Tuesday morning, following a 1-5 road trip, Nic Claxton called the season “frustrating” — with all the losses and injuries the Nets have endured.
He also admitted the season hasn’t seen his best self due to new defensive schemes under first-year coach Jordi Fernandez.
“I don’t think we have seen it yet, honestly,” he said before the Nets’ 99-95 loss to the Knicks at Barclays Center. “Still growing a lot. It’s been a frustrating year with injuries, with the losses. It’s been frustrating, but I’m still trying to get to that point.”
And in the first game of a four-game homestead, Claxton had a tough test in Karl-Anthony Towns.
“He’s huge. The size, skill, he can shoot quick trigger. He can score on all three levels,” Claxton said after the loss.
The four-time All-Star center scored 25 points, shooting 11-for-19, and grabbed 16 rebounds. Claxton grabbed 12 rebounds, but the Knicks outscored the Nets inside, 56-38.
Still, Claxton felt like he did the best job possible.
“In the first half, he was comfortable. The second half, a little bit more uncomfortable. He still had a good game,” Claxton said. “He still got his numbers, but I was able to affect him a little bit.”
In the close final quarter, Claxton forced a missed layup from Towns with the Knicks nursing an 87-85 lead with nearly five minutes to play. Claxton then rebounded a missed second chance from OG Anunoby that led to a Keon Johnson 3-pointer to take an 88-87 lead.
“I liked his energy. He was vocal. He was engaged the whole game and that’s the Nic Claxton I want,” Fernandez said. “And if he continues to do that like he’s been doing, he’s going to help us win. The good thing is he has high standards for himself and I love it.”
Claxton, who also had eight points and two steals, did have the help of Day’Ron Sharpe against Towns. Sharpe played just 14 minutes but added 10 points, three rebounds and two blocked shots. He also was a plus-15.
“Give them their credit. We were right there. We were in position to win the game,” Claxton said. “So, that’s all we can ask for. We just got to finish it. … I really wanted to beat them. I haven’t beat them in a long time, like two, three years. Just gotta keep going.”
