Despite playing without Kevin Durant, the Brooklyn Nets managed to gather a huge win against a healthy Golden State Warriors. With Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green rested for the clash against the Cavaliers, the reigning champions were favourites to win the clash.
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However, Kyrie Irving and Nic Claxton had other plans.
Coming back from a 17-point deficit, Jacque Vaughn’s boys managed to put up a heroic 2nd half performance. An action-packed thriller that witnessed 6 lead changes & 6 ties, ended with the New York-based franchise clinching a 120-116 victory.
Also Read: Stephen Curry Lists Warriors’ Challenges After Blowing 17-Point Lead to Kyrie Irving and the Nets
Nic Claxton responds to being the victim of “Hack-A-Shaq”
Kai played a game-high 39:48 minutes and managed to record 38 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists. However, it was Claxton who had the best performance of his young career.
The 6-foot-11 big man recorded a 24-point, 15-rebound double-double (career-high in both), shot the ball at 69% FG and blocked 3 shots.
While the Warriors failed to contain the 23-year-old from going on a scoring rampage, Steve Kerr’s boys were successful in exposing the southpaw’s inefficiency from the charity stripe.
A 47% free throw shooter, the 215-pound center was sent to the free throw line 15 times out of which he was only able to knock down 6.
When asked about GSW’s strategy of fouling him, Claxton had a very Shaquille O’Neal type of reply:
“If teams are fouling me it’s almost a sign of respect.”
Nic’s stats in 2022-2023
Claxton has been the guy to do all the dirty work for this Brooklyn Nets squad.
At 6-foot-11, possessing 7’3″ wingspan and a 9’2″ standing reach, the former Bulldog has developed into one of the best defensive stoppers in the entire league.
Ranked #3 in the latest Defensive Player Ladder, Nic averages 12.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.7 blocks, and 0.7 steals per game (career-highs in all).
Also Read: Kyrie Irving’s 38 Point Explosion Against Stephen Curry Comes Following A Revelation
