The Brooklyn Nets pulled off an impressive 106-104 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday. The Nets received contributions from all over, but Nic Claxton, who made his first start of the 2024-25 season, was particularly impressive.
Claxton is still busting the rust from his preseason hamstring injury, but he has effectively stepped back into his role with the Nets. He totaled 10 points, eight rebounds, two steals, one block, and shot 62.5 percent (5-for-8) from the floor in the win over Memphis.
After the game, Claxton admitted that he was still getting in the swing of things and was tired in the first half, but he remained strong and helped Brooklyn to victory. Moreover, Jordi Fernandez was impressed by Claxton's defensive presence:
“I think Nic was great. He grabbed eight rebounds, but I also think he changed so many shots,” Fernandez said after the game, per Erik Slater of ClutchPoints. “His effort to be there, be vertical, and use his length, I think that it was a difference-maker on our defense."
Claxton held his own against Defensive Player of the Year and rival Jaren Jackson Jr., who scored 15 points on the night. Still, Claxton could not fully stop Memphis' interior attack. Rookie center Zach Edey scored 25 points, grabbed 12 boards, and blocked four shots in 28 minutes.
Claxton looks to continue ascent with Nets
Nic Claxton is one of Brooklyn's most prized pieces. He has experienced growth every year he has been in the league. During the 2022-23 season, Claxton broke out for a career-high 12.6 points and 2.5 blocks along with 9.2 rebounds. He was a dark-horse All-Defensive Team candidate.
Claxton picked up right where he left off in 2023-24, averaging just a hair under a double-double. Over the past two seasons, he ranked top 10 in the NBA's stocks (steals plus blocks) stat. Jordi Fernandez believes Claxton can take the next step and win the Defensive Player of the Year award. However, things have not gone quite according to plan.
Claxton came off the bench during his first six games of the 2024-25 season, which is understandable considering he has been ramping up from his injury. The sixth-year center has played strong in limited minutes, but he needs to take his game to another level to reach greater heights.
Through seven games, Claxton averages 9.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks. Surely, his production will increase now that he has his starting spot back. Fernandez is happy with how Claxton has looked, and there will only be more great things to come from the center.