Tuesday morning, following a 1-5 highway journey, Nic Claxton known as the season “frustrating” — with all of the losses and accidents the Nets have endured.
He additionally admitted the season hasn’t seen his greatest self as a result of new defensive schemes underneath first-year coach Jordi Fernandez.
“I don’t think we have seen it yet, honestly,” he stated earlier than the Nets’ 99-95 loss to the Knicks at Barclays Middle. “Still growing a lot. It’s been a frustrating year with injuries, with the losses. It’s been frustrating, but I’m still trying to get to that point.”
And within the first sport of a four-game homestead, Claxton had a tricky check in Karl-Anthony Cities.
“He’s huge. The size, skill, he can shoot quick trigger. He can score on all three levels,” Claxton stated after the loss.
The four-time All-Star middle scored 25 factors, taking pictures 11-for-19, and grabbed 16 rebounds. Claxton grabbed 12 rebounds, however the Knicks outscored the Nets inside, 56-38.
Nonetheless, Claxton felt like he did the most effective job potential.
“In the first half, he was comfortable. The second half, a little bit more uncomfortable. He still had a good game,” Claxton stated. “He still got his numbers, but I was able to affect him a little bit.”
Within the shut remaining quarter, Claxton pressured a missed layup from Cities with the Knicks nursing an 87-85 lead with practically 5 minutes to play. Claxton then rebounded a missed second probability from OG Anunoby that led to a Keon Johnson 3-pointer to take an 88-87 lead.
“I liked his energy. He was vocal. He was engaged the whole game and that’s the Nic Claxton I want,” Fernandez stated. “And if he continues to do that like he’s been doing, he’s going to help us win. The good thing is he has high standards for himself and I love it.”
Claxton, who additionally had eight factors and two steals, did have the assistance of Day’Ron Sharpe towards Cities. Sharpe performed simply 14 minutes however added 10 factors, three rebounds and two blocked photographs. He additionally was a plus-15.
“Give them their credit. We were right there. We were in position to win the game,” Claxton stated. “So, that’s all we can ask for. We just got to finish it. … I really wanted to beat them. I haven’t beat them in a long time, like two, three years. Just gotta keep going.”
