Cam Thomas scored 23 points, Dennis Schröder added 21 points, with 15 of them coming in the final quarter, and the Brooklyn Nets came from behind to defeat the Toronto Raptors 106-102 on Wednesday night.
Nic Claxton contributed 14 points, 11 rebounds, and five blocked shots, while rookie Noah Clowney had 10 points and a career-high seven blocks for the Nets in their last home game of the season. They ended their season at Barclays Center with a record of 20-21.
Schroder praised the performances of Claxton and Clowney, highlighting their impact on both offense and defense in the crucial final moments of the game, especially after their disappointing loss to the Sacramento Kings.
Clowney, who is only 19 years old and was picked 21st in the 2023 draft, has spent most of the season with the Nets’ G League team in Long Island. He became the 12th teenager in NBA history to block seven or more shots in a game.
“They kept trying to lay the ball up, and I kept blocking it,” Clowney said.
Clowney’s seven blocks are the second-most for a rookie in franchise history. Mike Gminski holds the record with eight blocks in 1981, and Sean Williams matched it in 2007.
Immanuel Quickley led the Raptors with 32 points, while Gradey Dick had career-highs with 24 points and six 3-pointers.
The Nets’ defense limited the Raptors to 7 for 22 shooting from the field and blocked six shots in the fourth quarter alone. Toronto struggled inside the paint, shooting just 16 for 47, and ended up with only 32 points.
Despite trailing 76-67 in the third quarter, the Nets managed to cut the deficit and eventually take the lead in the fourth quarter with Schroder’s impressive play.
Schroder’s crucial plays, including a three-point play and two free throws, helped the Nets secure the victory, despite Quickley’s efforts to bring the Raptors back into the game.
The game ended with Schroder hitting two free throws to seal the win for the Nets.
