3 Nets takeaways from 108-103 loss at the Pacers

Mar 22, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson (2) goes to the basket against Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) during the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

The Brooklyn Nets (23-48) were trying to reset their minds after Thursday saw them in one of the most physical games of the season against an Indiana Pacers (41-29) that they were going to see again on Saturday. After the ramifications set in from Thursday's overtime contest, Brooklyn and Indiana were on their best behavior, but the Nets weren't able to get their desired outcome.

The Nets lost at the Pacers on Saturday 108-103 despite Brooklyn trailing by as many as 20 points in the second half due to some poor shooting and transition defense. One of the main reasons for the comeback was Trendon Watford, who had 26 points and five rebounds off the bench while Cam Johnson returned to put up 20 points, nine rebounds, and five assists in the game.

While Brooklyn did a good job of limiting Bennedict Mathurin to just 13 points off the bench, Pascal Siakam stepped up for Indiana with 26 points and six assists in a strong bounceback effort from him after he struggled mightily on Thursday. Here are three Nets takeaways from Saturday's loss at the Pacers:

Trendon Watford

Mar 22, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Trendon Watford (9) shoots over Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) during the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

Watford was unable to finish Thursday's game at the Pacers due to his being ejected after getting into an altercation with Andrew Nembhard and Myles Turner in the fourth quarter. However, he was able to stay in the game on Saturday and he had one of his best performances in a Nets uniform to the tune of 26 points and five rebounds in 30 minutes off the bench.

D'Angelo Russell and Ziaire Williams were unavailable on Saturday due to their respective injuries, meaning someone had to step up in their absence. Watford was that guy as he was able to create offense where there usually wasn't any easy opportunities as he was able to win against almost any defender that matched up with him over the course of the contest.

Here's what Watford had to say about his performance in Indiana on Saturday:

"I was just super locked in. Like I told you pregame, I feel like we would've won that last game if I didn't get ejected. I just wanted to be there for my team today. Just lock in and just be out there for them. I was having a pretty good game last game when I got ejected. I feel like that was a big part in the loss. We came up short today. But, I just wanted to be out there and be impactful as I can."

Cam Johnson

Mar 22, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson (2) makes a three-point basket over Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) during the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

Johnson returned to Brooklyn's rotation after missing Thursday's overtime loss at the Pacers due to rest as the season winds down and the franchise begins to think about the future. Johnson, who has been tasked with being one of the primary scoring options for the Nets this season, continued to show how much he has improved as an all-around player.

Johnson put up 20 points, nine rebounds, and five assists while having to play without D'Angelo Russell, a player that is arguably the team's best table-setter at the point guard spot, making his performance that much more impressive when you see how many times he had to set up himself up for his shots. Johnson once again showed how much he has learned over the course of this season and that will only make him more valuable as time goes on.

Fourth-quarter (almost) Comeback

Mar 8, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Brooklyn Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez loos on during the first quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

One of the trademarks of this Nets team, for better or for worse, has been their ability to never be out of a game, even if it still results in a loss in the end. At one point, Brooklyn was trailing Indiana by as many as 20 points before making a massive comeback in the fourth quarter to narrowly steal a victory from the jaws of defeat when almost no one was expecting such a feat to happen.

In fact, there was a point in the fourth quarter where the Nets were down 104-95 with 15.2 seconds left in the game before Cam Johnson took it upon himself to drive to the rim for an and-1 layup to at least not concede defeat easily. Brooklyn ended up making another three-pointer three seconds later to pull within 104-101 to put a scare in the Pacers before Indiana made enough free-throws to come away from the game with the win despite a poor fourth quarter.

Here's what head coach Jordi Fernandez had to say about his team's comeback bid:

"The fight all the way through is important. Never give up. Down 20, having the chance to fight for the game talks a lot about how these guys, the work that they put in every day, not quitting when you down 20, it's extremely important. We could have done things better, but I'm really proud of the way the guys played. Creating seven turnovers in the fourth quarter, getting more early shots. That's how you get to score 33 points and give yourself a chance. Extremely proud of the group showing that fight."

This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: 3 Nets takeaways from 108-103 loss at the Pacers

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