The last time Cam Thomas hit a game-winning shot, the Brooklyn Nets were playing in an exhibition game versus the Washington Wizards in the Las Vegas Summer League.
The shot Thomas hit over the San Antonio Spurs had much more meaning.
With the game tied up in overtime on Sunday at 119 points apiece, Kevin Durant passed the ball to Thomas. He drove to his left and sank a floater over Josh Primo with 1.4 seconds remaining to lift the Nets to a 121-119 win. The victory was just their second over their last six games.
The play unfolded when the Spurs swarmed Durant at the top of the key. Durant quickly surveyed the court and launched it over to Thomas. The Nets told Thomas that he could be in the position to take the shot so he stayed ready and did just that.
“Obviously, Cam made a big shot,” Nets head coach Steve Nash said. “They double-teamed Kevin and we talked about it in the timeout: ‘They are probably coming from your side, Cam. Be ready to go.’ He stepped up and made a big shot.”
Durant described the scene that led to finding Thomas for the shot.
I realize teams might run and jump me out there and not let me play 1-on-1 so I think the end of the regulation I saw him coming but I rushed the 3-pointer. I maybe should have waited a little bit, we probably could have got the same set at the end of regulation.
It was good to go through that so when I saw it again in the overtime, I was able to slow down a bit and find Cam. He showcased his brilliance making the tough runner — that’s his shot. I’m glad he knocked that down.
Rookie Cam Thomas hits the winner for the Nets late in overtime! 🔥
🎥: @NBA
pic.twitter.com/wdLSXmsWOz— USA TODAY NBA (@usatodaynba) January 9, 2022
Thomas had played sparingly for the Nets recently as the contest on Sunday marked just his fourth appearance in eight games since Christmas Day. With the Nets down several players, Nash turned to Thomas on Sunday and the 27th pick responded with 11 points and six rebounds.
He entered the NBA this season with supreme confidence after a stellar showing in college last season at LSU. He boldly anointed himself the best scorer in the draft this year, and that ability has been on display in spurts throughout the season.
Thomas points to his work that has enabled him to produce.
I just trust the work I put. I put in a lot of work so I’m always ready whenever K.D. or James kicks it to me in a situation like that. I’m always going to be ready to hit the three or get to the basket and hit a shot for us to win the game. I just trust my work and my confidence.
Thomas’ minutes this season have been sporadic, but the 20-year-old has stayed ready and has made the most of his time on the court. Certainly, Durant trusted him in a high-pressure situation and that should speak volumes to how the team views him.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
[lawrence-related id=44981,45042,43332]
[mm-video type=video id=01frp5efjac3262gq8wb playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f1jxkahtwnvzepyp image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01frp5efjac3262gq8wb/01frp5efjac3262gq8wb-fe9557636aad8b63d69884d28de21eb7.jpg]
[listicle id=48412]