Jan 22, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Jalen Wilson (22) drives to the basket while being defended by Phoenix Suns center Nick Richards (2) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

NEW YORK — The Brooklyn Nets (14-31) were playing the second night of a back-to-back following a tough, physical game against the New York Knicks on Tuesday so they were bound to be hit with some players not being able to go. Heading into Wednesday’s game against the Phoenix Suns (22-21), Brooklyn was dealing with more injuries than usual and the attrition showed.

The Nets lost to the Suns 108-84 despite playing solid basketball for the second and third quarters of a game that Phoenix led by as many as 28 points. Keon Johnson had one of his best outings this season as he put up 20 points and seven rebounds against his former team while Jalen Wilson dropped 15 points, four rebounds, and three assists in a solid, all-around performance.

Brooklyn was not expected to win this game as they were missing a lot of players that were part of their normal rotation along with the fact that Kevin Durant and Devin Booker combined for 56 points and nine assists in the contest. Here are three Brooklyn Nets takeaways from Wednesday’s loss to the Suns:

Keon Johnson

Jan 22, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Keon Johnson (45) shoots the ball while being defended by Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen (8) during the second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

Johnson has been having his most productive season since his rookie season (2021-22) with the Portland Trail Blazers as he is currently averaging 8.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game while shooting 37.1% from the field and 30.0% from three-point land. During a season in which the Nets have been dealing with injuries and trades, Johnson has been a constant presence as a young player who has some flashes brilliance combined with some moments that show he still has some developing to do.

Against the Suns, Johnson had one of his best all-around games this year as he dropped 20 points, seven rebounds, and two assists while taking on the tough task of having to guard players like Devin Booker and Tyus Jones for the majority of the contest. Johnson has been asked to do a lot this season and while it’s clear that he has been working through that as best as he can, he has also had moments where it looks like Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez trusts him to do his role to the best of his ability.

Here’s what Johnson had to say when asked about how he is adjusting to playing more minutes when the team is missing so many players at the same time:

“I feel like I’ve just gotten more comfortable being put in those tough situations. Having those guys out is giving me more opportunity to get those reps that normally those guys were taking and over time, I feel like I’ve gotten more comfortable as time has progressed.”

Jalen Wilson

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 22: Grayson Allen #8 of the Phoenix Suns dribbles against Jalen Wilson #22 of the Brooklyn Nets during their game at Barclays Center on January 22, 2025 in New York City. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kent J. Edwards/Getty Images)

Similar to Johnson, Wilson has been asked to do a lot this season while the Nets have been trying to navigate injuries and trades. While Wilson has had his fair share of struggles this season, the only thing that Fernandez has been able to count on with him is that he will battle every game and give his best effort in every facet of the game even if those efforts don’t amount to much in the stat sheet.

What was encouraging to see from Wilson on Wednesday was his ability to have an impactful game without shooting particularly well from three-point range. Wilson finished the game going 1-for-8 from deep, but he was 5-of-12 overall from the field while piling up 15 points, four rebounds, and three assists in a game where offense was hard to come by for Brooklyn.

Here’s what Fernandez had to say about what he has been asking of the team’s younger players over the course of this season:

“Not easy because I’m continuing to ask them (to do) different things. I also feel like the context in the situation, it’s very different when you are asking, like you have to pick up full-court and then cut and then shoot it when you open, that you’re gonna have to bring the ball, you’re gonna have to make a play, you have to read the role, all those things. These guys are more than capable of doing it. It’s just they haven’t done it yet at this level. I think it’s great that they get to do it.”

Noah Clowney

Jan 22, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Noah Clowney (21) drives to the basket while being defended by Phoenix Suns center Nick Richards (2) during the second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

Clowney has been put into an interesting spot this season as the franchise is prioritizing positioning for the 2025 NBA Draft and possibly beyond while also making sure that players like himself have every chance to develop. So far this season, Clowney has shown the ability to be a difference-maker from behind the three-point line, albeit with some inconsistent shooting results depending on his rhythm.

On the defensive end, Clowney appears to be what he was projected to be: a big forward who may have more success guarding perimeter bigs as opposed to ones that are more than willing to post him up and challenge him physically. Clowney has still had challenges defending at the basket as the primary defender, but he has shown some growth as a weak-side shot blocker and a player who can move well on the perimeter.

Here’s what Fernandez had to say when asked about Clowney’s shooting variance:

“I’ll give you the answer that my analytics team gives me: you don’t take short sample sizes. He’s a good shooter and he’ll be a good shooter. If you miss some shots in five games, guess what? (The) next five are going in. That’s how he believes, that’s how he works, and that’s how good he is and how good his shot is. Obviously, in whatever many reps, hundreds, or whatever the case may be, if the shot doesn’t go in above 34, 35% then you have a different problem, but he’s a good shooter. He’s done a great job and a five-game stretch for us means nothing. It’s actually more encouraging because if he’s missed this or he’s got not great percentages in the last five games, that means that it’s coming soon.”

This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: 3 Nets takeaways from Wednesday’s 108-84 loss to Suns