Nets suffer worst loss in franchise history, fall to Clippers in LA

On By Littum

After the Brooklyn Nets’ most commanding victory of the 2024-25 season — an offensive clinic against the Portland Trail Blazers — the team suffered the worst loss in franchise history against the LA Clippers, unable to replicate that success in any way.

Jalen Wilson led the Nets with 16 points and three rebounds in the 126-67 loss.

In stark contrast to their 132-point performance in Rip City, Brooklyn’s offense struggled to find its rhythm early. But in retrospect, those struggles would soon seem like a distant memory compared to what followed.

With Cam Johnson and Ben Simmons on the sidelines, Jordi Fernandez’s men were missing their primary facilitator and scoring threat.

15 January 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) drives against Brooklyn Nets guard Keon Johnson (45) in the first half at the Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images / Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

But ‘Brooklyn Grit’ was evident, at least in the first quarter.

Despite James Harden’s opening frame of 11 points, which moved him into 15th place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, the Nets’ defense kept them afloat despite shooting below 40%.

Brooklyn kept pace with the Clippers’ star duo of Harden and Kawhi Leonard thanks to a balanced attack led by Tyrese Martin.

Unfortunately, the game only remained close until midway through the second quarter, when Leonard found his groove.

The Nets quickly fell behind by seven, prompting Fernandez to call a timeout at the 7:52 mark. Less than four minutes later, Leonard and the Clippers sparked a 13-3 run, digging Brooklyn into a 19-point hole.

15 January 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) shoots against Brooklyn Nets forward Tosan Evbuomwan (12) in the first half at the Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images / Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Eleven turnovers and a dismal 31.7% shooting performance were key factors, but a season-low 10 first-half three-point attempts didn’t help either.

Those struggles were boosted by Harden’s 15 points on just nine attempts, leaving Brooklyn trailing by 23 at halftime after a 37-14 run by the Clippers.

The third quarter brought what might have been the most frustrating six-minute stretch in Nets history.

LA opened with an 11-0 run, extending its lead to 34. Fernandez and Ziaire Williams were both hit with technical fouls, while Brooklyn’s offensive woes only deepened. It took until midway through the period for the Nets to score, and a Wilson free throw got them on the board.

Meanwhile, Leonard turned in his best performance of the season, scoring 23 points on a scorching 8-of-11 shooting. The Clippers’ lead grew from 34 to 40, eventually reaching 50.

15 January 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) dribbles against Brooklyn Nets forward Ziaire Williams (8) and center Nic Claxton (33) in the first half at the Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images / Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

For context, the largest margin of defeat in the franchise’s 56-year history came in a 52-point loss to the Houston Rockets in 1978-79.

Brooklyn’s energy seemed completely drained, the opposite of the triumph just 24 hours earlier.

Frustrations mounted even more, resulting in the second ejection of Noah Clowney’s young career.

To put it mildly, nothing went right. This was a complete disaster in every aspect, especially considering how good the Nets looked just a day ago.

The five game losing streak was disheartening, but a performance like this will undoubtedly serve as a teaching point for the rest of the season.

After suffering their most lopsided loss in franchise history, the Nets now turn their attention to a showdown in Southern California with the Los Angeles Lakers this Friday at 7 p.m. 10:30 PM EST.

To access the final box score from the Nets’ loss to the Clippers, click here.

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