Brooklyn Nets Fall Short in Thrilling Preseason Finale Comeback Attempt Against Toronto Raptors
The Brooklyn Nets concluded their 2024 preseason campaign with a narrow 124-120 loss to the Toronto Raptors, following a valiant but ultimately unsuccessful comeback attempt. The game, played at Barclays Center, provided plenty of drama as the Nets erased a large deficit but couldn’t seal the win in the closing minutes.
Strong Start by Toronto
The Raptors jumped out to an early lead, showcasing their fast-paced offense and tough defense. Toronto was led by Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes, who controlled the pace of the game from the opening tip. Siakam’s versatility and Barnes’ all-around skills caused problems for the Brooklyn defense, with the Raptors capitalizing on turnovers and missed shots to build their lead.
The first quarter saw the Raptors dominate in transition, exploiting the Nets’ slow starts and lack of cohesion. By the end of the half, Toronto had built a commanding double-digit lead, and it looked like they would cruise to victory. Siakam finished the half with 18 points, while Barnes added 15 points and 7 assists, keeping the Brooklyn defense on its heels.
Nets’ Struggles in the First Half
Brooklyn struggled to find their rhythm early on, especially with their key starters either sitting out or on limited minutes due to the preseason format. Without the full firepower of players like Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson for extended stretches, the Nets had a hard time matching the Raptors’ intensity. Ben Simmons, who has shown flashes of returning to form this preseason, found it difficult to maintain consistency in his play, though he contributed on defense and playmaking.
The Nets’ shooting woes also didn’t help. They shot under 40% from the field in the first half, and their three-point attempts were largely off the mark. Spencer Dinwiddie and Nic Claxton, two of the team’s primary contributors, were largely ineffective in the early going, leaving the Nets in a deep hole by halftime.
Second-Half Surge
However, the game took a dramatic turn in the second half. Brooklyn came out of the locker room with renewed energy, fueled by impressive play from their bench unit. Cam Thomas and Lonnie Walker IV were pivotal in leading the charge, both scoring efficiently and creating opportunities for their teammates. Thomas, who continues to impress with his scoring prowess, poured in 25 points, while Walker added 19 points, knocking down crucial shots in the fourth quarter.
As the fourth quarter began, the Nets had cut Toronto’s lead to single digits, and the home crowd began to sense a possible comeback. Brooklyn ramped up its defensive pressure, forcing the Raptors into several costly turnovers and capitalizing on fast-break opportunities.
Final Moments and the Raptors Hold On
In the final minutes, the Nets pulled within two points after a key steal and layup by Thomas, but the Raptors were able to hold on. Gary Trent Jr. hit a clutch three-pointer with less than a minute to go, extending Toronto’s lead and putting the game out of reach. Despite their best efforts, Brooklyn’s comeback attempt fell just short, ending their preseason on a sour note.
Takeaways for the Nets
Though the Nets were unable to pull out a win, the game highlighted both their potential and areas for improvement. Ben Simmons showed more glimpses of his playmaking ability, and Cam Thomas continues to make a case for a larger role in the regular season. Brooklyn’s defense improved as the game went on, but their slow starts and inconsistent shooting remain concerns as they prepare for the regular season opener.
On the other hand, the Raptors showcased their depth and versatility, with solid contributions across the board. Siakam, Barnes, and Trent all played well, and Toronto’s defense continues to be one of their strengths heading into the new season.
For the Nets, the preseason has been a chance to iron out kinks and experiment with rotations. Now, the real test begins as they look to make a strong push in the highly competitive Eastern Conference when the regular season tips off next week.
