The Nets went west on I-80 last night as they
On the first day of their rushed West Coast trip — three games in four days — the Nets made sure to take care of business in Jordi Fernandez’s first time back in Sac Town, as Brooklyn ran away with a 108-103 win over the Kings.
De’Aaron Fox, as predicted, could not be stopped through three quarters of action, but it was the Nets’ depth in production that stole the show for the rest of the way. Of course, one of our Cams went off again. this time CT, who poured in 34 on an array of tough shots, to lead all scorers in the contest, including Fox who finished with three fewer.
Off the bench, it was the unlikely duo of Shake Milton and Noah Clowney who did all the little things to propel Brooklyn to victory. Clowney played both ends effectively, ending the contest with career highs in points (18) and 3-pointers (5) while Milton consistently gave a bucket where it was needed, getting his first double figure game (10) as a Net. Jalen Wilson’s production on both ends couldn’t be left out either. The 6’7” wing has now shot 54.1% from deep over the last six games (13-of-24) after hitting two of his three attempts last night. But in the end it was Brooklyn’s late defense that ended the Kings chances. The Nets allowed only 15 points in the fourth on 6-of-23 shooting. Sacto attempted seven 3-pointers, made none.
After this much needed victory which followed a bad loss to Philly, the Nets are staying out west to take on the current best squad in the conference in the 12-4 Golden State Warriors, whose own depth has led them to fast success so far in the season.
Where to Watch
Catch the action at 10:00 p.m. ET on the YES Network and NBA League Pass.
Injury Report
Bojan Bogdanovic (left foot injury recovery), Day’Ron Sharpe (left hamstring strain), Jacky Cui (G-League), and Jaylen Martin (G-League), will all be out as will Ben Simmons (injury management) and Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle.) Not much hope either for Noah Clowney who rolled his ankle late and had to leave the game. The Nets did recall Dariq Whitehead from Long Island early today. In the past two games vs. Raptors 905, the 6’7” wing recorded his most minutes (36), points (26), rebounds (7), assists (7) and 3 pointers (6) since the summer before his senior year at Montverde Academy when he played for Team Durant in AAU ball.
For the Warriors, De’Anthony Melton is out for the season due to a torn left ACL, while Quinten Post will be on G-League duties. Jonathan Kuminga is listed as questionable due to an illness.
The Game
The Golden State Warriors may have reached new heights in their legacy consicering the way they have been performing thus far in the season. After having so much success in the 2010s, they have still figured out how to remain relevant in the NBA race with new, younger players. I mean when your system still works with an all time great in Stephen Curry, anything is possible.
But the amount of depth they’ve developed shouldn’t go unnoticed. With players like Buddy Hield, Andrew Wiggins, Moses Moody, Kyle Anderson, Trayce Jackson-Davis, Lindy Waters III and Jonathan Kuminga all complementing Curry and Draymond Green, it’s another potential success story for Steve Kerr for now and maybe the future.
In all facets of the game, the two teams match up pretty well. But like the Kings game (as well as the 76ers game), it will come down to how well the backcourt play is. Unlike the last two games, there will be three guards this time. Aside from the greatest shooter to ever exist, Waters III and Hield have grown to become key contributors for the team. As for Curry, he’s still the greatest even at age 36. He’s averaging 22.0 points, 6.5 assists and 5.5 rebounds a game in 30 minutes on shooting splits, wait for it, of 48/44/96! Will he ever slow down?
Depending if Dennis Schroeder will be available, his and CT’s assignment will of course be to bring it on both ends, as Coach Fernandez wants it every night.
Player to Watch: Andrew Wiggins
As one of the Warriors’ capable one on one offensive weapons, Andrew Wiggins will be looked at to produce points if the offense falls out at any point. Averaging 17 points on 47.7 % shooting overall and 40% from beyond the arc, the 29-year-old Canadian has been getting his points rather efficiently to start off the season.
I like Cam Johnson for this matchup. Aside from shooting lights out, Johnson’s defensive ability could hinder Wiggins from getting to those efficient looks he has been getting could be critical.
From the Vault
Oh why not? The City by the Bay has had some hard times, but it’s still San Francisco and he was Tony Bennett, singer, war hero and civil rights .
More reading: Golden State of Mind and SB Nation.
- Brooklyn Nets Game Notes – Brooklyn Nets
- Golden State Warriors Game Notes – Golden State Warriors
- Bench play could be key for Nets against Warriors – Larry Fleisher – NBA
- Nets’ injury bug getting worse amid challenging road trip – Brian Lewis – New York Post