The undermanned Brooklyn Nets faced a tough defeat against the Boston Celtics on Friday in their second in-season tournament game.

In every match this season, the Brooklyn Nets had shown competitiveness, but their streak was snapped in a 121-107 loss against the Celtics at TD Garden, especially with key players like Ben Simmons and Cam Thomas sidelined.

Here are three major observations from the Nets’ significant loss:

1. Lonnie Walker’s Ascendancy:

Walker IV has been a standout player for Brooklyn this season. Leading the NBA in scoring among those playing under 25 minutes per game, he’s been consistent, scoring 16.3 points per game. In the game against Boston, coming off the bench, Walker was once again the top performer, securing 20 points on an impressive 8-of-12 shooting.

His continued stellar performances mark a historical streak for the Nets, making him the first player to achieve double-digit scoring off the bench in the initial eight games of a season. Walker’s multifaceted scoring and ball handling will be crucial, especially with Thomas and Simmons absent due to injuries.

2. Absence of Primary Playmakers:

The Nets sorely missed the influence of Simmons and Thomas in their game against the Celtics. These two players significantly contributed to the team’s offense, with Simmons leading a rapid transition game and Thomas being a key creator in half-court plays. Without them, the Nets struggled in generating opportunities, especially against the Celtics’ robust defense.

Mikal Bridges, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Cam Johnson faced difficulties in finding their rhythm, collectively shooting 11-of-31 from the field, struggling to spark the Nets’ offense. The team’s transition game suffered, and they faced challenges against a sturdy Boston defense featuring notable players like Jrue Holiday and Jayson Tatum.

3. Small-Ball Lineup and Rebounding Woes:

Brooklyn has heavily relied on a small-ball lineup, but without Simmons’ significant rebounding contributions, they struggled against the Celtics’ offensive rebounding. Boston dominated the offensive glass, leading to a substantial 29-5 advantage in second-chance points. The Nets’ small-ball approach might need reevaluation, especially in terms of rebounding.

Day’Ron Sharpe, who showed promise in limited minutes against the Clippers, might need to step up if Simmons remains sidelined, offering the team a balance between size and offensive capability.

Injuries have presented significant challenges for the Nets, prompting a need for a more concerted effort on the boards to maintain competitiveness.