UPDATE: In a thrilling comeback, Cam Thomas scored 30 points in his return from a left hamstring strain, leading the Brooklyn Nets to a decisive 123-107 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 16, 2023. This marks Thomas’s first game after missing 20 games, and his performance was pivotal for the Nets.
The Nets showcased a formidable offense, with Michael Porter Jr. contributing 27 points and 10 rebounds. Brooklyn’s offense clicked into high gear, with six players scoring in double figures. This victory extends their winning streak to four out of their last five games and improves their December record to 7-3.
Defensively, the Nets have been impressive this month, allowing an NBA-low 103.1 points per game. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards with 28 points, faced their third consecutive loss, following a narrow overtime defeat against Denver just days earlier.
Thomas, who played just under 20 minutes, ignited the game with a remarkable stretch of 12 consecutive points in the third quarter, which included two critical three-pointers, pushing Brooklyn to an 89-82 lead. The momentum continued with Day’Ron Sharpe scoring six of the Nets’ final eight points of the quarter, setting the stage for a strong fourth.
Early in the fourth quarter, Thomas hit a pull-up jumper, followed by four points from Danny Wolf, extending Brooklyn’s lead to 104-86. Porter’s three-pointer with just 1:57 left in the game sealed the Nets’ commanding lead at 120-102.
For the month, Porter has been on fire, averaging 28.4 points on 51.1% shooting, with 46.7% from beyond the arc, while also grabbing 7.5 rebounds and contributing 3.1 assists per game.
In a concerning update for the Timberwolves, an MRI on guard Terrence Shannon Jr., who left the recent game against Denver, revealed a left foot strain. He will be re-evaluated in two weeks, adding further strain to Minnesota’s roster as they navigate a challenging stretch.
This victory for the Nets not only highlights Thomas’s explosive return but also positions Brooklyn to gain momentum as the season progresses. Fans are eager to see how this resurgence will impact their playoff aspirations moving forward.
