The Brooklyn Nets (27-45) bounced back from a string of losses with a gritty 96-88 triumph over the short-handed Toronto Raptors (23-49) on Monday night, ending their six-game losing streak.
Led by Dennis Schroder’s 19 points and Trendon Watford’s season-high 19 points, the Nets outscored the Raptors in a crucial fourth quarter surge.
Despite missing Cam Johnson and Cam Thomas due to injuries and other absences, the Nets displayed tenacity on both ends of the floor, with Mikal Bridges (13 points) and Jalen Wilson (12 points) contributing valuable points to secure the much-needed victory.
The Raptors, playing without several regular starters, including Scottie Barnes and Jakob Poeltl, struggled to contain the Nets’ offensive firepower, as they succumbed to their 11th straight defeat.
Among the challenges faced by the Raptors was the absence of center Jontay Porter, who is under investigation by the NBA for gambling allegations, further disrupting Toronto’s lineup.
Despite the adversity, Toronto showed flashes of competitiveness, with Gary Trent Jr. (18 points) and Javon Freeman-Liberty (15 points) leading the team in scoring, but ultimately fell short against the determined Nets.
Both teams are just under the play-in zone, but face an uphill battle to climb higher and are likely to miss the postseason.
