#CamThomas Reacts to Making History vs LA Clippers 2023

Cam Thomas Reacts to Making History vs LA Clippers 2023

Cam Thomas made history on Monday night, becoming the second-youngest player to ever record back-to-back 40+ point games. Despite his efforts, the Brooklyn Nets lost to the Los Angeles Clippers, 124-116.

With Kyrie Irving traded to the Dallas Mavericks, Thomas has taken advantage of his increased playing time with the Nets. He’s currently averaging over 20 minutes per game.

What’s Next for Cam?

Despite losing a close game against the LA Clippers, Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas made history Monday night at Barclays Center. He scored a career-high 47 points in the loss, a performance that broke the NBA record for points by a player in their first start of the season.

The performance also put Thomas in rarefied air as the second-youngest player in NBA history to score back-to-back 40-point games after LeBron James. He joined an exclusive list that includes Allen Iverson, Luka Doncic and Andrew Wiggins, none of whom accomplished the feat at a younger age than Thomas (21 years, 116 days).

Even though the loss left the Brooklyn Nets shorthanded as they prepare to move on from Kyrie Irving, Thomas is already making an impression on the team. He’s a dependable bucket-getter who has already earned his place in the starting lineup, even after the Nets traded Irving to Dallas on Saturday.

His latest performance — and the fact that it’s a career-high — is a perfect indication of just how talented he is as a scorer, which will help his case for more minutes. He will need to find a way to exploit some of the best defenses in the NBA, but Thomas has the talent and potential to do just that.

As the Nets’ new point guard, Thomas is a key member of the team and will need to be able to deliver when the Nets need him most. He has the ability to score in a variety of ways and will need to use his versatility to make an impact on every possession.

He also needs to improve his shooting percentage and increase his efficiency. If he can do both, then the Nets will have an effective bench player who can help them win games and earn valuable minutes moving forward.

The 21-year-old has a lot to prove, but it’s safe to say that Thomas is on the verge of becoming an elite scorer in the NBA. He’s a natural leader and a hard-working individual who can play any role, which will only help his development in the future.

The Nets’ Next Moves

Cam Thomas had a great night against the LA Clippers on Monday, becoming the second-youngest player in NBA history to record back-to-back 40+ point games. Even though the Nets didn’t win the game, Thomas played an excellent game and did a lot to help his trade stock ahead of Thursday’s deadline.

The Nets went into this summer thinking they had turned a corner, but that was before their biggest star requested a trade and rumors started to fly about their star player being available. It all added up to a tumultuous summer in Brooklyn that saw them deal James Harden and Kyrie Irving and then re-sign Durant only to watch him request a trade on the eve of free agency.

In the end, they did get some draft capital that can be used in deals and a couple of players who can fill roles on the team. They also re-signed Day’Ron Sharpe, which is a nice move.

With a couple of glaring weaknesses on the roster, it’s time to begin making moves that will put the Nets in a better position next season and beyond. They have some options on the market, but they’ll need to figure out what they want and what they can afford.

One of the first moves they could make is to upgrade their frontcourt. The Nets already signed Anthony Claxton, who is a rising star at the big man position, but they need more depth in that area.

The best option would be to acquire a veteran big man to complement Claxton, such as San Antonio’s Jakob Poeltl or Sacramento’s Richaun Holmes. While both of these players are a step down from Claxton, they’re talented enough to fit in the Brooklyn roster and provide effective minutes against bigger teams.

Another option is to try and add a point guard who can create offense for others, such as Atlanta’s John Collins or Chicago’s Zach LaVine. Both of these players can be helpful with their ability to defend the perimeter and shoot from deep, so it’s not impossible for them to find a way to get them on the court together.

Thomas’ Impact on the Nets’ Game Plan

Brooklyn’s first-round pick of 2021, Cam Thomas, has made a huge impact on the Nets this season. He has a high ceiling and is a valuable commodity for fantasy managers looking to fill the void left by Kyrie Irving’s absence. He also has a cheap rookie deal for the next three seasons, making him a solid option to add on as a bench player or complementary piece in your lineups.

Thomas has a strong offensive game and an unwavering ability to score in any situation, including on the defensive end. He also has good footwork and is a natural threat from the mid-range.

During Summer League, Thomas had several promising assists, which will help him earn consistent minutes with the Nets in the future. One of his best plays was an assist to a teammate on a bounce pass that looked difficult, but he timed and weighed it perfectly. He even drew the foul on the four-point play, which could be key in earning more minutes with the Nets next season.

If Thomas can continue to develop his passing game, he will eventually look like a starter with All-Star potential. As a young player, he needs to work on improving his defensive skills as well. However, the Nets have enough depth to keep him healthy and he will receive plenty of coaching throughout his career.

When it comes to developing his shooting, Thomas will need to continue to focus on establishing his perimeter shot. He has a high ceiling as a shooter and should be able to develop his range over the course of his career.

His game sense and awareness are also important to him, which will allow him to score in a variety of ways. He’s shown great ability off the Sharpe screen and handoff, using his speed to get out in transition and score on the move.

He’s also a dangerous isolation scorer and has shown the ability to hit tough shots from contested spots, something that could prove vital for him to succeed in the NBA.

When asked about his game, Thomas says he’s “working on being more of a complete player,” which means that he’s going to need to improve his defense. He also mentioned that he wants to be more involved in the offense, which will help him improve his game.

Thomas’ Influence on the Game

In an age where the NBA is more focused on offense, players like Thomas have an edge. He has a natural scoring ability that few can match and is also very self-creative, making him a valuable piece to any team’s arsenal.

In his first season in the NBA, Thomas has established himself as a high-energy player who can play at a very high level. He has also mastered the art of getting to the basket and showing his willingness to attack the offensive glass.

While he still has work to do in terms of his game and improving his defense, Thomas’ development is a sign that he can be a valuable asset for the Nets moving forward. Whether it’s playing a role off the bench or as a starter, Thomas will be an integral part of the team’s future.

He’s a highly intelligent player who can read a game and has the confidence to know when it’s time to take the shot. He has a natural ability to put the ball in the basket and is extremely strong for a rookie.

One thing that has been particularly noticeable in his first season in the NBA is that he’s become a very good passer. In fact, he’s already logged more assists than any other rookie guard on the roster.

With Kyrie Irving off the Nets’ roster, and star forward Kevin Durant on the mend with a sprained MCL, Thomas has taken over the point guard duties in a big way. He scored a season-high 44 points off the bench in 29 minutes against the Washington Wizards on Sunday, and he continued his hot streak with a 22-point half Monday night against the Los Angeles Clippers at Barclays Center.

Thomas’ performance against the Clippers also marked a record-setting second consecutive 40-point game for an NBA rookie. He’s joined an exclusive list of elite players who have achieved the feat before turning 22 years old, which includes LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

Thomas is still learning a lot about the league and how to make an impact, but the young Brooklyn Nets guard has shown incredible growth over his short tenure with the team. It’s going to take some time for him to develop into a top-shelf NBA player, but as long as he continues to improve his playmaking and shooting, the Nets will have a great weapon on their hands moving forward.

Cam Thomas Makes NBA History In Nets-Clippers Game On Monday 2023

Thomas dominated in the first half and scored a career-high 47 points against the Clippers on Monday night. It made him the second-youngest player to score 40 or more points in back-to-back games this season.

The Nets were without Kyrie Irving and Markieff Morris, who were traded to Dallas before the game, as well as stars Kevin Durant and Ben Simmons, who were sitting due to injury. Coach Jacque Vaughn had to rely on a rotation that included Nic Claxton and Edmond Sumner.

1. Thomas Joins LeBron James as the Second-Youngest Player to Score 40 or More Points in Back-to-Back Games

Cam Thomas made NBA history on Monday, becoming the second-youngest player to score 40 or more points in Back-to-Back games. He joined LeBron James as the youngest players to do so since ESPN Stats & Information began tracking such records in 2006.

Despite the Nets losing to the Los Angeles Clippers, Cam Thomas still managed to put together one of the most impressive two-night performances in recent memory. After averaging 44 points off the bench in the Nets' comeback win over the Washington Wizards, Thomas followed that up with a career-high 47 points in the loss to the Clippers.

With Irving out of the picture for the Nets, Thomas is proving to be the team's new point guard. He enters Wednesday's game against the Sacramento Kings with averages of 28.7 points, 4.0 assists and 1.7 turnovers in Vegas Summer League play, but with Irving now out of the picture for the foreseeable future, Thomas is playing a more leadership role in the backcourt.

While he probably won't be averaging 40 points per game in the future without Irving, there is certainly value in the way Thomas creates shots for himself and his teammates. He was able to score a career-high 47 points against the Clippers while shooting 15 of 29 from the field and 7 of 11 from beyond the arc.

He was also able to pull down four rebounds and three assists for the Nets. This is a significant jump from his previous season, where he was averaging 11.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists.

In addition to his scoring, Thomas also appears to be thriving under the tutelage of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. He has averaged a whopping 10.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists over the last six games while he's been in the starting lineup, which is something that Irving couldn't have done without. He also had a huge impact in the postgame locker room as he congratulated Irving on the trade deal.

2. Thomas Becomes the Second-Youngest Player to Score 40 Points in Back-to-Back Games Without Kyrie Irving

The Nets were handed a rough start in the wake of Kyrie Irving's trade to Dallas, but Cam Thomas has turned his season around and been a vital part of the team's success. After scoring 44 points off the bench in the team's win over the Wizards on Saturday, Thomas tallied another impressive performance Monday, scoring 47 to help the Nets lose 124-116 to the Los Angeles Clippers.

He made history in the process, becoming the second-youngest player to score back-to-back 40-point games in NBA history. Only LeBron James, who is 36 points away from tying the all-time mark, has done so at a younger age.

Thomas scored 22 points in the first half, hitting 5-of-8 from three-point range. He also made four rebounds and three assists. He had his best shooting night of the season, going 15-of-29 from the field and 10-for-11 at the line.

But despite his incredible performance, the Nets were unable to overcome an 8-point lead in the fourth quarter and fell to their fifth straight loss. The Clippers, meanwhile, came from behind to win 124-116.

The Clippers trailed by 14 in the second quarter, but they rallied to take a 55-53 lead at halftime. The Nets fought hard, however, and tied the game with a 10-0 run to open the third.

With a few minutes to play in the third, the Nets led by a point, but then the Clippers ripped off an 8-0 run that put them in front. The Nets didn't score again, however, and the Clippers held on to a seven-point lead with two minutes to go.

Thomas, who scored a game-high 44 points in the Nets' last matchup against the Wizards, went off for a big double-double Monday to earn a spot on the NBA's all-time list of players who have recorded back-to-back 40-point games. He became the youngest player in NBA history to accomplish this feat at 21 years, 116 days old.

3. Thomas Becomes the Second-Youngest Player to Score 40 Points in Back-to-Back Games Without Kevin Durant

On Monday, just hours after Kyrie Irving was traded to the Dallas Mavericks, Brooklyn Nets second-year guard Cam Thomas made history. The 21-year-old scored 47 points in a 124-116 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. It was the second game without Irving in a row that Thomas has been able to shine, as he scored 44 in a win over Washington on Saturday with Irving out of the lineup.

As of now, there are only three players in NBA history who have ever scored 40 points or more in back-to-back games – LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Allen Iverson. Despite not having the best scoring season this year, Thomas has already shown that he can be an important piece of the Brooklyn Nets’ future.

Throughout his first year and a half with the Brooklyn Nets, Thomas has had mentors in Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, helping him develop his game to a high level. Getting some extended playing time in the absence of Kyrie Irving is giving Thomas an opportunity to put his lessons into practice.

He started in place of Kyrie Irving, dropping 44 points in a win over the Washington Wizards on Saturday, then one-upped himself with a career-high 47 against the Clippers on Monday. The performance makes Thomas the second-youngest player to score 40 points in back-to-back games.

Thomas had 22 points in the first half and hit a driving layup to help the Nets lead 107-99 midway through the fourth quarter, but Los Angeles rallied. Paul George scored 29 and Kawhi Leonard added 24 for the Clippers, who won for the eighth time in 10 games. Ivica Zubac also had a big night for the Clippers, with 19 points and 12 rebounds. The Nets fought hard to keep the game close, but their miscues were too costly, as the Clippers held on for the win.

4. Thomas Becomes the Second-Youngest Player to Score 40 Points in Back-to-Back Games Without Kawhi Leonard

Cam Thomas made NBA history in a game on Monday as he became the second-youngest player to score 40 points in Back-to-Back Games without Kawhi Leonard. Thomas, who has been averaging 20.8 points in his last five games, scored 44 points off the bench to help the Brooklyn Nets beat the Washington Wizards 123-116.

The Nets trailed by 23 points in the first half, but Thomas and Edmond Sumner stepped up and scored the next 19 points as Brooklyn pulled out a huge win. This is the first time the Nets have ever overcome a deficit this large in a playoff game and it was a huge win for the team that is without Kyrie Irving, who is recovering from calf soreness.

Thomas was also able to make a difference in the defensive end as well, as he posted three blocks and two steals. He's been having a breakout season and has become one of the most exciting players in the league.

In addition, he has been showing off his amazing shot selection skills as well. Currently, he is averaging over 50 percent from the floor and is shooting 67% from behind the arc.

It's clear that he has a lot to offer the NBA and he is going to be an important part of the Nets future as they look to get back to the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.

After getting off to a slow start, the LA Clippers were finally able to win Game 3 of their series against Dallas thanks to Kawhi Leonard's incredible performance. In the process, the Clippers won their first playoff series since 2015 and now sit on top of the Western Conference with a 3-0 lead over Dallas.

5. Thomas Becomes the Second-Youngest Player to Score 40 Points in Back-to-Back Games Without Nicolas Batum

Cam Thomas made history Monday night as he became the second-youngest player in NBA history to score 40 points in Back-to-Back games without Nicolas Batum. In the Nets’ Game 3 win over the Clippers, Thomas poured in a game-high 43 points on 16-28 shooting and 6-of-9 from beyond the arc while also dishing out a team-high 12 assists.

He was also able to make a few of his signature floaters while consistently getting into the paint and shimmy-ing before he took off on a three-pointer. He had a perfect evening at the line as well, sinking all four of his free throw attempts.

With the win, the Clippers advanced to their first-ever conference finals. They improved to 38-30 on the season and are just one game behind Portland (39-29) for the eighth seed in the West.

The Wizards were a huge surprise in the playoffs this year, despite finishing with the second-worst record in the league. They have now won a franchise-record 16 straight games, including a lopsided rout of Indiana in Game 1 in front of their fans at the Verizon Center.

Washington currently sits comfortably ahead of Toronto for the third play-in spot in the East at 30-35, a half-game better than Indiana and a game-and-a-half up on Charlotte. With a dynamic backcourt led by Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal, DC is a dangerous force in the postseason that will pose a serious challenge to any top-seed they face.

The Bucks are another team that has made a big impact this season. They are a resurgent team that has beaten the likes of Philadelphia and Brooklyn in consecutive nights, earning themselves a 5-1 record against those teams this year. While they are still a long way from getting out of the Eastern Conference, their win streak is a major step in the right direction.

Clippers Surge Late Overcome Cam Thomas' 47 to Top Nets 124-116

The Clippers surged late to overcome Cam Thomas' 47 to top the Nets 124-116 on Monday night. Paul George scored 29 points and Kawhi Leonard added 24 to help the Clippers beat Brooklyn for the eighth time in 10 games.

The game was the first since the Nets traded Kyrie Irving to Dallas for Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith and a few draft picks. Jacque Vaughn said that Ben Simmons could have played, but he wanted to rest him as he prepares for Tuesday's game against Phoenix on the second night of a back-to-back.

Paul George led the way with 29 points

Paul George had 29 points, four rebounds and three assists in 34 minutes Monday as the Clippers surged late to top the Nets 124-116. It was George’s best game since returning from injury, as he scored a season-high in efficiency and also had zero turnovers.

The veteran wing hasn’t played since Saturday against the Hawks due to a knee issue, but he cleared the Clippers’ injury report Tuesday and is expected to play in Chicago on Sunday, Andrew Greif of the Los Angeles Times reports. He accumulated 23 points (7-18 FG, 3-9 3Pt, 6-7 FT), seven rebounds and six assists in 37 minutes against the Hawks on Saturday.

He’s averaging 24.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 6.6 assists over his past five games, but he’ll need to play better than that to maintain that production. He also has a career-high 2.8 blocks per game, and he was one of the NBA’s top offensive players during the month of April.

In addition to his scoring ability, George is a highly-skilled ball handler and has a solid outside shot. He also has a strong defensive game and can play either off the ball or as a facilitator.

During his freshman year at California State University, Fresno, George started all 35 games for the Spartans and averaged 18.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 25 minutes of action. He was named to the All-WAC second team and led the team in field goal percentage, assists and steals.

His performance earned him the team's MVP award and made him the highest draft pick in the school’s history. He’s played for the Thunder and Clippers, and has been a part of two Conference Finals appearances.

He was the leading scorer in a playoff series against Phoenix, averaging 41 points, 13 rebounds and six assists. He also set the league’s record for three-pointers made in a game when he made all seven of his attempts against the Suns in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals.

He has been a valuable player for the Thunder and Clippers, but his value will likely decline as he enters his age-30 season. He will have to play better than he has in the last couple of years to keep his job. He’ll have to continue to be a reliable source of scoring off the bench and to be an efficient playmaker in the paint.

Kawhi Leonard added 24

A career-high 24 points from Kawhi Leonard helped the Clippers surge late overcome Thomas' 47 to top the Nets 124-116 on Monday night. Paul George scored 29 points and Ivica Zubac added 19 for the Clippers (29-25), who have won four straight games after a rough start to their season.

The Clippers had a six-game winning streak snapped by Washington on Saturday, but Lue said the team benefited from their “pick and roll” offense to overcome the absence of Paul George and John Wall. The Clippers also got solid play from Reggie Jackson (Achilles) and Marcus Morris Sr. (ribs) and outscored Brooklyn 25-9 over the final 6:20 to win their eighth game in 10 contests.

Leonard, who missed Sunday’s matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers due to right knee injury management, returned from a one-game absence Thursday and tallied 17 points (5-7 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 11 rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block in 38 minutes against Milwaukee. He scored a season-high 23 points on 9-of-22 shooting from the floor in his previous outing against Denver.

His lone miss was a 3-pointer with 13 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, which cut the Clippers’ lead to nine at 108-109. Then, after Thomas hit a three-pointer to tie it at 106-106, Los Angeles used a pair of pick and rolls between the wings to take control.

That’s a big reason why the Clippers are now tied for fourth place in the Western Conference standings after this latest victory. If Leonard and George can remain healthy, the Clippers have a legitimate chance to make a deep run in the playoffs.

The Los Angeles forward is averaging 29.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.7 steals over his past 10 appearances, but he’ll likely have to sit out the back end of a back-to-back set against Cleveland on Sunday in order to manage his workload. However, it’s a small price to pay for managers who have Leonard on their rosters. He’s now ranked third in 12-team leagues over the past month, and he’ll provide fantasy owners a huge boost on the court.

Ivica Zubac had 19

The Clippers surged late overcome Cam Thomas' 47 to top the Nets 124-116 Monday night. Ivica Zubac had 19 points, including a crucial hook in the final seconds, and the Clippers extended their winning streak to eight games with a victory that also moved them into seventh place in the Western Conference.

After a sluggish start, Ivica Zubac exploded for 19 points in the third quarter as the Clippers outscored Brooklyn 25-9 over the final 6:20. He scored 10 of his team’s first 14 points in the second quarter and added six more early in the third, when he helped build a nine-point lead to keep the Clippers ahead for good.

Thomas was a superstar in his return to Barclays Center, scoring a career-high 47 points and becoming the second youngest player to score back-to-back 40-point games in NBA history. Only LeBron James did it at a younger age than Thomas, who now leads the Nets (5-8) in scoring.

It was Thomas’ first game since the Nets completed their trade sending Kyrie Irving to Dallas for Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith and multiple draft picks. The Nets were without Irving, who left the team in the first half with a knee injury.

But they were a much better team in the second half, despite missing two of their best players. Edmond Sumner had 23 points on 9-of-17 shooting, including 2-of-3 from three, while Nic Claxton added 15 points and 16 rebounds to lead the Nets in his return from a broken leg.

While it wasn’t quite as big a comeback as the one they had against Washington on Saturday, it was still Brooklyn’s biggest of the season. The Nets trailed by as many as 23 in the first half but rallied to take a 76-77 lead with 3:22 remaining in the half.

Then came the key play in the third quarter when Leonard and Reggie Jackson hit back-to-back shots that cut LA’s lead to 73-78 with 5:22 left in the period. But the Clippers were resilient, outscoring the Nets 25-9 over the final 6:20 to overcome Thomas’ 47 and wrap up a four-game season sweep of the Lakers.

Edmond Sumner had 23

The Clippers surged late overcome Thomas' 47 to top the Nets 124-116 on Monday night at Barclays Center. The Clippers were led by Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, who combined for a game-high 29 points. Despite a hot start by Sumner, who sparked an 8-0 run in the first quarter, Los Angeles was still within eight points at halftime. But George, who made six of his nine 3-pointers, and Ivica Zubac had 19 points in the second half as the Clippers hung on for their fifth win of the season.

The Nets stayed close for much of the game, but the Clippers started to pull away in the fourth quarter as they took a 116-107 lead after Ivica Zubac hit a hook shot. Brooklyn regained the lead with three minutes to go, but the Clippers responded with a 10-2 run to take control and never looked back.

Thomas had a career-high 44 points, including seven 3-pointers, but the Clippers rallied from a 23-point deficit to win their third straight and sweep the regular-season series with the Nets. The Nets lost on back-to-back nights for the first time this season after being up by 20 or more points in each of their games.

With Kyrie Irving now out of the picture, and with Ben Simmons (left knee soreness) also out, it's time for Edmond Sumner to get some playing time. The 26-year-old has been a solid backup point guard for the Nets since joining them in 2017 and should see some minutes against the Clippers, but he won't be able to provide much in the way of scoring for fantasy managers.

Fortunately for them, Cam Thomas has been a reliable scorer over the last two games and he should see some additional court time with Sumner out, giving fantasy owners a solid option at point guard in this one. But Cam Thomas will have to play well to earn some added minutes.

The Nets are still a team in a rebuilding mode, and it's likely that they will make moves before the February 9 trade deadline. With the team a little shorthanded, we'll likely see a few new faces in the starting lineup at some point. But with Kyrie Irving traded to Dallas and Spencer Dinwiddie out of action, we're expecting the Nets to rely largely on Sumner, Thomas, and Patty Mills this year.

Brooklyn Nets' Cam Thomas Reacts to Monster Performance Against Clippers Kyrie Irving

Brooklyn Nets second-year guard Cam Thomas exploded for a career-high 47 points in Monday night's 124-116 loss to the Clippers. Thomas also became the second youngest player in NBA history to have back-to-back 40-plus point games before turning 22 years old.

The 21-year-old has been getting extended playing time of late due to Kyrie Irving's departure to Dallas. He's now averaging 28.0 points in his last three games.

Thomas poured in a career-high 47 points

Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas poured in a career-high 47 points against the Clippers, but it wasn't enough to prevent the short-handed Nets from losing 124-116 Monday night. It was the second game Thomas has poured in 40-plus points since the Nets traded star point guard Kyrie Irving to Dallas, making him the youngest player to do so since LeBron James in 2013.

The Nets (22-20) were playing without Irving, who requested a trade earlier this month and was subsequently traded to Dallas on Sunday. The team has yet to restock its roster with players, but if Thomas can continue to play like he did Monday night, he could be a key piece in a potential playoff push in Brooklyn.

After averaging 8.5 points in 23 minutes per game before the trade, Thomas has now scored in double figures for all but four of his last 14 games. He's also shooting 7-of-11 from three-point range and has a perfect 10-for-10 from the free-throw line in that span.

When asked about his performance, Thomas spoke highly of the support he received from teammates after the trade was announced, saying, "It's been so good to have so much help." He said that he's learned to play harder than before and has made an effort to not become too comfortable with his role in the offense. He also praised the support of head coach Kenny Atkinson and assistant coach Nick Nurse.

He added that he's trying to make the most of his time with the team and is taking advantage of any opportunity he can get, including playing against the Clippers. He's averaging 21.7 points in his two games since Irving's departure and has a chance to break out against a struggling Phoenix Suns team on Tuesday night.

Thomas has been one of the most promising players to come out of LSU in a long time and his performance on Monday showed just how valuable he can be to the Brooklyn Nets. His ability to get extended playing time is a boon for a team that was already shorthanded without Irving's presence, and it's likely that the Nets will decide whether or not they want to keep him beyond the trade deadline.

Thomas sat out the fourth quarter

Brooklyn Nets coach Jacque Vaughn wasn't planning on putting Cam Thomas into 29 minutes in Sunday's 114-108 loss to the Clippers, but he ended up making a change after the 21-year-old scored a career-high 47 points. That's the kind of production he wanted from his second-year guard, and it was a big reason why the Nets are still in the hunt for a playoff spot.

Thomas, who was a first-round draft pick in 2021, has already been a key part of the Nets' offense in the absence of Kyrie Irving, and he continues to provide an enticing option in fantasy leagues. However, his playing time isn't guaranteed this season because the team is hoping to stay healthy.

Even if that happens, Thomas is expected to see a significant decrease in his redraft value next year when the Nets are out of contention for another year. Fortunately, he's got plenty of potential for a strong second half if he can maintain his current level of play this season.

While his scoring output was eye-popping, Thomas also did a lot of work defensively. He played an active role on the block, getting to the rim, and attacking the paint. He drew fouls at a high rate, and he had a career-high three steals in the process.

If there's a lesson here, it's that Thomas is still growing as an NBA player and has a long way to go before he reaches the ceiling of his potential. He needs to continue to improve his decision-making and work on his ball-handling skills, but he's proving that he can get to the rim in isolation with defenders on his back.

Those are skills that make it hard to sit down a player, especially if that player can score at will. When you watch Thomas on an island, you're always on the edge of your seat, wondering when he'll get his shot. He's not a dribbler like Kyrie or a hang dribbler like Durant, but he has that ability to pull up and take a shot from any position on the floor.

Thomas praised Kawhi Leonard

Brooklyn Nets shooting guard Cam Thomas had one of the best games of his career during Monday's 124-116 win over the Clippers. He poured in a career-high 47 points to help the Nets overcome the absence of stars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, who were traded to the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday.

With those players out of the lineup, Thomas has been elevated to a starting role and the Nets are clearly taking advantage of that. He's averaging more than 40 minutes of floor time over the last two games, and it appears as though he could be in line for even more after Thursday's trade deadline.

While the Nets aren't going to be a championship contender without Irving, Thomas has shown that he can still play at a high level while taking on a bigger role on the backcourt. After a career-high 44 points in Saturday's win over the Washington Wizards, he's averaging 45.5 points over his last eight contests, and he'll be key to their chances of retaining their fourth-place spot in the Eastern Conference.

That's why it's no surprise that he went out of his way to congratulate Los Angeles superstar Kawhi Leonard for his performance against the Clippers on Monday. Leonard had a game-high 24 points and dished out six assists, but it was Thomas who really sparked the win with his monster performance.

He's averaging 41.5 points in his past four games, and he hit five three-pointers while scoring 20 or more points in each of those games. While he's a fantasy consideration for those looking to add a high-end scorer, his playing time is unlikely to be sustainable at this pace.

But, it's clear that Thomas will have to keep up the production if the Nets hope to make a move before Thursday's trade deadline. With Irving out of the picture, Thomas has been the team's go-to source of big-time production, and he'll need to continue to deliver when he's called upon.

He'll be a crucial part of the Nets' success in the long run, but it's also safe to say that he needs to improve his shooting from deep. That's where he's struggled the most this season, shooting 33% from 3-point range.

Thomas praised his teammates

Thomas responded to his teammates' monster performance against the Clippers by praising them in a postgame interview. He said he "got some of his best shots in this game" because he was able to get to the basket with more ease than before.

As a result, he scored a career-high 47 points in a 124-116 loss. He went 15-for-29 from the floor and nailed 7-of-11 3-pointers. He also added four rebounds and three assists in an impressive showing.

He became the second youngest player in NBA history to score 40-plus points in back-to-back games. That puts him behind only LeBron James, who has 36 more points than Thomas in his bid to become the NBA's all-time scoring leader.

Moreover, Thomas's two-game stretch of 80 points has come without star forward Kevin Durant, who is currently sidelined with an MCL sprain. If he can continue to play well in his absence, he may be a valuable piece for Brooklyn's playoff push.

While the Nets aren't done dealing, reportedly searching for a trade for Russell Westbrook, they have found a player to fill the scoring void left by Irving's departure. Despite the Nets' recent struggles, they have a chance to make some serious progress this season.

After Irving was traded to Dallas, Thomas immediately stepped up to the challenge and took advantage of the opportunity. He dropped 44 points in the win over Washington and then matched that with a 47-point performance against the Clippers on Monday.

It is a credit to both the Nets' coaching staff and their players that Thomas was able to step up so quickly. He said that he was able to increase his playing time because he is "always ready" for any and all opportunities.

With Kyrie Irving out with calf soreness and Ben Simmons struggling with his left knee, Thomas has had a chance to showcase his skills. He poured in a career-high 47 points against the Clippers on Monday, becoming the second-youngest player to ever do so.

He has now tallied a double-double in each of the past two games, with his last coming against Denver on February 6. He shot 15-for-29 from the floor and hit 4-of-9 from deep.