Nets' Cam Thomas should be considered for one of the NBA awards

NBA

by brian lewis

Cam Thomas can still qualify for the NBA's annual award.

And Nets interim coach Kevin O'Ree said it makes sense for the young guard to be included in the list of most improved players.

“He definitely should be able to play just with his work rate,” O'Ree said before Thomas scored a team-high 28 points in Friday's 125-108 win over Chicago. “I know he's got a lot of guys competing with him as well. But his body of work, his consistency and being able to score the ball as far as he can score is always great.”

Under the new rules, players must log at least 20 minutes in 65 games to earn the award. That means Thomas cannot miss more than one of Brooklyn's last eight games.

Thomas increased his scoring output the most of any player in the league from last season to this year.

He entered the game against the Bulls and led the Nets with 21.8 points, an increase of 11.2 points from his 10.6 points average last season.

“But in order to reward them, we also have to win games. That's the same thing. That's what the NBA is like. The more you win, the more recognition you get,” Ollie said. said. “That's why we always remain a team sport, because it's a team sport. The better we perform as a team, the more recognized we are as individuals.”

The Nets won that very Friday, defeating Chicago for their third straight win and fourth win in six home games since the All-Star break.

Brooklyn made 18 of 24 3-pointers in the second half, tying the NBA record for most 3-pointers made in the first half.

Nick Claxton had 11 points, 13 boards and two blocks despite starting the game wearing a custom-made mask to protect his broken nose.

He threw away his mask late in the second quarter after he was hit with a drive and it slipped down his face, obscuring his vision.

After Claxton was punched in the face and broke his nose in a loss to the Knicks, he played wearing a ready-made mask, which he found cumbersome and uncomfortable.

Noah Clowney was ruled out after suffering a possible back bruise during a hard fall.

However, Dennis Smith Jr. was suspected of having right hip synovitis and was a late scratch.

Cam Johnson missed three consecutive games with a sprained left toe.

“CJ will see our papers.” [Friday night] or [Saturday]. We will keep you updated on him,” Ollie said. “Dennis Smith Jr. is still getting over that injection, so he's looking forward to getting back on the court, hopefully soon.”

Mikal Bridges ranked second in the league in total minutes played (2,586) on Friday behind DeMar DeRozan (2,669).

He clocked 37 minutes, 56 seconds, compared to 36 minutes, 48 ​​seconds for the Bulls' standout.

After the Hornets poached both Jeff Peterson and Ryan Gisriel from Brooklyn's front office, league sources told the Post that no other Nets are likely to follow suit in Charlotte's remake.