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Brooklyn Nets: Five Worst Games of the 2016-17 Season

By Christian Milcos

Dec 18, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) dives to keep the ball in play during the fourth quarter of the game against the Brooklyn Nets at the Wells Fargo Center. The Sixers won the game 108-107.Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) dives to keep the ball in play during the fourth quarter of the game against the Brooklyn Nets at the Wells Fargo Center. The Sixers won the game 108-107.Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 28, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) shoots in the second quarter against the Brooklyn Nets center Justin Hamilton (41) at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) shoots in the second quarter against the Brooklyn Nets center Justin Hamilton (41) at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Jan. 28: 129-109 Loss to Timberwolves

This was an odd game, to say the least. Kenny Atkinson threw a variety of lineups — 12 players saw the court in this one — but the Nets were never able to gain a solid lead. Brooklyn lost every quarter, with the fourth quarter (giving up 37 points) arguably being the sloppiest.

One man was responsible for this pummeling: New Jersey native Karl Anthony-Towns. Towns posted 37 points, 13 boards and four blocks on the night. Brook Lopez and his lumbering frame have traditionally struggled against mobile, athletic big men who have the ability to step out and knock down the three ball.

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DeMarcus Cousins, Marc Gasol and Towns have all had their way against the Stanford alum this season. KAT was seemingly all over the place in this contest, and he even received a standing ovation when he took a seat for the final time from a small crowd present in the Target Center.

This loss came in the middle of the worst stretch of the season. The Nets went 2-32 from Dec. 16th to Feb. 25, with this inexcusable performance being one of the more painful losses. This contest was one of five 20-point losses during this stretch of games. Yet, this was the only blowout to a team that was clearly not destined for the playoffs. For the most part, the Nets were able to compete with teams near the bottom of the standings this year. This game was a rare exception, as the Timberwolves will enter the draft lottery with the sixth best odds at obtaining the number one pick.