What we learned from the Nets' devastating loss to the Magic

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Nets
By Peter Sunjic | Last updated 3/14/24

The Brooklyn Nets knew this game against the Orlando Magic would be a challenging matchup, which was evident in the first quarter. The Magic already had a 33 to 16 lead after the first quarter, which led to Coach Kevin Ollie’s team struggling to keep up.

Even though six Nets were in double figures, Brooklyn could not keep up with Orlando’s well-oiled machine. Coach Jamahl Mosley had a superb defensive plan, limiting Mikal Bridges and Cameron Thomas’ scoring.

This loss was a crushing result for Brooklyn’s Play-In chances, leading to some lessons for the Nets.

Cam Thomas is learning to play under pressure

Thomas faced plenty of defensive schemes against the Magic, but the two he faced most often were blitzes and double teams. Despite the pressure from the defenders, Cam is growing and evolving under the microscope.

It is a promising development for the Nets as Thomas keeps growing as an offensive player. He is not relying on isolation on every play, as he is learning how to manipulate matchups and succeed against the best defenders.

This is just what @24_camthomas does pic.twitter.com/pPHY7a0mQP
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) March 13, 2024

The Nets are too inconsistent with their starts

Coach Ollie did not like what happened in the first quarter, as his team went down by as much as 18. That has become an unfortunate trend for the Nets, which the coach wants to prevent from happening in future games.

“This is a common theme with us getting down early in certain games. We gotta do a better job, showing our physicality, hitting first, and continuing to do it. We just didn’t do it tonight,” Coach Ollie said after the game.

“Like the Cleveland game, we started out with stops, the defensive end, and the energy. This team is a good first-quarter team; if we just stay in the fight, we get back into the game.”

10-2 run to start :)
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) March 13, 2024

Nic Claxton must be more careful with technical fouls

Nic Claxton is one of the Nets’ most important players, but he has been hampered with technical fouls lately. It is not a good habit to pick up an unnecessary technical after a dunk. Clax can be passionate, but there is no need to do something extra after the slam, as that can hamper a team’s momentum.

By kicking this habit, Clax can focus on producing on the court. He had a decent line of 10 points, five rebounds, and five assists, but he has more to give when he’s locked in and not worried about the extracurriculars of basketball.

Nic Claxton got hit with a technical foul after elbowing Jalen Suggs.

Thoughts?

(via @jowepafm) pic.twitter.com/d5c0QTxBRw
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 14, 2024

This article first appeared on FanNation Inside The Nets and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: