In an NBA game marked by shifting momentum, the Brooklyn Nets took an early lead against the Oklahoma City Thunder with an 8-0 run and were up by 10 points in the first quarter. The Nets led 36-33 after the first quarter, with Mikal Bridges scoring 15 points, his second-highest scoring quarter of the season, and Cam Thomas adding 10 points on 4-4 shooting. The Nets' three-point shooting was strong early on, with an 8-14 record, while the Thunder were 3-5. However, the Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's drives and 17 points, overcame the deficit to lead 59-56 at halftime. The Nets' shooting percentage dropped significantly to 24.1% in the second quarter and only 40% by halftime. The Nets' defense also faltered, allowing the Thunder to shoot 56.4% from the field. The game's outcome was further influenced by the Nets' cold shooting in the final quarter, at 26.3%, which was a key factor in their struggle to maintain the lead.
Nets also shot 24.1% in the 2nd Q. Reminded of that awful shooting 4th Q two nights ago in DC. It's a combo of Nets struggling on defense and not enough scoring. Two bad ills
Bridges has 17 pts, Cam Thomas has 16 pts. And the Nets trail 59-56 at halftime at OKC Why? Thunder is shooting 56.4% from the field. Nets are shooting just 40%. A not-so-good defensive half despite the Nets forcing 9 turnovers SGA: 17 pts for OKC
This is another poor defensive half so far for the Nets. OKC is shooting 64.5% from the field and seemingly getting whatever they want.
Brooklyn timeout as OKC goes in front 49-44, 6:23 2Q. Thunder has outscored the Nets 16-8 here in the second.
Three-point shooting: Nets: 8-14 Thunder: 3-5
Nets led by 10 in that first Q Lead's gone as the 2nd Q starts. Give the Nets credit for getting right offensively but defensively, they're still giving up too much
Nets lead OKC 36-33 entering the second quarter. Mikal Bridges already has 15 points, his second-highest scoring quarter of the season. https://t.co/BqnAH6ona6
Nets 36, Thunder 33 after 1. Both teams shot at least 60% Bridges: 15 pts (2nd highest scoring Q of the season) Cam Thomas: 10 pts, 4-4 shooting SGA: 13 pts Nets: 10 assists on 13 made shots.
Nets 36, Thunder 33 End 1Q | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 13 points, 3 assists; Josh Giddey and Lu Dort 5 points each. Mikail Bridges with 15 and Cam Thomas 10 for Brooklyn, which shot 61.9% from the floor and made 6 of 10 3-pointers.
Nets are switching against the Thunder, intriguing if you can keep the ball in front. Thing is OKC just keeps playing their style, they keep driving, eventually you are going to think you have to help and a kick opens up. https://t.co/Et2OGuAoTp
The drives from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are key for OKC but again watch how they open things up for him. Gets the catch on the wing, Dort/Giddey exchange, Shai is already attacking before help can load back up. https://t.co/hKXWjIVNRN
This is a rarity. Mark Daigneault takes a timeout before Thunder fans take their seats. Nets up 8-0, 10:16 1Q.
Nets are shooting 26.3% this Q. Honestly, defense is one thing but going this cold in the final quarter has hurt them the most.