Noah Clowneys ill-advised mistake comes as hes emerging as Nets fixture
Noah Clowney’s emergence so far this year has been one of the brightest spots in what is sure to be a tough campaign for the tanking Nets.But while he poured in a season-high 22 points in Sunday’s loss at Toronto, he badly missed an ill-advised 3-point look in the closing minutes of what will surely be a hard-earned lesson.With fans fixating on the attempt by the Nets to develop a record five first-round rookies, the 21-year-old Clowney’s emergence is an auspicious sign.After struggling to start the season coming off the bench for the first six games — averaging just 4.3 points on 23.3 percent shooting and 18.2 percent from 3-point range — the forward has thrived since moving into the lineup.Clowney is averaging 15.1 points as a starter.He’s riding a career-best string of six games scoring at least 12, averaging 16 points and 1.5 blocks with 45.9 percent shooting and 35.7 percent from deep.Last season, Clowney’s Achilles’ heel was his driving, hurt by both a lack of girth and decision-making.
The third-year pro has turned it into a strength so far this season, evidenced by a strong drive and dunk over Seton Hall grad Sandro Mamukelashvili.But with the score knotted at 98-98 and the Nets still searching for their first lead of the night, Clowney forced a 3-pointer and airballed it badly.Mamukelashvili rebounded it, and the Raptors went ahead on the ensuing possession.The Nets never took the lead.Tyrese Martin led all players with a season-high 26 points off the bench, shooting 5-of-9 from deep and a perfect 7-of-7 from the charity stripe.
It’s the second-highest scoring game of Martin’s career and the most scored by a Nets reserve this season.Michael Porter Jr.had 25 points on 4-of-9 shooting from behind the arc, with six rebounds and four assists.It extended his career-long streak of 20-point outings to nine, tying Cam Thomas and Mikal Bridges for the longest by a Net since Kevin Durant had 14 in a row from Dec.
4, 2022, to Jan.6, 2023.Nic Cl...