The Nets have been enjoying textbook protection on Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs early, however that effort was not sustained all through regulation in a 96-87 loss Friday evening at Barclays Middle.
Veteran ahead Dorian Finney-Smith returned to the beginning lineup after lacking three straight video games due to a left calf contusion, however Cam Johnson (proper hip contusion) and Ben Simmons (damage administration) have been dominated out forward of tipoff.
Even shorthanded, the Nets’ most well-liked id shined by within the first quarter, as they restricted San Antonio to only 5-for-26 taking pictures. Brooklyn had a 22-11 benefit getting into the second quarter, and the Spurs would have completed the opening body with eight factors if Keldon Johnson didn’t drain a halfcourt heave on the buzzer.
Eleven factors have been the fewest Brooklyn had surrendered in any quarter this season. Nevertheless, the Spurs opened the third quarter on a 13-2 run to tie the sport with 9:05 left within the half. Regardless of the sport being tied at 41 at halftime, the Nets held San Antonio to 27.5% taking pictures, marking their lowest opponent discipline objective share in any half this season.
The Spurs linked on 14 free throws in comparison with Brooklyn’s two within the first half. That saved the sport shut for some time. However Wembanyama lastly discovered his rhythm within the third quarter, the place he went 4-for-5 from the sector and scored 11 of his team-high 19 factors.
Brooklyn didn’t get a lot offense within the third quarter exterior of Shake Milton, whereas the Spurs shot 68.4% from the sector and went 6-for-7 from deep. The Nets dedicated six turnovers within the interval, which gifted the guests six extra factors. All of it added as much as a 74-62 deficit for Brooklyn getting into the ultimate body.
The Spurs shot 8-for-19 within the fourth quarter, and that was sufficient to safe win No. 16. Noah Clowney was ejected with 4:01 left after disagreeing with a name, pushing Jeremy Sochan, then persevering with to jaw at an official.
The Nets dedicated 16 complete turnovers and fell to 12-19 with the loss. The Spurs tried 27 free throws to their eight.
Milton tallied 16 factors, three rebounds and 12 assists in his first begin as a Web. Keon Johnson completed with a game-high 25 factors in a 38.9% crew taking pictures effort.
Brooklyn will return to motion on Sunday in opposition to the Orlando Magic at Kia Middle, the primary matchup in a three-game street journey to begin the brand new 12 months.
