Cam Thomas leads Nets past Wizards in OT

Field Level Media|published: Wed 27th March, 22:02 2024

Mar 27, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards forward Tristan Vukcevic (00) blocks Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas (24) shot during the first half at Capital One Arena. credits: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Cam Thomas scored 38 points and hit two clutch baskets in overtime as the Brooklyn Nets hung on for a 122-119 victory over the host Washington Wizards on Wednesday.

After missing Monday's eight-point win over the Toronto Raptors due to back spasms and being questionable for Wednesday's game, Thomas made 14 of 27 shots, including his first two in the extra period.

With 3:29 left, Thomas converted a step back 21-footer after Kyle Kuzma lost him for a 116-112 lead. Following a Washington shot clock violation, Thomas sank a 16-footer by the foul line over Marvin Bagley III with 2:44 left.

After those hoops, Brooklyn (28-45) sweated out the finish. Kuzma's hoop made it 120-118 with 1:14 left and Corey Kispert split a pair at the line with 13.5 seconds left. Dennis Schroder hit two free throws with nine seconds left, Jordan Poole missed an open 3 with 7.2 seconds left.

Following two missed free throws by Dorian Finney-Smith with 4.3 seconds left, the Wizards had a chance at the tying 3 but Deni Avdija lost the ball well before crossing midcourt and the game ended.

Schroder added 21 points and eight assists and Mikal Bridges contributed 19 for the Nets, who shot 48 percent and improved to 1-4 in overtime this season. Nic Claxton chipped in 17 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks — two in overtime and another on Avdija with 11.5 seconds left in regulation.

Poole led the Wizards with 38 points but Washington (14-59) saw a three-game winning streak stopped. Kuzma added 24, Bagley contributed 18 and Avdija finished with 17 points and 12 boards as the Wizards shot 50.5 percent.

Thomas scored 24 in the first half, which saw the Nets briefly take a 10-point lead before carrying a 61-54 edge into intermission and then a 92-91 lead into the fourth. Thomas sank a 17-footer to give Brooklyn a 104-99 lead with 6:28 left before Poole scored 10 straight Washington points and Kuzma's triple forged a 112-112 deadlock with 1:12 seconds in regulation. Schroder missed a would-be game-winning 3 with 1.5 ticks left.

—Field Level Media

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