Yes, the Nuggets were missing the possible MVP (Nikola Jokic) and strong role players in Cam Johnson and Jonas Valanciunas. Yes, even a couple comparatively healthy Nuggets players (Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun) were making returns after lengthy layoffs due to injury. Yes, the Nuggets were lagging nine days and five games into a long road trip.
But the Nets on Sunday played like the team they want to be — at least for now.
Michael Porter Jr. poured in 27 points against his former team, handling the lead-scorer role the Nets have given him, consistently converting on difficult shots. Complementary players who might matter for the future — notably Egor Dëmin, Day’Ron Sharpe and Noah Clowney — showed signs of what the Nets value most this season: progress. Cam Thomas looked comfortable in the role that might best suit him with this team or another, a scorer off the bench who can carry the offensive load in spurts.
“It’s keep fighting and keep responding to their punch and punch back,” head coach Jordi Fernández said after a season-high six Nets scored at least 13 points in a game in which they were never threatened. “I think different guys were big at different times. [Porter] got it going. [Clowney] made good shots.