TITLE: Clowney’s 31-Point Breakout Leads Nets Notes; Bulls Defense Falters; Towns Finds Touch Against Brooklyn
SLUG: clowney-breakout-bulls-defense-towns-brooklyn
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Brooklyn, Chicago and New York each delivered distinct storylines Monday, ranging from a career night by Noah Clowney to the Bulls’ defensive collapse and a much-needed shooting surge from Karl-Anthony Towns.
Nets
Third-year forward Noah Clowney has started 11 consecutive games for Brooklyn, and the latest outing was his best yet. The 21-year-old poured in a career-high 31 points in the 13-point loss to the Knicks, hitting 7-of-13 from three-point range. Despite the defeat, the Nets were plus-one while he was on the floor.
Since joining the starting lineup, Clowney is averaging 16.5 points and is connecting on nearly 37 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc. Brooklyn, which owns five first-round picks, has seen no young player make a larger early-season jump. Clowney will be extension-eligible in 2026, a discussion that could become costly if his trajectory continues.
Bulls
Head coach Billy Donovan did not hold back after Chicago surrendered 263 points over back-to-back games against Washington and New Orleans. Donovan told reporters the problem is collective, extending from players to staff, and not limited to any single defender. With the exception of Isaac Okoro, the roster lacks a true defensive stopper, prompting Donovan to call for a reset in rotations, effort and physicality.
Offense has been less of an issue for Chicago, but consistent stops remain elusive.
Knicks
Karl-Anthony Towns entered Monday shooting 43 percent from the field and 31 percent from deep, but the Knicks forward broke out against Brooklyn with 37 points on 14-of-20 shooting. The performance marked his most efficient game of the season and, as noted by local media, could be a pivotal moment in his campaign.
While a single game cannot resolve a season-long slump, it was the first time in weeks Towns resembled the scoring threat opposing defenses fear.
Source: Hoops Wire
