Cam Thomas scored 30 points in his first game back from a 20-game absence due to a left hamstring strain, leading the Brooklyn Nets (10-19) to a 123-107 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves (20-12) on Saturday at Target Center. Thomas, who played just under 20 minutes, also contributed three assists and hit key 3-pointers in a third-quarter surge.
Michael Porter Jr. added 27 points and 10 rebounds, while six Nets players finished in double figures as Brooklyn extended their hot streak, winning four of five and five of seven games. The team is 7-3 in December, allowing an NBA-low 103.1 points per game this month.
The Nets built momentum in the third quarter when Thomas scored 12 consecutive Brooklyn points, including two 3-pointers, giving the visitors an 89-82 lead. Day’Ron Sharpe added six of the Nets’ final eight points of the frame, pushing the lead to 98-86. Early in the fourth, a pull-up jumper by Thomas and four points from Danny Wolf extended the advantage to 104-86.
Porter’s 3-pointer late in the fourth made it 120-102 with under two minutes remaining. In eight December games, Porter is averaging 28.4 points on 51.1% shooting, including 46.7% from beyond the arc, along with 7.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game.
Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 28 points, but the Timberwolves dropped consecutive games for the third time this season. Jaden McDaniels contributed 16 points, while Naz Reid and Julius Randle each added 13, but the team could not close the gap against Brooklyn’s balanced attack.
Brooklyn shot 55% from the field, including 28% from three-point range, and converted 95% of free throws. Minnesota managed 45% shooting overall and 42% from deep, with the Nets outrebounding them 39-34 and distributing 32 assists.
An MRI on Timberwolves guard Terrence Shannon Jr., who left Thursday’s loss to Denver, revealed a left foot strain. He will be re-evaluated in two weeks.
The Nets will host the Golden State Warriors on Monday, while Minnesota begins a four-game road trip in Chicago on the same night.
