The Brooklyn Nets’ season has taken another troubling turn as injuries continue piling up, with Ziaire Williams forced to exit Sunday’s contest after suffering a lower back contusion from a hard fall. The young forward’s status for Monday’s clash with Houston hangs in the balance.
Williams Reflects on Setback and Path Forward
Speaking candidly about the incident, Williams admitted he wished the play never happened but said his focus has shifted entirely to getting healthy again. “I couldn’t really move out there. Everything seized up on me, so I had no choice but to call it a night,” Williams shared. He’s been working closely with the medical staff and has started the ice treatment routine, keeping his fingers crossed for a quick turnaround.
Injury Bug Bites Multiple Nets Players
Sunday’s loss brought more bad news on the injury front, with Haywood Highsmith undergoing right knee surgery, Drake Powell battling a right ankle sprain, and Danny Wolf managing his own left ankle issue. Highsmith will be out of action, but Powell and Wolf are listed as day-to-day, giving head coach Jordi Fernández some hope for the next game. Powell seems optimistic about his chances, calling himself a game-time decision after feeling better during Sunday’s practice session.
Thomas Shows Grit Playing Through Pain
While teammates nursed various ailments, guard Cam Thomas displayed remarkable toughness by taking the court despite a nasal fracture that required stitches near his left eye, all while dealing with a sore right hand that needed constant icing. When asked about wearing protection for his nose, Thomas brushed off the suggestion: “If I can step on that court, that’s where I’m going to be.”
Fernández Erupts Over Officiating Imbalance
The coach earned himself a technical foul late in Sunday’s game, though not for arguing a particular call. His frustration boiled over regarding the stark imbalance in free-throw opportunities—Brooklyn managed just two trips to the charity stripe in the final quarter while their opponents shot 12, echoing a similar pattern from the previous outing. Fernández stressed that his young team won’t back down from any fight, regardless of the circumstances they face.
Roster Moves in G-League Affiliate
The Long Island Nets made some moves recently, shipping Drew Timme and a 2027 G-League first-rounder to acquire Nate Williams and Oshae Brissett, with Jay Scrubb heading elsewhere as part of the deal. These roster adjustments come as the organization navigates its current wave of injury problems.
