Cam Thomas can still qualify for the NBA’s annual awards.
And if he does, Nets interim coach Kevin Ollie said the rising young guard deserves to be in the most improved player conversation.
“He should be there, definitely, just with his work,” Ollie said before Thomas scored a team-high 28 points in Friday’s 125-108 win over Chicago. “I know he’s got a lot of guys he’s competing with as well. But with his work, his consistency and his ability to score the ball to the extent that he scores, it’s always great.
Under the new rules, players must log at least 20 minutes in 65 matches to be eligible for rewards. That means Thomas can’t miss more than one of Brooklyn’s final eight games.
Thomas had the largest scoring increase from last season to this year of any player in the league.
He entered the Bulls game leading the Nets with 21.8 points, a jump of 11.2 points from his 10.6 average last season.
“But for these guys to be rewarded, we also have to win games. It goes with it. That’s what the NBA is. You win, you get more recognition,” Ollie said. “That’s why we always make it a team sport, because it’s a team sport. The more successful we are as a team, the more recognized we are as individuals.
That’s exactly what the Nets did on Friday, earning their third straight victory — and fourth in six home games since the All-Star break — with the rout of Chicago.
Brooklyn shot 18 of 24 from 3-point range in the second half, tying an NBA record for 3s made in any half.
Nic Claxton had 11 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks despite opening the game wearing a custom-made mask to protect his broken nose.
He threw it away late in the second quarter after he was bumped during a practice and the mask slipped down his face, obscuring his view.
After suffering a broken nose when hit in the face during the loss to the Knicks, Claxton played with a ready-made mask but found it bulky and uncomfortable.
Noah Clowney was cleared and played after suffering a back contusion suffered in a hard fall.
But Dennis Smith Jr. was a late scratch after being doubtful due to right hip synovitis.
Cam Johnson missed a third straight game with a sprained left big toe.
“CJ will see our doctors (Friday evening) or (Saturday). We’ll hear from him,” Ollie said. “Dennis Smith Jr. is still working on that injection and can’t wait to see him back on the field. Soon I hope.”
Mikal Bridges entered Friday second in the league in total minutes played (2,586), behind DeMar DeRozan (2,669).
He recorded 37:56 while the Bulls played 36:48.
After the Hornets pilfered Jeff Peterson and Ryan Gisriel from Brooklyn’s front office, no other Nets are expected to follow in Charlotte’s remake, league sources told the Post.
New York Post
