A historically low first half gave way to a resurgent Brooklyn offense. See how the Nets flipped the script after a dismal start.
Unfortunately for the Brooklyn Nets, a 29-point loss has not been a rarity this season, as the Nets have lost by 20 or more points 15 times after Wednesday's 121-92 defeat to the reigning NBA Champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
However, this time, the Nets played a tale of two halves, outscoring the Thunder 68-60 with an impressive second half performance. However, Brooklyn's 24 first-half points is the second-least in the shot clock era, trailing only the 2016 Phoenix Suns, who amassed 22.
The Nets struggled immensely through the first 24 minutes, committing 15 turnovers while shooting just 23.7-percent from the field and under 7-percent from 3-point range.
Brooklyn's defense showed up, holding the Thunder offense to just seven points through the first five minutes, but turnovers began to rack up, leading to easy scores for Oklahoma City in transition.
Leading MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander looked to be in complete control in the opening period, scoring nine points while adding four dimes and a steal. Alexander and the rest of the Thunder backcourt got into Brooklyn's chest, stalling out the Nets offense with elite ball pressure.
After rookie guard Nolan Traore cut the deficit to 7-4 with a short push shot, the Thunder went on a 12-2 run in just over 2:30, pushing their lead to 13. The Nets' dismal shooting continued, scoring just six points in the back half of the quarter, trailing 28-11.
Oklahoma City head coach Mark Daigneault said his team was looking to come out with a "business-like effort," establishing themselves early on the second night of a back-to-back.
His team carried this mentality into the second quarter, holding the Nets to 13 points and building a 36-point lead at half.
Although a 29-point loss is never pretty, Nets fans who stuck around for the second half may have seen one of the best halves of basketball from Brooklyn all season.
The Nets outscored Oklahoma City 67-60 in the second half, shooting at scorching 49-53-78 shooting splits. The Nets also cut down their turnovers to eight, moving the ball effectively and efficiently.
Former National Champion Jalen Wilson scored a season-high 15 points, alongside fellow Kansas product Ochai Agbaji, who added 10. Wilson has take advantage of increased play, averaging 11.3 points and 3.3 rebounds over his last three games.
Despite the Nets doing most of their damage against the Thunder bench, this is a promising sign for a team that could've easily given up after a historically bad first half.
Brooklyn wraps up a three-game home stand against the New York Knicks Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET before a four-game West Coast road trip.
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