Nicolas Claxton, the last bulwark of the Nets | NBA

Four blocks (including a huge one on Evan Fournier), a rebound in eight minutes. The balance sheet of Nicolas Claxton is very thin a priori. As much as the young pivot of the Nets in fact …

But on closer inspection, the young interior from Brooklyn was essential in Brooklyn’s third victory in its streak. Thus, his entry into play corresponded to an 11-4 (which will even turn into 23-10 straddling the first two quarters). With victory at the end …

“It’s his game. He’s active. He protects the circle for us. He gobbles up the rebounds ”, avance James Harden. “Offensively, he puts screens, and he ends up near the circle. He did exactly what was expected of him. He only played eight minutes but he is still ready to play. It was a great job on his part. It was only eight minutes, I’m sure he would like to play more but the goal is to win. This victory was important to us. “

Keeping up with Tristan Thompson

Confronted with Tristan Thompson, more experienced (10th season against 2nd season) and quite simply heavier (115kg against 98kg), Nicolas Claxton managed to withstand the shock. Coming into play when the two teams were neck and neck, his defense and general defensive activity gave Brooklyn the perfect boost.

“Tristan is really a physical player and Nicolas needs to raise his level to level the game. He might not be that wide and beefy, but you have to go out there and fight, over and over again. In general, things are going pretty well ”, rated his father, Charles Claxton, a former pro player. “I’m just happy he has an opportunity, and he’s taking full advantage of it. He is still a little green, he is learning on the job. But he wants to give everything. We hope that the end result will be even greater. “

Still used sparingly by Steve Nash, even with Jeff Green injured and DeAndre Jordan not playing at all, the young inside out of Georgia stands by as soon as his name is called.

“I found him to be very active and disturbing. He was very positive for us in this match ”, thus concludes the coach of the Nets. “We hope he will be able to build on this. “