Wagner, Porter Headline Nets' Top Performers

The Brooklyn Nets dropped their first game of the preseason after a stellar 3-0 start, falling 144-128 against the Miami Heat on Wednesday.

The defensive communication was poor, but the offense played at a high level, with Michael Porter Jr. leading all scorers with 27 points.

Porter was extremely efficient, making 9-of-17 shot attempts and four 3-pointers, attacking the Heat with his jumpshooting.

The former NBA Champion also did a great job of pressing the action and getting to the free-throw line, converting on 5-of-6 attempts.

Heading into next week's regular season opener, the Nets' front office is looking for Porter to take the next step as a more well-rounded player.

"So for Mike to come in here and own that opportunity that he had and have a great year, I think we’re looking for consistency for him," General Manager Sean Marks said at Nets Media Day. "We’re looking for him to take another step on the defensive end of it, rebounding end of it. Just become more of a complete player."

Last season, Porter did improve as a passer, which was a known weakness of his game with the Denver Nuggets.

With a willing playmaker and downhill driver like Julius Randle on the team, Porter should play a lot more off-the-ball, getting open looks on the perimeter thanks to Randle's rim pressure.

Moritz Wagner is another player who shined on Wednesday night, scoring 15 points on near-perfect 6-of-7 shooting off the bench.

Wagner got going early on in his first stint, scoring 10 points and knocking down two 3-pointers in the first half.

The longtime Orlando Magic big man provided an instant energy boost when he entered, as he has become accustomed to doing over his NBA career.

From 2022-2025, Wagner averaged double-digits off the bench, serving as Orlando's spark plug.

Wagner plays with a high level of energy, and at times served as the Magic's enforcer, often talking smack and trying to get under his opponents skin.

Adding Wagner's ability to space the floor and knock down 3-point looks is something that Brooklyn has not had in a long time as well.

Longtime starting big man Nic Claxton was a non-threat from distance, while Day'Ron Sharpe has continued to work on adding the long ball to his game.

Wagner is a career 32.3%-shooter from beyond the arc, and has looked very comfortable from distance throughout the preseason.

As the regular season approaches, the Nets' front office has to be feeling good about what Wagner will add to this year's team.