The Nets noticed their modest successful streak come to an finish, blowing a late lead in a 123-110 collapse in opposition to the equally tanking Jazz.
In what guarantees to be a league-wide season-long tankathon, whoever is essentially the most dedicated might win.
And Brooklyn confirmed some indicators of strategic long-term dedication, resting Michael Porter Jr. in a conflict that might have actual implications within the all-important lottery.
Brooklyn fell to 5-17, now tied for fourth within the lottery odds.
Regardless of their improved play, the Nets aren’t altering lanes.
They’re nonetheless full pace forward with their tank.
However Porter had been so good for Brooklyn, he’s begging questions nobody ever thought would must be requested, a lot much less answered.
A — Is he enjoying so nicely that he endangers the Nets’ tanking?
B — If that’s the case, have they got to commerce him away to make sure their future rebuild?
Or can he really turn out to be part of that rebuilt future?
These are the type of selections that Brooklyn might have to begin mulling sooner moderately than later.
That inflection level could also be speeding up sooner than anticipated.
They rested him to handle his sore decrease again, and with out him, their offense couldn’t purchase a basket after they actually wanted.
Up by as a lot as 15, and 90-79 with a half-minute left within the third quarter, Brooklyn went ice-cold in an prolonged 33-13 Utah run.
Noah Clowney had a team-high 29 factors, the second highest scoring sport of his profession.
Ziaire Williams added 23 and rookie Danny Wolf 17 with 9 rebounds.
However they sorely missed Porter within the fourth quarter when he has taken over and received video games.
