The Brooklyn Nets kicked off their Barclay’s Center home court season with a 115-102 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. This win, marked by a standout performance from Cam Thomas, marked not only the first of the season but also the first of Head Coach Jordi Fernandez’ NBA career. We all know that the organizational strategy is focused on development and future prospects, but the energy of the home crowd, and the effort on the court, made for an exciting night in Brooklyn.
Cam Thomas continued his hot start to the season, delivering a stellar 32-point performance. His ability to score efficiently, and willingness to attack every matchup, even Giannis Antetokounmpo, showcased his continued growth and confidence. After a season opener where Thomas went to the Free Throw line just once, he had a season-high 11 trips to the stripe on Sunday night. A critical par of his offensive game, Thomas put together another high volume, and efficient performance which has him now averaging over 30 points per game on the young season.
Thomas’s performance is not just about scoring; it’s about his overall impact on the game. His ability to draw defenders and create opportunities for his teammates is becoming increasingly evident. Unlike a year ago, Thomas is now showing greater anticipation of how defenses want to play him, effectively navigating switching coverages and blitzing double-teams. As he continues to refine his game, Thomas is proving to be more than just a scorer, but a player who can influence the game on multiple levels.
Dennis Schroeder also played a pivotal role in the Nets’ victory. His 29-point contribution, coupled with his leadership on the court, highlights his value to the team. Schroeder’s experience and poise provide a stabilizing presence, crucial for a team navigating a season focused on growth and development. His performance against the Bucks, where he shot over 50% from the field and excelled from beyond the arc, underscores his importance to the Nets on the offensive end. As a primary ball-handler, this was an all around game for Schroder who added six assists along with four rebounds to put together his most complete game to date. As the season progresses, Schroeder’s veteran presence will be essential in guiding the younger players and maintaining the team’s competitive edge.
The combination of Thomas and Schroeder in the backcourt is proving to be a formidable force. Their size does not make for the strongest defensive pairing, but in sharing the floor or leading separate units, their complementary skills are creating a dynamic offensive threat that opponents cannot afford to underestimate. Down the road, the NBA rumblings of trade offers for a veteran PG like Schroder are sure to bubble up. Even in a season built for the top of the draft lottery odds. It will be interesting to see how Sean Marks approaches the market, with Dennis Schroder repeatedly singing the praises of thee organization since joining the Nets mid-way through the 2023-24 season. That though, remains a discussion for another day.
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