities without the ball, such as rebounds and steals. Guys like Nic Claxton and Drake Powell can only do so many off-ball plays until they run out of steam. The Nets can only hope their tanking lands them a top pick who can fill those roles.
