In another late-game fight, the Nets came up short and as the more well-rested team.
Thanks to a third-quarter surge, the Nets had some hope to get back in the game against the Timberwolves, who were on their second night of a back-to-back after beating the Wizards on Wednesday.
But, if Minnesota’s energy was down compared to normal, it didn’t show much and it didn’t affect the result as their league-leading defense and size couldn’t be denied, giving them a 96-94 victory over the Nets on Thursday night at Barclays Center.
Karl-Anthony Towns scored a game-high 27 points to go with 10 rebounds, while Anthony Edwards netted 24.
Mikal Bridges led the way for the Nets with 21 points, shooting 8-for-18 from the field.
But despite Bridges’ effort and leadership, he let the Nets down in the final seconds.
Timberwolves. Getty Images
After a called timeout by Brooklyn with 25.3 seconds to go, the Nets looked to get Bridges the ball for a three-point winner, but he was unable to find his shot after Nic Claxton attempted setting a screen for him.
Bridges was forced to pass it to Thomas, whose subsequent pass was tipped out of bounds — giving the Nets the ball with 7.4 seconds remaining.
A “Let’s go Nets” chant roared throughout Barclays Center as Bridges got the ball again, unable to get a shot, but drew a foul on Jaden McDaniels.
With the Nets down 96-94, Bridges missed the first shot and then a lane violation came off the second attempt, giving Minnesota the seal-the-deal possession with 2.4 seconds left.
