Brooklyn Nets News: Nets notch first win, Cam Johnson injury update
By Zak Musso
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Charlotte Hornets 133-121 on Monday night, thanks to 33 point masterpiece for Cam Thomas. Thomas isn’t the only one who deserves props. Dorian Finney-Smith dropped 19 points (4-9 from three) and seven rebounds, Mikal Bridges had 24, and Lonnie Walker IV had 19 off the bench.
Ben Simmons had a peak Simmons game, with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. The Nets defense shutdown Hornets star LaMelo Ball, who had just eight points and fouled out of the game.
Dennis Smith Jr., Mr. “A hot dog is a taco,” was the lone Net to struggle, scoring just three points in 14 minutes. With the recent emergence of Thomas and Walker IV, Smith’s rotation spot could soon be in jeopardy.
Final: Nets 133, Hornets 121
— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) October 31, 2023
Thomas: 33 pts, 10/17 FG, 12/14 FT
Bridges: 24 pts, 7 reb, 4 ast, 10/13 FG
Finney-Smith: 19 pts, 7/12 FG
Walker: 19 pts, 6/13 FG
Simmons: 11 pts, 10 reb, 8 ast, 5/6 FG
Brooklyn picks up the 1st win with Cam Thomas and Mikal Bridges leading the way.
Cam Johnson Injury Update
Brooklyn announced yesterday that Johnson, who has a left calf contusion, will be re-evaluated in ten days. That’s a tough break for Brooklyn, as they could really use both Johnson’s perimeter defense and three-point shooting. His fellow namesake, Cam Thomas, has been inserted into the starting lineup in his place.
Nic Claxton Injury Update
Claxton, the Nets starting center, has missed the last two games and will also miss Brooklyn’s next game in Miami with a right ankle sprain. The timetable for Claxton’s return is uncertain. Finney-Smith has started in his place the last two games, but Brooklyn could certainly use their Defensive Player of the Year candidate back in the lineup.
Spencer Dinwiddie Injury Update
Dinwiddie sprained his left ankle in the second quarter of the Nets win over Charlotte and missed the entire second half. It’s uncertain how many games he will miss, but it’s not likely he will play against Miami tomorrow night.
Injuries are mounting in Brooklyn. The Nets have three injured starters, and we are only three games into the season. Luckily for Nets coach Jacquez Vaughn, Sean Marks assembled a roster with significant depth.
