Caxton’s Stellar Return Powers Nets to Victory Over Wizards

Nic Claxton made his return from an ankle sprain that cost him eight games, corralled an offensive rebound off a Spencer Dinwiddie miss, and turned it into an easy lay-up for Brooklyn’s first two points against the Wizards. Later in the first quarter, Claxton drove past Danilo Gallinari for another lay-in. In the fourth quarter, Claxton swatted a Landry Shamet attempt and helped secure the Nets’ 102-94 win with a rejection on a short shot by Kyle Kuzma. Claxton finished with 10 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks, demonstrating how different the Nets are with him in the lineup. Without him, Brooklyn had to play a smaller starting lineup, which allowed opposing big men to take advantage. However, with Claxton back, the Nets collected 20 offensive rebounds and scored 21 second-chance points. Claxton also contributed significantly on defense, helping the Nets keep the Wizards 25 points below their season average. However, the Nets’ offense struggled to find rhythm, and their transition game was limited as they secured a 102-94 victory.