Cam Thomas delivered a standout 37-point performance, helping the Brooklyn Nets edge past the Houston Rockets 106-104 during Saturday’s NBA action, ending their three-game losing streak.
The Nets established a significant lead, up by 28 points in the second quarter. However, the Rockets mounted a comeback in the fourth quarter, narrowing the gap to just one point with seven seconds remaining.
Despite being outscored 34-18 in the final quarter and committing seven turnovers, Brooklyn maintained its composure, avoiding repeating its recent fourth-quarter collapse against the Los Angeles Clippers.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Cam Thomas, Brooklyn Nets, Jalen Green, Houston Rockets Updates
Thomas, who was efficient with 11-19 shooting and making 12-13 free throws, reflected strongly on the need for the team to stay focused and finish games.
“We just got to stay locked in and try to put teams away early instead of giving away some possessions,” Thomas said. “It is definitely a positive that if we come out like we did, come out aggressive, fast, defend really well, that’s what can happen against any team we play.”
Mikal Bridges and Dorian Finney-Smith contributed 19 points each, with Nic Claxton adding 10 points and 13 rebounds. The Nets led throughout the game, though Bridges acknowledged they eased up, allowing the Rockets to fight back.
“We just relaxed, and they came out and played harder than us,” Bridges said.
Finney-Smith, who left in the third quarter due to a sore left ankle, had a solid shooting night, including success from the 3-point line.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Cam Thomas, Brooklyn Nets, Jalen Green, Houston Rockets Updates
For the Rockets, who were playing the second game of a back-to-back, Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and Cam Whitmore each scored 19 points. Whitmore emphasized the importance of playing with intensity from the start.
“We just could have played hard from the start; we can’t be lackadaisical from the start,” Whitmore said.
The game appeared secured for Brooklyn after Dennis Smith Jr. extended their lead with a free throw in the final seconds. However, the Rockets kept the pressure, with Alperen Sengun scoring under the basket and Amen Thompson stealing and converting a three-pointer, bringing the game to 103-102.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Cam Thomas, Brooklyn Nets, Jalen Green, Houston Rockets Updates
Thomas then scored two free throws, followed by Fred VanVleet’s free throw for the Rockets, narrowing the lead to 105-102. Sengun brought the Rockets within one point after another foul, but Brooklyn’s Spencer Dinwiddie secured the win with a final free throw. Nets coach Jacque Vaughn viewed the close games as a learning experience rather than a negative.
“We’ve been in these close games and I never looked at it as a negative,” Vaughn said.
Looking ahead, the Rockets will host the Los Angeles Lakers, while the Nets welcome the Utah Jazz, both games scheduled for Monday night.
