Nic Claxton delivered the most complete performance of his NBA career on Monday night as the Brooklyn Nets outlasted the Chicago Bulls 123–115 at Barclays Center, riding a dominant fourth quarter and timely defensive adjustments to seal the win.
The Brooklyn center finished with a career-high 28 points, adding 10 rebounds and four assists in a statement showing that went beyond scoring. The victory, secured on February 9, 2026, snapped a tense back-and-forth contest and underlined the Nets’ growing confidence in Claxton as an offensive focal point.
Claxton’s Night to Remember
Claxton was relentless from the opening possession, scoring efficiently and establishing control in the paint. He shot 12-of-15 from the field, knocked down his lone three-point attempt, and converted three of six free throws.
The performance marked his 13th career 20-point double-double and the 86th double-double of his career, tying him with Sam Bowie for eighth place on the Nets’ all-time list. It was a stat line that reflected balance and poise, rather than raw volume.
Nets assistant coach Fernández praised the performance after the game, saying: “Everything was efficient: four [assists], one [three-pointer], rebounds. [He] elevates everyone around him… When he rolls to the rim, the defense collapses, giving Nolan opportunities to find teammates. He contributes so much beyond scoring. That’s Nic we [want] to see. His mindset was aggressive from start to finish. I think this has been his best game in weeks.”
Rookie Traoré Sets the Table
While Claxton supplied the muscle, rookie guard Nolan Traoré provided the vision. The first-year playmaker finished with 13 points and a career-high 13 assists, tying for the most assists by a Nets rookie in a single game this season.
The assist total also places Traoré fourth in Nets rookie history and makes him one of only three rookies in franchise history to record at least 13 points and 13 assists in the same game. His chemistry with Claxton—particularly on pick-and-roll sequences—repeatedly pulled Chicago’s defense apart.
Defense Sets the Tone Early
Brooklyn took control in the second quarter by tightening its defense, limiting the Bulls to 3-of-8 shooting at the rim and 2-of-12 from three-point range in that period. The Nets went into halftime with a 60–54 lead, having slowed Chicago’s pace and disrupted its spacing.
At that stage, the game resembled a chess match rather than a shootout, with both teams probing for weaknesses rather than trading blows.
Bulls Surge, Nets Respond
Chicago emerged sharper after the break. The Bulls erased Brooklyn’s transition game—allowing just two fast-break points in the third quarter after conceding 16 in the first half—and dominated second-chance scoring 11–0.
A late 16–2 run brought the Bulls back on level terms, with the score tied 89–89 heading into the fourth quarter and momentum briefly swinging their way.
Brooklyn, however, responded with composure. The Nets opened the final period with a decisive run, reasserting control through Claxton’s finishing inside and Traoré’s distribution, pulling away late to close out the game.
A Confidence-Building Win
The win underscored Brooklyn’s ability to adjust under pressure and execute late, with Claxton at the centre of nearly every meaningful possession. It was a performance that hinted at a broader evolution in the Nets’ offense—less predictable, more fluid, and increasingly anchored by their versatile big man.
For Chicago, the loss highlighted resilience despite uneven shooting, particularly during a second quarter that proved costly. For Brooklyn, it was a reminder that when defense sharpens and roles are clear, momentum can turn quickly.
On a February night in Brooklyn, Nic Claxton didn’t just set a career high—he set the standard for what the Nets hope can become the norm.
