In a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback, Cam Thomas scored 10 of his 17 points in the final period, including a go-ahead 3-pointer in the last minute, to lift the Brooklyn Nets to a 107-105 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Nets halted a two-game losing streak, while the Pelicans’ woes continued, extending their losing streak to five games.
Thomas, who delivered when it counted most, showcased his poise by sinking a clutch step-back 3-pointer over Javonte Green with 32.5 seconds left, putting Brooklyn up 106-105. The shot capped off a strong night for the 22-year-old guard, who has been one of the Nets’ key scorers off the bench this season. His late-game heroics ultimately decided a contest that saw New Orleans struggle to execute down the stretch.
Brooklyn’s balanced offensive attack was crucial to the win, as seven players scored in double figures. Cameron Johnson and rookie Noah Clowney each contributed 15 points, while Dennis Schroder added 14. The Nets’ floor general, Ben Simmons, displayed his playmaking ability with 12 assists, including key passes that fueled Brooklyn’s late-game run.
On the Pelicans’ side, Brandon Ingram led the way with 24 points, though he was limited to just two points on free throws in the second half. Rookie Yves Missi delivered his best game yet with career highs of 17 points and 11 rebounds, providing energy on both ends of the floor. Meanwhile, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl chipped in 15 points. However, New Orleans struggled in the closing minutes, missing their last eight shots and failing to score over the final 3:35 of the game.
Advertisement
Latest Press Conference
We’re on Social Media
The Pelicans had taken control in the final minutes, thanks to Brandon Boston Jr., who dished out 10 assists and scored five quick points to build a 105-101 lead. His sequence began with a 27-foot 3-pointer, followed by a dunk off a steal by Missi. But New Orleans couldn’t hold the lead as Brooklyn’s defense tightened and their own shooting went cold at a critical moment.
For the Nets, one key takeaway was their balanced scoring effort. With Thomas leading in crunch time, every Brooklyn starter scored in double digits. The former LSU duo of Thomas and Simmons stepped up, with Simmons’ 12 assists providing a steadying influence on the offense and setting up key baskets throughout the game.
New Orleans saw the return of Trey Murphy III, who played his first game of the season after a hamstring injury in training camp. Murphy showed some rust, scoring 12 points but shooting just 4-of-14 from the field and 2-of-6 from beyond the arc. Despite his off night, Murphy’s presence was a welcome addition for the Pelicans, who have missed his shooting and defensive versatility.
The pivotal moment came with Thomas’ game-winning 3-pointer, which showcased his confidence and skill as a late-game scorer. The step-back shot over Green shifted the momentum entirely, giving Brooklyn the lead they would not relinquish. After the Pelicans missed their final attempts, Thomas sealed the deal at the free-throw line, pushing the Nets’ lead to 107-105.
A critical stat that defined the night was Brooklyn’s success from beyond the arc. The Nets shot 45.2% from 3-point range, converting 57 points from deep compared to New Orleans’ 30. Clowney’s five 3-pointers gave the Nets a significant edge, especially as New Orleans struggled to defend the perimeter effectively.
Looking ahead, Brooklyn will host the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night in what promises to be an intense Eastern Conference showdown. The Nets will hope to carry forward their balanced scoring and defensive tenacity as they face one of the league’s top teams.
For the Pelicans, their road doesn’t get easier as they travel to Oklahoma City to face the Thunder on Wednesday. New Orleans will look to end their five-game skid and address their late-game execution and shooting consistency. Murphy’s return could be a boost as they attempt to get back on track.
Monday night’s win was a testament to the Nets’ depth and resilience, as Thomas and his teammates took control in the clutch to snap their losing streak. For the Pelicans, another close loss magnified their late-game struggles, adding urgency to find solutions as they aim to turn their season around.
