“ They fought a lot. I don't know most of them, but I will definitely get to know them after tonight, because they made it very, very difficult for us. » Like most of his teammates, Giannis Antetokounmpo probably did not expect to face such a version of the Nets last night.
The Greek (32 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists) and his team made the trip to New York in full force, which was far from being the case for their evening opponents. Three of the usual starters (Spencer Dinwiddie, Nic Claxton and Cam Johnson) were all rested. Just like Dorian Finney-Smith, who played the entire fourth quarter the day before, in Detroit, to validate the Pistons' sad record.
Mikal Bridges? He was well in the five and he remained in play throughout the first quarter, just to preserve his current streak of 423 games played in a row, but he did not return after that. Ditto for Cam Thomas, limited to 12 minutes of play.
Result: the Nets played a number of rookies and two-way contracts. In other words, they almost ignored this meeting, even if Jacque Vaughn does not put it in these terms.
A “road trip” in the best conditions
“ I have too much respect for the guys who put on the jersey, give themselves physically and (display this) level of competition not to even mention the word 'exhibition'. Any player could have ended their career tonight with one action, which is why I'm treating this match as such. It's an honor, and there's a feeling of gratitude in doing this job and never, ever underestimating it. If you do it, you pay for it “, judges the Nets coach.
His players did not underestimate him either. Despite the quality of the squad opposite, the Nets played in the eyes of the Bucks for at least three quarters. At the start of the last period, the locals were only three possessions behind (92-100).
And some players were able to show themselves, like rookie Jalen Wilson (51st choice in the last Draft) who took advantage of the opportunity to sign his best career game (21 points and 10 rebounds). Ditto for Noah Clowney (14 points) who had only made one appearance so far. Others, more referenced, like Dennis Smith Jr. or Trendon Watford, were also able to improve their stat sign.
Nets executives can thank them. They will be able to start their “road trip” (Wizards, Thunder, Pelicans and Rockets) on Friday with a little more freshness. With the Nets returning from a five-game trip West a week before Christmas, Jacque Vaughn cited a heavy workload to justify the decision to rest the players, saying he would put them ” in danger » if they did not benefit from a respite. Done.
