Cam Thomas’ impressive 33-point performance propelled the Brooklyn Nets to a decisive 130-112 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers during Friday’s NBA action. Breaking a four-game losing streak, this win was a relief for the Nets, who had recently suffered close defeats, including a last-second loss to Portland.
Lonnie Walker IV contributed 15 points and was one of seven Nets players to score in double figures. Following their recent setbacks, he reflected on the team’s renewed vigor and determination.
“I think that last game in Portland kind of struck a chord in a lot of us,” Walker said. “We came out today with a little bit more fight, a little bit more grit and just edge.”
The Nets significantly upped their game in the second half, outscoring the Lakers by 24 and limiting them to just 44 points after the break, tying their season-best defensive performance for a half.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Cam Thomas, Brooklyn Nets, LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Nets coach Jacque Vaughn emphasized the need for increased physicality at halftime, a message that resonated with the team. The Nets responded by taking control in the third quarter, taking a decisive 23-8 run to take an 87-78 lead. Their 38 points in the third quarter equaled their best point differential for a quarter this season.
“He saved us in that first half with his ability to get open looks,” Vaughn said. “When they got to the point where they started trapping him, we got some good looks out of that for others.”
Cam Thomas highlighted the team’s strategic shift to a more physical approach, which led to turnovers, fast breaks, and open three-point opportunities for the Nets.
“We saw we had to get a little more physical on them, and that’s what we did,” Thomas said. “Once we got physical, the energy picked out. We started getting turnovers, a lot of fast breaks, and open 3s — and we made them.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Cam Thomas, Brooklyn Nets, LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Despite trailing throughout the first half and facing a 12-point deficit in the first quarter, the Nets rallied back into the game, largely thanks to Thomas’ 20 first-half points.
Coach Vaughn praised Thomas for his ability to create scoring opportunities, noting that when the Lakers began trapping Thomas, it opened up shots for other players.
Nic Claxton, with 22 points and 14 rebounds, and Spencer Dinwiddie, scoring 19 points with 13 in the third quarter, were instrumental in the Nets’ fifth win in their last six visits to the Lakers’ home court.
The Nets, whose lead reached 23 points in the final quarter, showcased their shooting prowess with 19 three-pointers, including four from Thomas, Dinwiddie, and Mikal Bridges.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Cam Thomas, Brooklyn Nets, LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Anthony Davis put up 26 points and 12 rebounds for the Lakers, while James added 24 points and 10 rebounds. Despite D’Angelo Russell’s 20 points, Los Angeles struggled with turnovers and shooting accuracy in the second half, falling back below .500.
“They were able to get into a rhythm, shot the ball from the perimeter well and Cam Thomas had a lot going on,” James said. “I thought us not getting stops affected our energy.”
Looking ahead, the Nets will face the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday, while the Lakers will host the Portland Trail Blazers on the same night.
