Jordi Fernandez wanted to win back in his old stomping grounds in the worst way. Playing back in Sacramento against a former mentor in Mike Brown, you could tell this game meant a little something extra to the Brooklyn Nets head coach.
The Nets were playing short-handed without Dennis Schroder and Dorian Finney-Smith due to injury.
Brooklyn came out scorching hot hitting seven 3-pointers in the first quarter on the way to a 37 to 28 advantage.
Cam Thomas led the way for the Nets with 34 points, and Noah Clowney added 18 points on 5-9 from long range. Unfortunately, both players left the game due to an injury, with only Thomas returning.
Thomas took a hard fall in the fourth quarter and landed on his already stiff back. He was able to return and helped close things out for Brooklyn, 108-103.
Clowney, on the other hand, left with an apparent ankle sprain that will likely require imaging.
The Nets will play a back-to-back on Monday night in Golden State, and while it’s questionable whether Thomas will be available, it’s unlikely that Clowney will play.
Brooklyn is mixed in with play-in teams in the bottom of the Eastern Conference at 7-10, not an ideal spot for many Nets fans hoping this team will tank for a top draft pick.
This article first appeared on Nets Insider and was syndicated with permission.
