Nets fall to 0-7 after late collapse against Timberwolves

"The Nets were close for a while. Aside from a rough stretch early in the third quarter and a late fade in the fourth, Brooklyn delivered one of its most complete performances of the season, pushing a disciplined Minnesota Timberwolves team without All-Star Anthony Edwards to the wire. But once again, head coach Jordi Fernández's group couldn't finish, falling to 0-7 after a 125-109 loss Monday night at Barclays Center. The effort's improving, but the outcomes remain the same."

"With forward Michael Porter Jr. out for personal reasons, Noah Clowney stepped into the starting lineup and provided an instant spark for a group desperate for defensive energy. The Nets' effort on that end was noticeably sharper than in recent games, with active hands producing several deflections and Clowney setting the tone by diving for loose balls. Brooklyn forced three quick turnovers to open the game, two of them created by the third-year forward."

"It added up to the kind of start Fernández had been pleading for. Brooklyn held Minnesota to 28 points in the first quarter and forced eight turnovers, while Cam Thomas found an early rhythm offensively. The Timberwolves shot 61.1% from the field and the game was tied heading into the second, but for this Brooklyn team, that still counted as a small victory."

Brooklyn produced one of its better performances, showing noticeably sharper defense and forcing early turnovers, yet could not finish strong. Michael Porter Jr. was absent for personal reasons, prompting Noah Clowney to start and provide defensive energy with dives for loose balls and multiple deflections. Cam Thomas paced scoring with 19 points on 8-of-13 shooting and went 4-for-4 in the second quarter. Brooklyn held Minnesota to 28 first-quarter points and trailed 63-59 at halftime. A rough early third-quarter stretch and a late fourth-quarter fade widened the gap, resulting in a 125-109 loss and an 0-7 record.

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