Nets’ Summer League Journey Ends in Disappointment, Lose to Charlotte Hornets 97-90
The Brooklyn Nets’ Las Vegas Summer League campaign came to a disappointing close on Saturday, as they fell to the Charlotte Hornets 97-90. Despite a promising start to the summer league, the Nets’ journey ended on a sour note, leaving fans and coaches alike searching for answers.
The Nets had entered the summer league with high hopes, eager to showcase their young talent and build momentum for the upcoming season. However, their final game was a microcosm of their overall performance in Las Vegas – promising at times, but ultimately disappointing.
The Hornets, led by rookie sensation LaMelo Ball, came out strong from the opening tip. Ball, who had been impressive all summer, scored 15 points and dished out 7 assists, leading the Hornets to a commanding lead early on. The Nets struggled to find their footing, with their usually reliable shooters going cold.
Despite a valiant effort in the second half, the Nets were unable to overcome the deficit. Their defense, which had been a strength all summer, was porous against the Hornets’ attack. Charlotte shot 52% from the field and 42% from three, exposing the Nets’ weaknesses on the perimeter.
The Nets’ top performers, Cam Thomas and David Duke Jr., struggled to find their rhythm. Thomas, who had been impressive all summer, scored just 12 points on 4-14 shooting. Duke Jr., who had shown flashes of brilliance, was held to just 8 points and 3 rebounds.
As the final buzzer sounded, the Nets were left to ponder what could have been. Despite the disappointing finish, the summer league was not a complete loss. The team showed promise at times, and individual players made significant strides.
However, the loss to the Hornets was a harsh reminder of the work still to be done. The Nets’ young core, while talented, needs to develop consistency and cohesion. The team’s defense, which was a strength last season, needs to be shored up on the perimeter.
As the Nets look ahead to the upcoming season, they will need to regroup and refocus. The summer league may be over, but the real work is just beginning. With a talented young core and a seasoned coaching staff, the Nets have the pieces in place to make a push for the playoffs. But it will take hard work and dedication to overcome the disappointments of the summer league and achieve success in the regular season.
