Adam Armbrecht here, the host of the daily Locked On Nets podcast, with your daily Locked On Nets newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Nets and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Cam Johnson leads Brooklyn Nets to Emirates Cup victory with 34 points against Charlotte
Nov 19, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson (2) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images|Brad Penner/Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The Brooklyn Nets turned a 17-point deficit into a 116-115 comeback victory over the Charlotte Hornets in the Emirates Cup group stage. Despite being without Nic Claxton or Cam Thomas who was a late scratch, the team demonstrated its fighting spirit and ability to adapt under pressure.
Cam Johnson Steps Up
With Thomas sidelined, the Nets needed someone to fill the scoring void, and Cam Johnson rose to the occasion. Johnson delivered an impressive performance, scoring 34 points and proving his worth as a versatile offensive player.
Johnson was on point from the field, hitting six of twelve from beyond the arc, with 11 out of 20 overall. He maintained a strong presence on the court with five rebounds and four assists, albeit with five turnovers as well. Johnson’s ability to step up in crucial moments highlights his growth since joining the team from Phoenix.
Johnson’s performance wasn’t just about scoring; it was about leadership. As one of the few veterans capable of taking charge in Thomas’s absence, he showed why he’s a valuable asset to the team. His all-around game, including defensive contributions with a couple of blocks, was instrumental in securing the win.
Ben Simmons and the Bench Impact
Ben Simmons also played a crucial role, contributing significantly despite limited minutes. His ability to press the defense and take shots when necessary added a new dimension to the Nets’ game.
While Simmons’s shooting remains a topic of discussion, his willingness to be aggressive and take opportunities when they arise is a positive sign for the team.
The bench, led by Trendon Watford, provided the necessary spark to keep the Nets in the game. Watford’s energy and ability to score in the post were vital, especially during a critical stretch where he was fed the ball repeatedly.
His performance, marked by a couple of blocks and a strong presence in the paint, was a testament to his potential as a valuable contributor off the bench.
A Team Effort
The Nets’ victory was a collective effort, with all five starters scoring in double digits. Dennis Schroeder’s playmaking was crucial, dishing out 12 assists and ensuring the offense flowed smoothly. The team’s ability to rely on veteran players in high-pressure situations underscores their depth and experience.
Jalen Wilson, who was inserted into the starting lineup, impressed with his shooting and willingness to take on a larger role. His development and confidence on the court are promising signs for the Nets as they navigate the season.
The Nets’ ability to adapt and overcome adversity is a testament to their resilience and determination. With key players stepping up and the bench providing crucial support, the team continues to show why they are a force to be reckoned with in the league.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Brooklyn Nets’ strategies and performances, tune into the Locked On Nets podcast for this and much more.
The streak had to end sometime. Even the 2015-2016 Warriors only (“only”) got to 24 wins to start their season. Ironically, they’d go on to lose the title to the Cavs that season.
That Cleveland lost to the Celtics, in TD Garden, without Isaac Okoro and with Darius Garland shooting 3-21 — well only the first half of that stings. If Garland made two more of those field goals the Cavs would’ve taken the game, and Okoro, out with an ankle sprain, will be back.
This game was a tester for the Cavs. Beyond a match against the defending champs and a potential Eastern Conference Finals preview, it was an opportunity to see how the team responded to pressure, unfavourable conditions and expectation. NBA basketball is about winning, we all know this refrain well, but that the Cavs scoring dried up in crucial stretches while the team also fell into bad habits of turning the ball over in momentum-leeching moments, and they still managed multiple runs to come back within two, speaks pretty well to this group’s ability to respond.
What makes the Celtics so good, and a bit like a dream-crushing machine, is their ability to capitalize on and invert what usually brings their opponents wins. In the Cavs case, it’s their speed. Not just pure speed without aim, but their ability to push the pace within their offensive possessions because not one player tends to move in isolation from anyone else. Their lightning quick passing, their flashing cuts and counter-cuts, it’s all predicated on ball movement capitalizing on intuitive communication. A sixth sense of understanding where their teammates are on the floor at any given moment.
Boston was able to jam that up. Not entirely upend it, but chase with pace of their own enough that Garland at times appeared to be the pursued and not the pursuer. Where Garland rushed an offensive possession, where he went in for a fastbreak ISO drive to wrest the pace of the game back into his team’s hands, he bungled it. He’d botch an easy layup and go careening past the baseline, having to expend more energy to get back down the floor in the transition already underway. And the more he botched it, the faster he went. The Celtics saw this and upped the pressure on him, taking advantage of forced turnovers by draining three after three and all but eliminating a huge component of what’s made the Cavs so formidable — their rebounding.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Analysis How the Cavaliers’ offseason plan has turned them into the top team in the league so far this year. (ESPN)
Milestone Russell Westbrook becomes the first player in NBA history to record 200 triple-doubles. (CBS Sports)
Must Read The NBA’s three-point revolution has gotten extreme, begging the question: How many is too many?(The Washington Post)
Replay In a thrilling game, the Nets edged out the Hornets with a 116-115 victory, thanks to Trendon Watford’s crucial performance. Relive the excitement of the nail-biting match on NetsDaily. (NetsDaily)
Analysis Ben Simmons finally delivers the performance the Nets have been waiting for. Explore the detailed analysis of his game and its implications for the team’s future. (New York Post)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Can Dalton Knecht Keep Up This Run?
Nov 19, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht (4) react after scoring a three point basket against the Utah Jazz during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images|Gary A. Vasquez/Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Dalton Knecht has recently become a focal point in NBA fantasy discussions, thanks to his electrifying performances on the court. In a standout game, Knecht scored 37 points, including nine three-pointers, with an impressive 75% shooting accuracy. This remarkable display has fantasy managers buzzing, as Knecht’s shooting streak positions him as a valuable asset in leagues.
Knecht’s Shooting Streak: A Fantasy Goldmine
Over the past four games, Knecht has been on a tear, shooting 22 of 33 from beyond the arc, equating to a 67% success rate. Such efficiency is rare and highlights his potential as a sharpshooter. For fantasy managers, Knecht is a must-add player, especially given his current role in the Lakers’ starting lineup. However, while his shooting spree is impressive, it’s important to manage expectations, as maintaining such a high percentage is challenging over the long term.
Injury Updates and Their Impact on Fantasy Rosters
Knecht’s rise comes at a time when injuries are shaking up NBA rosters. Norman Powell’s hamstring injury, for instance, has left a gap in the Clippers’ lineup. With Powell likely sidelined for at least a week, players like Kris Dunn and Amir Coffey might see increased roles, offering potential value for fantasy managers seeking replacements.
Click the button below to get updates on Zach Edey’s ankle injury, and how Bradley Beal’s calf continues to cause problems for fantasy managers
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Nets podcasts.
Brooklyn Nets getting Trendon Watford and Day’Ron Sharpe back can help in short-term The Brooklyn Nets have been crushed on the interior this season and could really use some size in the post to deal with opposing team’s centers. Trendon Watford back means another big body in the mix and Day’Ron Sharpe is targeting a return soon. How will they factor in with Nic Claxton out with injury?
Brooklyn Nets swept in MSG by Knicks, waste Cam Thomas 43-point game
The Brooklyn Nets played two games Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks over the weekend, losing a very close game at the buzzer on Friday night.
Nets get blown out by Celtics, Cam Thomas continues efficient play
Can the Brooklyn Nets bounce back after their crushing 139-114 defeat to the Boston Celtics? With key players like Ben Simmons and Dorian Finney-Smith absent, the Nets faced their first major setback of the season.
