The Nets were looking to end a four-game skid Tuesday night in San Antonio, but were thoroughly outmatched in the second half, falling to the Spurs 127-113 at Frost Bank Center.
After winning six of seven games entering the All-Star break, Brooklyn has lost six of seven since. Even the return of Cam Thomas and D’Angelo Russell couldn’t stop the bleeding.
The Nets, who had the best defense in the NBA for most of February, have regressed considerably at that end of the court in recent games. Their last four opponents shot a combined 53.9% against them entering Tuesday’s matchup.
San Antonio shot 55.3% in its 26th win of the season, including a blistering third quarter where it shot 60% from the field, 66.7% from 3-point range (6-for-9), and outscored the Nets 37-23.
Devin Vassell, who led San Antonio with a game-high 37 points, scored 17 of his points and made five of his eight 3-pointers in the third quarter.
Trailing 62-57 at halftime, Brooklyn shot just 31.6% in the third quarter and lost control of the game. It entered the fourth quarter down 99-80.
The Nets were able to cut San Antonio’s lead to 12 with 4:54 left, and that’s as close as it ever got down the stretch. The Spurs turned 13 Brooklyn turnovers into 23 points.
Thomas, back from a one-game absence, led the Nets with 24 points and six assists on 8-for-19 shooting, while Russell added 12 points and four assists in his first appearance since Feb. 20. It was just the second time Thomas and Russell have started together this season.
The Nets fell to 21-40 with Tuesday’s loss and are now 1.5 games back of the fifth lottery spot.
Brooklyn will return to action on Thursday against the Golden State Warriors at Barclays Center.