10th straight loss for the Brooklyn Nets

The same day the Nets trade for Ben Simmons, they pick up their 10th straight loss this season in a close game against the Washington Wizards.

The Nets have lost 10 in a row! Brooklyn faced off against Washington in a close game at Washington but ultimately could not get the job done. The Nets did not have Kevin Durant who is suffering from an MCL injury and is out for at least 3 more weeks. The superstar said he could not give a definite timeline for his return but feels better than a few weeks ago. Ben Simmons, having just been traded to the team was unavailable as well and the only star for the Nets was Kyrie Irving.

Kyrie led the Nets with 31 points,5 rebounds, and 6 assists. He had great help from rookie Cam Thomas who had 27 points and 4 rebounds. Ultimately it wasn’t enough to overcome the Wizards who had 7 players with double-digit scoring. They were led by Kyle Kuzma, who had a 15 point,13 rebounds, 10 assists triple-double which was his first career triple-double. Wizard guard Raul Neto led the team in scoring with 21 points.

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The Nets came back from a 12 point deficit in the 4th quarter and brought the game to within 6 points by the 1-minute mark. With 7 seconds left in the game, it was a 3 point game with Kyrie at the free-throw line. Kyrie iced both free throws and brought the game to within 1 point. In the end, Cam Thomas took the 3 pointers to tie the game after the wizards extended the lead to 3 points with 6 seconds left in the game but could not make it. Kyrie had given the ball to Thomas after he was triple-teamed by the wizards and could not get his shot off.

The Nets were the favourites to win the championship this season but with their recent struggles with injuries and a part-time Kyrie Irving, the team finds itself in 8th place in the east and might end up in the play-in tournament this season. The Nets are hopeful that the arrival of Ben Simmons along with Seth Curry and Andre Drummond can help put the team on track to winning once again. The best-case scenario for the Nets is Kyrie Irving taking the vaccine instead of holding out and becoming available to play in home games. They are also hopeful that COVID mandates might relax in New York City by the time the playoffs come around, allowing the point guard to play despite being unvaccinated.

Whatever the case may be, it has been a disappointing season for the Nets. From championship hopes to hope to make it out of the play-in tournament. Having gotten some valuable pieces from the James harden trade they should be hopeful about the situation getting better. For the sake of Nets fans, I hope they do figure things out and start performing like the team they were supposed to be.