Cam Thomas’ huge night saves Nets from big collapse against Bulls

At the Nets’ shootaround ahead of Friday night’s game against the Bulls, Nic Claxton said he believed the team could continue to “surprise” their opponents. 

What was not surprising, however, was watching the Nets blow as large as a 17-point lead at Barclays Center. 

However, they were saved by Cam Thomas, who was the only hot starter for the Nets, scoring 32 points, including 10 crucial ones in the final quarter to help the team earn its third win in a 120-112 victory over the Bulls. 

The final quarter saw plenty of lead changes — the game, overall, had as many as 10 — but after Thomas’ two foul shots to give the Nets a 110-107 lead with 3:47 left, things started to roll.

The star Nets shooting guard then scored on a layup and two 3-pointers to change the momentum inside in their home building. 

Cam Johnson, who finished with 14 points on the night, later sprinted to the other end of the court after a defensive board for a big dunk, giving the Nets a comfortable 120-109 cushion. 

The Bulls only trailed by two to start the fourth quarter, and they took their first lead since the first off a 3-pointer from Coby White just 26 seconds into the frame. 

However, Ziaire Williams, who had no points prior to the fourth, scored three consecutive baskets for the Nets to regain the lead 100-98 with eight minutes left.