On January 16, Beijing time, the 2021-22 NBA regular season is in full swing. In today's focus battle, the Nets welcomed the Pelicans at home. With Durant injured, the Nets beat the Pelicans 120-105 to avoid a two-game losing streak.
In the case of Durant's injury departure, the Nets played well, with Harden having 27 points, 8 rebounds and 15 assists, Mills 21 points, Edwards 16 points and 6 rebounds, and Sharp 12 points and 10 rebounds. None of them, though, is the Nets' No. 27 pick last year, cameron Thomas, who is only 20 years old! Thomas played 35 minutes today, shooting 9-of-13, including 2-of-5 from three-point range, for a combined 20 points, 6 rebounds and 1 steal.
In the first quarter, Thomas showed a good feel, scoring 7 points on 3 of 3 in the single quarter, and in the second quarter, Thomas conceded a three-pointer and missed 100% shooting, but still scored 4 points on 2-of-3 shooting. In the second half, in Durant's absence, Thomas helped the team withstand the most difficult period, scoring six points on three mid-range shots in the third quarter.
It has to be said that since hitting the killer goal in overtime, Thomas has completely ushered in an outbreak. Counting today's games, Thomas has scored 20+ in 3 of the last 4 games! And in the games before this season, he failed to complete even one 20+!
For the current Nets team, Thomas's outburst is very timely. They need young strength to help the team add more tactical deployments, as well as energy and impact. I believe that with the recent performances getting better and better, Thomas will get more opportunities to play in the future.