Nets’ Cam Johnson says OT loss to Trail Blazers was ‘very’ disappointing
NEW YORK — The Brooklyn Nets appeared to have changed their losing ways by having a important, albeit tenuous, win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, as has been the case throughout this season, the Nets take one step forward and take two steps back.
“Very,” Nets forward Cam Johnson said when asked how disappointing Sunday’s 134-127 overtime loss to the Portland Trail Blazers was for the team. The Nets went into the fourth quarter with a 93-85 lead over Portland thanks in large part to Mikal Bridges’ 25 points, but that cushion was not enough for Brooklyn to close the deal against one of the worst teams in the league in terms of record.
“Definitely one we should have won,” Johnson explained. “53% from three, 20 makes. It’s hard to fight that. Got to be able to take those away.” Brooklyn has been one the worst teams in the league in terms of defending the three-point line due to their defense prioritizing protecting the paint and the rim.
However, that strategy has burned time and again and it’s starting to feel less like bad opponent shooting luck and more of a defensive system that isn’t paying dividends for this Nets team. Thanks to Portland guard Anfernee Simons going off for 38 points and 11 assists, he was able to generate plenty of easy looks for his teammates from deep and the Trail Blazers made the Nets pay all game long.
