Horrendous first half sets tone for Nets in blowout loss to Thunder

Furthermore, the 24 points were the second-fewest in the first half of a game in league history, only behind the 22 that the Phoenix Suns accounted for against the Los Angeles Lakers in 2016. The 11 first-quarter points tied a franchise record that was previously set against the Lakers in 2024.

To be fair, Oklahoma City has won 10 straight for the second time this season and at least 55 games for the third consecutive season. Additionally, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (20 points, 8-of-9 FG) extended his historic streak of scoring at least 20 points to 130 games.

The Nets were simply not in this game from the opening tip. They finally woke up in the second half, scoring more points (31) in the third quarter than they did in the entire first half and outscoring the Thunder, 68-61.

Forward Jalen Wilson's team-high 15 points (5-of-11 FG) off the bench were at least something to appreciate, but it also highlights the underwhelming performance all around, as no one had any more points than that. 

Sure, leading scorer Michael Porter Jr. (ankle, hamstring) missed his fourth consecutive game, and Noah Clowney (right wrist sprain) left the game early and did not return. Still, it is hard to even fathom an NBA team putting up 24 points in a half, regardless of the talent that is on the floor.

This was another harsh reminder of how far the Nets have fallen with 15 losses in their last 17 games. According to Jeremy Woo's latest mock draft for ESPN, he has the Nets selecting North Carolina's Caleb Wilson with the fourth overall pick.  

Injuries or not, this was a dismal performance for the Nets. That type of play is exactly why they are in a position to select a star player in the draft, but Wednesday once again showed how far they still have to go after a historically slow start against the Thunder.