Cam Thomas erupted for 34 points, including nine in the fourth quarter, as the Brooklyn Nets overcame a late push by the Sacramento Kings to secure a gritty 108-103 win on Sunday night.
The game marked Nets coach Jordi Fernandez’s first return to Sacramento, where he served as an associate coach under Mike Brown for the past two seasons.
Brooklyn built a commanding 19-point lead in the first half, only to see it evaporate by the third quarter. Tied at 88 heading into the fourth, the Nets clamped down defensively, holding the Kings to just 15 points in the final frame. Thomas stepped up when it mattered most, helping Brooklyn close the game with a decisive 15-4 run.
De’Aaron Fox led Sacramento with 31 points, showcasing his usual blend of speed and scoring prowess. However, the Kings struggled to find offensive rhythm late, missing their final five field-goal attempts and failing to score from the floor in the game’s last two minutes.
Brooklyn’s victory came despite missing starting guard Dennis Schroder (right ankle soreness) and losing forward Noah Clowney to a left ankle injury in the fourth quarter after scoring 18 points. Sacramento was without Malik Monk for the seventh straight game due to a right ankle sprain, further limiting their depth.
The Nets relied on their bench to outpace Sacramento’s reserves, outscoring them 44-9. Jalen Wilson and Cam Johnson provided critical three-pointers during the fourth-quarter surge that flipped a 94-90 deficit into a 105-98 advantage with four minutes to play.
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Thomas has continued to emerge as a reliable offensive force for Brooklyn, delivering his third 30-point game of the season. His ability to create his shot and step up in clutch moments has been instrumental for a young Nets squad navigating a rebuilding phase.
The Kings, meanwhile, have made a habit of rallying from deficits this season but couldn’t complete the comeback this time. Coach Mike Brown noted before the game that while he appreciates his team’s resilience, they need to focus on building early leads and avoiding scenarios where they have to rely on heroics.
Sacramento’s struggles from deep and late-game execution were evident as they finished 10-of-32 from three-point range. Brooklyn, by contrast, was red-hot early, hitting a season-high 13 three-pointers in the first half and finishing 19-of-39 (48.7%) from beyond the arc.
Brooklyn’s defense shone in the closing moments, forcing the Kings into tough shots and capitalizing on their offensive miscues. Fernandez’s familiarity with Sacramento’s schemes may have played a role, as the Nets executed a disciplined game plan down the stretch.
The win showcases Brooklyn’s growing maturity, especially after letting a big lead slip away. Their ability to regroup and deliver in the fourth quarter against a high-powered Kings offense speaks to their potential as a scrappy contender.
Both teams now turn their focus to challenging matchups on the second night of back-to-back games. Sacramento will host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night, while Brooklyn travels to San Francisco to take on the Golden State Warriors.
Sunday’s victory highlighted Thomas’s offensive brilliance and Brooklyn’s depth, while exposing Sacramento’s need for consistency to avoid digging themselves into early holes.