Nets’ inept offense no match for Cooper Flagg, Mavericks in fourth straight loss
NY Post
The Nets dropped their fourth straight game Monday, beaten by Cooper Flagg and their own sloppiness.
Their start was slow. Their shots were off. Their defense was sorry.
Add it all up, and the Nets suffered a 113-105 loss to Dallas before 18,632 at American Airlines Center in a game that had lottery implications — and was a stark reminder of just how important that lottery can be.
After being rested the night prior, Michael Porter Jr. returned with a game-high 28 points on 6-for-10 shooting from deep and nine rebounds. But no other Net mustered more than 14 as they were just 9-for-37 shooting from 3-point range.
Meanwhile, 2025 top overall pick Flagg had 27 points and five assists. The Nets doubled him but their rotations were too slow and sloppy. The rookie even shook off a twisted ankle in the third to make big plays in the fourth.
“He was exceptional,” Jordi Fernández said of Flagg. “I’m sure very fun to watch for a lot of fans. The sky’s the limit for this kid.”
An endgame collapse kept the Nets winless without Michael Porter Jr. this season — and was a reminder of just how much this young team has to learn about winning.
LaMelo Ball and Charlotte Hornets head coach Charles Lee are reportedly not aligned, according to ESPN analyst and former long-time center Kendrick Perkins.
Davante Adams only spent 11 games with the Jets, but that didn’t stop Gang Green from catching strays during the star wideout’s interview with Fox ahead of the Rams’ playoff victory over the Panthers on Saturday.
The cheese grater hat made its return following the Bears’ stunning comeback win over the Packers in the wild-card round Saturday, and this time, Caleb Williams had a real cheese grater, too.
PHOENIX — Jalen Brunson committed the big turnover in Friday’s loss, but Mike Brown agreed that Mikal Bridges didn’t do enough to get the ball back.
The Mets are going to make more moves.
BOSTON — The outlook on this Rangers team could not be any more clear after the debacle that was Saturday’s game at TD Garden.
It’s going to take a hefty price tag to acquire Freddy Peralta.
An issue with a coach turned into a problem with his teammates.
Brian Burns’ dominant season couldn’t overcome the stench of the Giants’ 4-13 record.
PHOENIX — Josh Hart, who has missed eight straight games with a sprained ankle, has progressed to taking contact in practice and is “definitely getting close” to returning, according to Mike Brown.
SAINT PAUL, Minn. — The Islanders’ handling of the lineup spot formerly occupied by Alexander Romanov begs two questions.
The Yankees have said all along this offseason that they would love to have Cody Bellinger back.