Networks have been around for a while. Aside from a rough stretch early in the third quarter and a late slump in the fourth, Brooklyn turned in one of its most complete performances of the season, pushing a disciplined Minnesota Timberwolves team without All-Star Anthony Edwards.
But once again, head coach Jordi Fernandez's group failed to finishfalling to 0-7 after a 125-109 loss Monday night at Barclays Center. Efforts improve, but results remain the same.
Depending on the outcome of Tuesday's game between New Orleans and Charlotte, Brooklyn could end the night as the NBA's only winless team.
Forward Michael Porter Jr. left the game due to personal reasons.Noah Clowney stepped into the starting lineup and provided an immediate spark to a team desperate for defensive energy.
The Nets' effort in this regard was noticeably sharper than in recent games, with active hands making several deflections and Clowney setting the tone by diving for loose balls. Brooklyn committed three quick turnovers to open the game, two of them by the third-year forward.
This matched the start Fernandez had asked for. Brooklyn held Minnesota to 28 points in the first quarter and committed eight turnovers as Cam Thomas found an early rhythm on offense. The Timberwolves shot 61.1 percent from the field and the game was tied going into the second, but it was still considered a small win for this Brooklyn team.
The Nets' defense faded a bit in the second quarter, giving up 35 points, but they stayed within striking distance thanks to balanced scoring and a perfect 4-for-4 period from Thomas. Brooklyn trailed 63-59 at halftime, and Thomas led all scorers with 19 points on 8-of-13 shooting.
For a moment, it looked like the game might leave Brooklyn before it did. The Timberwolves opened the third quarter on a 13-5 run and built a 12-point lead with 9:08 left in the period, but pulled away. 24-point loss to Philadelphia the night beforeThe Nets hit back.
Brooklyn responded with a run of its own, highlighted by Ziaire Williams' four-point play that put the Nets back in front with 1:57 left in the quarter and they entered the fourth down just three.
But fans already know how this story develops. With 4:35 left in the game, the Nets were unexpectedly down 19 points. A minute later, with 3:33 left in the game, Fernandez emptied his bench as Danny Wolf made his NBA debut alongside Nolan Traore, Ben Saraf, EJ Liddell and Day'Ron Sharpe to end the game.
Brooklyn shot just 23.1% in the fourth quarter while Minnesota shot 52.9%, outscoring 34-21 in the period. Thomas and Donte DiVincenzo finished with a game-high 25 points to lead their teams.
The Nets travel to Indiana on Wednesday to face the Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
