The Brooklyn Nets made their 2024-25 NBA season home debut against the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday evening. Brooklyn entered the matchup 0-2 and was in desperate need of a win. Thanks to several standout contributors, the Nets were able to defeat Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks 115-102.
2 heroic plus-minuses
Dennis Schroder and Nicolas Claxton played their roles exceptionally on Sunday.
Schroder started at point guard for the Nets and finished the game with 29 points, six assists, four rebounds, one steal, and shot a blazing 62.5 percent (5-for-8) on his three-pointers. He was all over the floor and provided the spark Brooklyn needed to break away from Milwaukee. And the impressive stats do not end there. Schroder achieved a game-high plus-minus of 29.
The veteran point guard is continuing to prove why his presence on this young Nets team is vital. But Schroder was not the only one who stepped up.
Nic Claxton battled hamstring tightness during training camp, and as a result, he missed all of the Nets' preseason games. He has been available at the start of the regular season, but Brooklyn has had him on a minutes restriction as he ramps up his activity. Claxton made an incredible impact in the 22 minutes he played against the Bucks.
The sixth-year center amassed 10 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks, earning a 23 plus-minus. When Claxton comes off his minutes restriction, he will be a force to be reckoned with.
Cam Thomas continues to shine
Thomas had a tough time getting things going from three-point land on Sunday, shooting 2-for-8. Yet, he stayed aggressive and amassed 32 points on 10-for-21 shooting from the field. In addition, he racked up two assists, two steals, and shot 10-for-21 on his free throws.
What seemed like an unreal scoring prediction from an insider before the season has begun to become a reality for Thomas. Through his first three games of the season, he is averaging 30 points, which ranks him seventh in the NBA. Can he continue to be an offensive force for Brooklyn?
Ben Simmons leaves more to be desired
After Simmons attempted just five shots in the Nets' Oct. 25 loss to the Orlando Magic, Jordi Fernandez challenged him to get his shots up to 10 to 15 per game. However, Simmons did not follow suit. He attempted a mere three shots against the Bucks, finishing with two points, six assists, six rebounds, and one steal.
Simmons was understandingly focused on distributing for his teammates, but getting his shot attempts up will only help the Nets. Regardless, Brooklyn came away with their first home win of the season, so as long as what Simmons does helps the team be successful, that is the bottom line.
Jordi Fernandez got his first win as head coach of the Nets, and if he keeps his squad playing the way they did on Sunday, there will be many more to come.