The match between the Cavaliers and the Nets just begins on Sunday. First possession for Cleveland. But Cam Thomas reads Darius Garland's sluggish pass well, before serving Mikal Bridges after fixing two defenders on the counterattack. An interception and an assist, the sign of a new Cam Thomas since February. The Nets guard is more involved in the distribution of Brooklyn's game under new coach Kevin Ollie. And if Brooklyn is lagging behind in the race for 10th place, Cam Thomas continues his good individual season, to the point that the person concerned projects himself as a contender for the title of Most Improved Player.
For the Cavs on Sunday, Cam Thomas was key in his team's surprise victory, with his 29 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists and an unequivocal +/- ratio of +27, the second best of his career. A real “all-around” performance, especially for a player long perceived as a fairly one-dimensional scorer.
In recent weeks, the full-back has become the second creator on the floor, alongside Dennis Schröder. He has averaged 3.8 assists over the last 13 games, more than double his career average, without his contribution to scoring suffering. More responsible, Cam Thomas sets the pace, passing, but also in defense.
Challenged by teammates and coaches
“ He didn't just score, and it was great to see » savored Kevin Ollie Sunday after the victory in Cleveland. “ I want him to continue like this. We're going to continue to challenge her towards that. We want him to be a central piece in attack, but also in defense, and he is capable of it. But you have to push him for it. And it doesn't just come from the staff: our players also challenge him to be this special because we know how talented he is. We have to continue to exploit that, to have that key piece that shows itself. »
In a young team, and launched in a comeback operation to make up for the 3.5 wins behind the Hawks and the play-in, Cam Thomas is gaining ground and no longer hesitates to assume this leadership role.
“ We sometimes lower our heads when opponents make a series against us. I just wanted to get out of my comfort zone and boost the team, to be the leader through my play. And then to be a little more vocal, so that we no longer fall into these bad streaks. »
This comment also echoes the difficult series of the usual first option, Mikal Bridges, only 39.2% shooting over his last 12 games. The former Suns player was much more comfortable on Sunday (25 points at 9/14, 5 rebounds and 5 assists), partly relieved of the ball by the rise in power of Cam Thomas, and more efficient.
Creation and defense as priorities
Possible X-factor of the end of the Nets season, Cam Thomas estimated Monday in an interview with Chris Haynes from Bleacher Report having proven his place as a candidate for the title of Most Improved Player. “ I think my name should be in the debates, but what needs to happen will happen. I'm just focused on winning, we have more important goals than the MIP, like making the playoffs. » The 22-year-old player, who is playing his third season, provides information on his own application and lists the areas of progress on which he is focusing.
“ I would probably say I need to be more focused on defense. I think I've been very good on defense this season, but I get lost in focusing on the ball carrier. And obviously I always have to show that I can be among the best creators in the league. Teams defend on me differently, they try to make me give up the ball. So I just have to be able to make those passes in the right place. And I think I did a good job of that for my teammates, giving them open shots. »
Cam Thomas will, however, have competition for this trophy, explosions from Tyrese Maxey, Alperen Sengun or even Jonathan Kuminga or Coby White. Above all, he will have to stay in shape, since he will have to play at least 15 of the Nets' last 17 games this season to reach 65 games and be eligible for a reward.
| Cam Thomas | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2021-22 | BRK | 67 | 18 | 43.3 | 27.0 | 82.9 | 0.2 | 2.2 | 2.4 | 1.2 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 8.5 |
| 2022-23 | BRK | 57 | 17 | 44.1 | 38.3 | 86.8 | 0.1 | 1.5 | 1.7 | 1.4 | 1.0 | 0.4 | 1.1 | 0.1 | 10.6 |
| 2023-24 | BRK | 50 | 30 | 44.0 | 37.3 | 83.4 | 0.4 | 2.5 | 2.9 | 2.7 | 2.1 | 0.7 | 1.8 | 0.2 | 21.3 |
| Total | 174 | 21 | 43.8 | 34.5 | 84.4 | 0.3 | 2.1 | 2.3 | 1.7 | 1.3 | 0.5 | 1.2 | 0.2 | 12.9 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
