3 Nets takeaways from 120-96 loss to Kevin Durant, Rockets

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NEW YORK -- The Brooklyn Nets (10-21) ended December as one of the hottest teams in the league while still looking a step too slow against teams like the Golden State Warriors. Brooklyn had a chance to begin 2026 with a statement win over a Houston Rockets (21-10) missing some of their big men, but this just wasn't their night from the beginning.

The Nets lost to the Rockets on Thursday 120-96 as they weren't able to keep up with Houston in the third quarter that broke the game open. Guard Cam Thomas finished with 21 points coming off the bench while forward Ziaire Williams came back into the rotation with 14 points and five steals as he gave his best effort with Michael Porter Jr., Egor Demin, and Terance Mann out of the lineup.

Part of the reason that the Nets struggled mightily in this one as because of their inability to limit Amen Thompson (23 points), Kevin Durant (22 points), or Alperen Sengun (20 points). The Nets dropped the ball against the Rockets, but they have to lick their wounds before Friday's game against the Wizards. Here are three Nets takeaways from Thursday's loss to the Rockets:

Cam Thomas Has Efficient Night Off Bench

Thomas, who surprisingly came off the bench for this game even with Michael Porter Jr., Egor Demin, and Terance Mann out of the lineup instead of starting, actually had another solid performance off the bench despite the blowout. Thomas has played in three games since coming back from his left hamstring strain and now is averaging 21.3 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game while shooting 55.0% from the field and 38.9% from three-point land.

Ziaire Williams Has Breakout Performance

Williams has found himself outside of the rotation once Cam Thomas came back into the lineup and he did not play in the last two games as a result. However, with all of the injuries heading into Thursday's game against the Rockets, Williams not only got back in the rotation, but he also started and had quite the impact with 14 points and five steals while shooting seven free-throws.

Nets Might Not Be As Deep As Once Thought

At one point, the Nets had been considered to have a deep-enough team that they would be able to sustain some injuries and still play well, but this matchup against the Rockets showed that the bench has some work to do if some players have to sit out. Granted, the Rockets were double-digit favorites prior to Porter being ruled out, but one would have expected some of the other players to step up with extended minutes and Thursday left something to be desired.

This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: 3 Nets takeaways from 120-96 loss to Kevin Durant, Rockets

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