Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton has been one of the steadying forces for the team this season as he has been the anchor of the defense and has been available for the most part. That availability almost came into question for Wednesday’s 122-119 overtime win at the Washington Wizards due to an injury.
Prior to Wednesday’s game at the Wizards, Meghan Triplett of YES Network reported that Claxton was going to go through warmups with a mask on due to a nasal injury that he suffered in Saturday’s 105-93 loss at the New York Knicks. Claxton played most of the game without the mask on, but he did not suffer another facial injury and still put up 17 points, 13 rebounds, and three blocks in the contest.
After the win, Claxton said that he took the mask off because he “wasn’t comfortable” and that he hopes to get a new mask that will make him feel more comfortable. Brooklyn’s next game is at home on Friday against the Chicago Bulls so there may be enough time for Claxton to get a new mask.
Also, Claxton gave his thoughts on how Cam Thomas, someone that Claxton has played with for the past three seasons, has developed from just a scorer to being a player who can affect the game with his playmaking ability as well. Thomas had one of his best games of the season as he put up 38 points and seven assists to lead the Nets to a much-needed overtime victory.
When asked about Thomas’ growth over the years, Claxton had this to say:
“It’s been beautiful watching him grow and everybody is reaping the benefits of that. He’s finding us as you see, seven assists, 38 points. That’s tough. So, he’s got to keep going and we’re gonna follow him.”
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