Nets’ lineup change leads to same outcome as they falter down stretch in loss to Wizards
WASHINGTON — The Nets‘ recent cold spell has warranted change. That change came in the form of a new, yet familiar starting lineup on Friday night against the Washington Wizards in the nation’s capital.
In an effort to address Brooklyn’s slow starts and defensive woes, head coach Jacque Vaughn inserted Dorian Finney-Smith back into the starting lineup in place of Cam Thomas.
The five-man unit of Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie, Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson and Nic Claxton was the Nets’ second-most used five-man lineup this season entering the night, and the best they had to offer in terms of NET rating (6.7).
It was Finney-Smith’s first start since Nov. 30 and 18th of the season overall. For Thomas, it was just his third game as a reserve in 23 appearances.
But even with that lineup adjustment, not much changed in The Nets’ 110-104 loss to Washington on Friday. After a strong start on offense, they fell flat down the stretch when it mattered most. Once up by nine points in the third quarter, their inability to take advantage at the free-throw line (17 of 27) allowed the Wizards to chip away, making it a closer game than it ever had to be.
The Nets also shot just 9 of 28 from deep while allowing Washington to make 15 3-point shots. These Wizards — the same Wizards that limped out of Brooklyn with a 124-97 loss on Dec. 8 — entered the night as one of the worst-rated offensive teams in the NBA. They finished with five players in double figures on Friday night, led by Kyle Kuzma, who had a game-high 26.
The Nets did not play with a great deal of energy and effort, which becomes even more concerning given the fact that Vaughn opted to give his top guys rest just two days prior.
Brooklyn (15-17) is 2-7 in its last 9 games. It beat the Detroit Pistons twice in that stretch, one of the worst teams in NBA history.
The Nets will visit Oklahoma City next, followed by New Orleans and Houston.
