PORTLAND, Ore. — Cam Johnson and D’Angelo Russell returned Tuesday night time for the decimated Nets, although Nic Claxton bought added to their lengthy damage record.
Brooklyn had been winless within the 5 straight video games that Johnson had missed with a proper ankle sprain. Russell had sat out 4 in a row with a proper shin contusion.
Each made their returns within the Nets’ 132-114 skid-busting win over the Path Blazers, albeit on minutes limits.
Claxton (proper hamstring) was held out Tuesday night time, however head coach Jordi Fernandez stated the Nets’ beginning middle simply had tightness, not a big pull.
Claxton advised The Publish he additionally was not sure if he’ll play Wednesday on the Clippers.
Johnson began and had a team-high 24 factors. Russell added 13 factors, 9 assists and a game-high 4 steals in 21 minutes off the bench.
Requested if he might swimsuit up on Wednesday in L.A., Russell — who had been questionable earlier than the Blazers win — stated “I’m fine. We’ve got the best training staff in the league, so I trust them with whatever direction they’re pointing me towards. And I’m alright.”
Ben Simmons began regardless of being questionable with a decrease again damage administration/left knee soreness.
He had 5 factors, 11 assists and 9 rebounds, however nonetheless has not been cleared for back-to-backs and can sit Wednesday night time on the Clippers.
“The most important thing is everyone’s body and how they feel. And obviously we’ll be cautious with their minutes,” Fernandez stated. “We wish them to really feel good, play nicely, have the suitable load after which see how they really feel, assess how their our bodies are, after which we’ll go to the following day.
“So with Ben, we have a plan. Great to see that he played above 30 minutes. He feels good. … But again, we want to be cautious and obviously still follow our protocol with him not playing back-to-backs.”
The Nets’ 18-point margin was their largest of the season.
Brooklyn’s .544 % taking pictures and 29 quick break factors had been season-highs. Their 132 factors and 36 assists had been their finest in regulation this season.
Ziaire Williams had 13 factors on 3-of-4 from deep, and his taking pictures contact is exhibiting indicators of coming round.
The ahead is 17-of-39 — or 43.6 % — from deep in his final seven recreation since getting back from a dozen-game absence. He had been simply 18-of-66 (27.3%) in his first 21.
Cam Thomas and Trendon Watford had been out.
The NBA Lottery was set for Might 12. Nets followers will likely be watching carefully.
Gamers re-signed within the offseason — 1) utilizing Hen or early-Hen rights to a deal 2) 20% larger than their earlier contract — are eligible to be traded beginning Wednesday.
That utilized to 17 gamers, together with Claxton. Extra importantly, it opens up extra gamers in any potential Johnson swap.
