A Nightmarish Start for the Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets, led by Spanish coach Jordi fernández, kicked off 2025 with a disheartening 130-113 loss against the Toronto Raptors. This defeat marked their fifth in the last six games, compounding the team’s struggles. Adding insult to injury,the Nets suffered two meaningful setbacks: rookie Maxwell Lewis sustained a potentially serious knee injury,while Noah Clowney left the game with a back injury after a hard fall.
The Raptors, who had been on an eleven-game losing streak, finally found their footing, securing a much-needed victory. This win brought their record to 8-26, a testament to their challenging season so far.
The game also marked the debut of D’Angelo Russell, recently acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers in a trade that sent Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton to California. russell, who came off the bench, showcased his offensive prowess with 22 points and eight assists in 26 minutes. though, like the rest of the team, his performance waned in the second half.
The Nets managed to keep pace with the Raptors until the third quarter, when a 15-4 run by the home team shifted the momentum decisively. Scottie Barnes led the Raptors’ charge with a dominant double-double of 33 points and 13 rebounds. Immanuel Quickley provided valuable support with 22 points and 15 assists, while gradey Dick chipped in with 22 points, showcasing the Raptors’ balanced offensive attack.For the Nets, Cameron johnson led the scoring with 24 points, while Nic Claxton recorded a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds.Keon Johnson added 17 points to the Nets’ tally.
The injuries to Lewis and Clowney cast a dark cloud over the Nets’ already challenging start to the year. Lewis, who had just joined the team from the Lakers, suffered his injury in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter after attempting a three-pointer. He crumpled to the floor, requiring assistance from the medical staff to leave the court. The severity of his knee injury remains unclear, but the sight of him unable to put weight on his leg was a worrying sign.
Clowney’s injury occurred earlier in the game during a rebound battle. He landed awkwardly on his back after a collision, leaving him writhing in pain. While he managed to return to the locker room under his own power, his status for upcoming games is uncertain.
The Nets will now face a tough road ahead as they attempt to navigate their injury woes and climb back into playoff contention.Their next challenge comes against the Milwaukee bucks, followed by a home game against the Philadelphia 76ers.Simultaneously occurring, the Raptors will look to build on their victory with games against the orlando Magic and the Bucks.
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