3 Nets takeaways from Friday's 119-99 loss at Wizards

5 days ago 2

The Brooklyn Nets (10-22) began 2026 with a loss to the Houston Rockets that could be somewhat excused because of how many players the Nets were missing for the matchup. Brooklyn had the same issue heading into Friday's game at the Washington Wizards (9-24) and it looks like the Nets have to figure out how to make up for their starters being out.

The Nets lost to the Wizards 119-99 after Brooklyn couldn't keep up with Washington, especially in the first and third quarters. Center Day'Ron Sharpe drew his first start of the season in place of starter Nic Claxton and he dropped 14 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks while veteran Terance Mann had 14 points and two assists for one of his better games recently.

Brooklyn had plenty of issues scoring the ball without Michael Porter Jr. and Cam Thomas in the lineup, but the defensive end of the floor was a letdown for them. Justin Champagnie led the Wizards in scoring with 20 points off the bench, but he was also one of six players that scored in double figures for Washington. Here are three Nets takeaways from Friday's loss at the Wizards:

Day'Ron Sharpe Shines In First Start Of The Season

Sharpe made his first start of the 2025-26 NBA season due to starting center Nic Claxton missing this game due to personal reasons and the former North Carolina Tar Heel was able to show off more of his game. Sharpe put forth more of what he's shown in 10-15 minutes stints throughout the season, but it was impressive to see him play 30 minutes while still running up and down the floor as hard as he normally does coming off the bench.

Terance Mann Assumes Bigger Role In Offense

Mann has been having a solid season for the Nets this season, but he has mostly taken a backseat to players like Michael Porter Jr. and Cam Thomas within the offensive structure. With both of those players out for this matchup, Mann asserted himself more on the offensive end of the floor and that was a reminder that Mann could be asked to do more the next time Porter and/or Thomas are unable to play for any reason.

Defense Has Been Lacking

After posting the best defensive rating in the league in December, the Nets' defense has been lacking as they have given up at least 119 points to their opponents in each of the last three games, all losses. Brooklyn has been dealing with some injuries over that span, but it is concerning to see the Nets not play with the same tenacity on defense that they did last month when they looked to be better than anyone expected coming into this season.

This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: 3 Nets takeaways from Friday's 119-99 loss at Wizards

Read Entire Article