The Brooklyn Nets fell to the Miami Heat 106-95 on Thursday night. The loss occurred at the Barclays Center and dropped the Nets' season record to 7-19. Miami's balanced attack and clutch free-throw shooting secured the victory.
Brooklyn struggled offensively all night, shooting under 39% as a team. According to game
The game's momentum shifted early with a significant injury. Rookie guard Drake Powell sprained his right ankle just four minutes after entering the game. This was the same ankle he had injured twice previously this season.
Forward Noah Clowney also suffered a knee scare before halftime. He returned but had an extremely difficult shooting night. Clowney finished 0-for-9 from three-point range in the loss.
Miami's victory was fueled by efficient scoring from its role players. Norman Powell scored 24 points, including a 41-foot buzzer-beater to end the first half. Jaime Jaquez Jr. added significant support as the Heat shot nearly 49% in the first two quarters.
For Brooklyn, Michael Porter Jr. shouldered the offensive load with 28 points. His effort was hampered by inefficient shooting, going 10-for-24 from the field. Nic Claxton contributed a strong all-around line of 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists.