Mikal Bridges misses late free throw as Nets fall again

Bridget Reilly



In another late-game fight, the Nets came up short and as the more well-rested team.

Thanks to a third-quarter surge, the Nets had some hope to get back in the game against the Timberwolves, who were on their second night of a back-to-back after beating the Wizards on Wednesday.

But, if Minnesota’s energy was down compared to normal, it didn’t show much and it didn’t affect the result as their league-leading defense and size couldn’t be denied, giving them a 96-94 victory over the Nets on Thursday night at Barclays Center.

Karl-Anthony Towns scored a game-high 27 points to go with 10 rebounds, while Anthony Edwards netted 24.

Mikal Bridges led the way for the Nets with 21 points, shooting 8-for-18 from the field.

But despite Bridges’ effort and leadership, he let the Nets down in the final seconds.

Mikal Bridges missed two free throws that would’ve tied it for the Nets in their 96-94 loss to the Timberwolves. Getty Images
Mikal Bridges reacts after missing a late free throw against the
Timberwolves. Getty Images
Cam Thomas led the Nets with 25 points in their loss to the Timberwolves. Getty Images

After a called timeout by Brooklyn with 25.3 seconds to go, the Nets looked to get Bridges the ball for a three-point winner, but he was unable to find his shot after Nic Claxton attempted setting a screen for him.

Bridges was forced to pass it to Thomas, whose subsequent pass was tipped out of bounds — giving the Nets the ball with 7.4 seconds remaining.

Nic Claxton compiled 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Nets on Thursday. Jason Szenes for the NY Post
Cam Thomas and the Nets lost for the 12th time in the past 14 games. Jason Szenes for the NY Post

A “Let’s go Nets” chant roared throughout Barclays Center as Bridges got the ball again, unable to get a shot, but drew a foul on Jaden McDaniels.

With the Nets down 96-94, Bridges missed the first shot and then a lane violation came off the second attempt, giving Minnesota the seal-the-deal possession with 2.4 seconds left.


By Bridget Reilly , nypost.com , ,

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2024-01-26 03:50:46 , New York Post , Mikal Bridges misses late free throw as Nets fall again

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