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Nic Claxton shines in Nets’ victory over Giannis and the Bucks
In a thrilling matchup on Sunday, the Brooklyn Nets secured their first win of the season, thanks in large part to the impressive performance of Nic Claxton. Despite not being at full speed following a hamstring injury that sidelined him throughout the preseason, Claxton showcased his defensive skills, effectively slowing down the formidable Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Claxton’s Impact on Defense
Coach Jordi Fernandez praised Claxton’s performance, stating, “Nic played like we want him to play, like one of the best defensive players in the NBA … or the best.” Claxton’s ability to communicate and lead the defense was crucial in limiting Antetokounmpo’s impact.
The former MVP has historically dominated the Nets, averaging 29.7 points against them last season. However, on Sunday, Claxton and his teammates held him to just 22 points, with only eight in the first half.
Team Effort Against a Star Player
Claxton emphasized the importance of teamwork in defending against a player of Antetokounmpo’s caliber. “It’s on all five guys against a guy like Giannis. It’s on everybody to be on the same page to all load up,” he explained.
This collective effort was evident as the Nets executed their game plan effectively, showcasing their defensive capabilities.
Claxton’s Road to Recovery
Despite his strong performance, Claxton acknowledged that he is still working to regain his full rhythm. “I’m still finding it.
It’s gonna take some time,” he said. His contributions included a double-double with 10 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks in just 22 minutes of play. As he continues to recover, his presence on the court is becoming increasingly valuable to the Nets.
Supporting Cast Shines
In addition to Claxton’s defensive prowess, Cam Thomas emerged as a scoring leader, contributing 32 points, with 25 coming in the second half. His performance tied him with Kevin Durant for the second-most points scored through three games to start a Nets season. The Nets’ overall performance reflects a promising start, especially as they navigate injuries to key players like Bojan Bogdanovic and Day’Ron Sharpe.
Nets’ Rising Valuation
Off the court, the Nets are also making headlines with their financial growth. According to the latest Forbes analysis, the team’s valuation has jumped to $4.8 billion, marking a 25 percent increase from the previous year. This places them eighth-highest in the NBA, tied with the Bucks and Grizzlies for the second-biggest increase in the league.
As the Nets continue to build momentum, Claxton’s return and the team’s collective effort will be crucial in their pursuit of success this season.
