Nets cap Cam Thomas’ minutes while Nolan Traore logs career night in latest loss
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The Brooklyn Nets continue to keep Cam Thomas on a short leash as he works his way back from a lingering hamstring injury. During Sunday’s 109-92 defeat to the Chicago Bulls, the third-year guard played 24 minutes off the bench, finishing with three points and 10 assists.
“Right now we’re happy where he is,” head coach Jordi Fernández told reporters before tip-off. “We just believe what’s most important is how his body reacts, and we’re going to be cautious with that.”
Thomas returned roughly three weeks ago after missing significant time with the same hamstring issue that limited him to 25 games last season. Since rejoining the lineup, he is averaging 12.0 points on 40.8% shooting overall and 34.0% from three. Brooklyn is 4-16 in contests he has appeared in this year as the 22-year-old heads toward unrestricted free agency this summer.
Porter still sidelined
Brooklyn fell to 0-8 without leading scorer Michael Porter Jr., who was held out Sunday for rest. The Nets have been outscored by an average of 16.1 points in those games. “Everything has to be done with purpose,” Fernández said. “No matter who we have out there, I believe we can compete and win, and (Sunday) we didn’t compete to the best of our ability.”
Lineup shake-up yields little change
After watching his team surrender 70 first-half points, Fernández opened the third quarter by benching starters Danny Wolf, Terance Mann, Egor Demin and Noah Clowney. Thomas, rookie guard Nolan Traore, Jalen Wilson and Tyrese Martin entered in their place, but the Bulls maintained control the rest of the way. “It can be rough, but you’ve got to be able to adjust,” center Nic Claxton said.
Traore’s rapid progress
Traore posted a career-best 16 points Sunday, two days after recording a personal-high seven assists against Chicago. “His superpower is obviously his speed,” Porter said of the first-year point guard. “He’s getting downhill, getting in the lane, finding guys, and he’s a great passer.”
Brooklyn (14-29) will try to regroup before hosting the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday.
Source: Hoops Rumors
