SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Cam Thomas delivered a standout performance with 34 points, helping the Brooklyn Nets secure a 108-103 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday evening. This game marked a notable return for Nets coach Jordi Fernandez, who spent the previous two seasons as an associate coach with the Kings under Mike Brown.
The Nets initially enjoyed a commanding 19-point lead in the first half, but the Kings managed to stage a comeback, tying the game at 88 by the end of the third quarter. However, Brooklyn’s defense proved decisive in the fourth period, limiting Sacramento to just 15 points. With under two minutes remaining and the Nets ahead 107-102, neither team was able to score, as the Kings missed their final five attempts.
Thomas contributed significantly to the Nets’ late-game success, scoring nine points in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, De’Aaron Fox led the Kings with an impressive 31-point performance. The Nets faced challenges as they played without starting guard Dennis Schroder due to right ankle soreness. Additionally, forward Noah Clowney, who had 18 points, exited during the fourth quarter due to a noticeable left ankle injury. The Kings were also without Malik Monk, who has been sidelined for seven consecutive games due to a right ankle sprain.
In terms of key takeaways from the game, the youthful Nets displayed remarkable determination in the closing quarter after relinquishing their lead. Notably, Brooklyn’s bench significantly outperformed Sacramento’s bench, tallying 44 points compared to just 9 from the Kings’ substitutes. On the other hand, Coach Brown pointed out the Kings’ trend of needing to come back in games this season. He expressed a desire for the team to solidify early leads by focusing on smaller, consistent plays rather than attempting risky three-point shots.
A crucial moment in the matchup occurred when the Nets launched a 15-4 run, overcoming a 94-90 deficit early in the fourth quarter. Cam Johnson and Jalen Wilson both sank three-pointers on successive possessions, allowing Brooklyn to rise to a 105-98 advantage with four minutes remaining.
One notable statistic from the game was Brooklyn’s remarkable shooting performance; they made a season-high 13 three-pointers in the first half and recorded an overall shooting accuracy of 48.7%, hitting 19 of their 39 attempts.
Looking ahead, both teams were set to enter a back-to-back series of games. The Kings prepared to host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night, while the Nets were scheduled to face off against the Golden State Warriors.