The 2024-25 season is less than 10 games in, and the Brooklyn Nets are already exceeding expectations. Through their first six games of the year, Brooklyn possesses a 3-3 record and is on a two-game winning streak. Many players and coaches have contributed to the Nets' sound early showing, but one player has stood out amongst the crowd: Cam Thomas.
Thomas entered the season with high expectations after averaging a career-high 22.5 points with the Nets in 2023-24. He has picked up right where he left off in 2024-25, averaging 28.3 points on 44 percent shooting from the field and 35.3 percent on three-point accuracy. Yet, a critical stat has helped Thomas guide the Nets to closeout victories.
Thomas leads the NBA in points scored in the fourth quarter with 11.8 per game through six games, per Stat Muse. Four other players Thomas edges out include Luka Doncic (9.8), LaMelo Ball (9.5), RJ Barrett (9.3), and Nikola Jokic (9.2).
The fourth-year guard's clutch ascent is a great sign for the Nets. Thomas is not done improving, but he is already showing Brooklyn they have a go-to scorer down the stretch. And the best part is Thomas does not have to do it alone.
Cam Thomas is finding a fine balance
Thomas is one of the youngest stars in the league to rank highly in fourth-quarter scoring. Some might be led to believe this means he will have less discipline with his shot attempts, and while he can certainly continue to improve his efficiency and shot selection, he is learning when to let others take the lead.
Dennis Schroder is having a breakout season with the Nets early in 2024-25, averaging a career-high 22.0 points and 8.0 assists on a blazing 53.7 percent three-point shooting clip. Schroder has been Brooklyn's other go-to clutch leader. He erupted with 28 points in Brooklyn's 144-139 loss to the Denver Nuggets and scored 33 points in the Nets' 119-106 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.
Cam Thomas is learning how to effectively share the floor with another high-level offensive player, and that will only help him become more efficient. Thomas does not have to feel the pressure of having to always take the big shot for the Nets and can save his best opportunities when his teammates are either out of the game or cannot get good looks.
Through the early part of the season, Thomas is proving to be a real closer, but can he keep the effort up?