The Brooklyn Nets suffered yet another devastating late-game collapse, surrendering an 18-point lead to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a 109-104 loss Tuesday night at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. This marked the Nets’ sixth season loss after leading by at least 17 points, highlighting their ongoing struggles to close out games.

Cam Thomas Shines, but Nets Falter Late

Despite another strong performance from Cam Thomas, who led the Nets with 27 points, Brooklyn couldn’t secure the win. Cameron Johnson contributed 17 points and was involved in a crucial late-game sequence. Johnson missed a three-pointer with the Nets trailing 101-99 and immediately looked for a foul call. The referees let play continue, and Cleveland capitalized as Darius Garland drove to the rim for a layup, extending the lead to 103-99 with just 51 seconds remaining.

Darius Garland and Cavaliers Dominate the Fourth Quarter

Garland took over in the fourth, finishing the game with 30 points and eight assists. His offensive explosion—18 points on 7-for-10 shooting in the final period—fueled Cleveland’s comeback and left Brooklyn scrambling for answers. The Nets’ defense, which had held firm in the first three quarters, crumbled under pressure.

Brooklyn allowed Cleveland to go on a 23-8 scoring run in the fourth quarter, ultimately shifting the game’s momentum. This pattern of late-game struggles has become a defining issue for the Nets this season, raising concerns about their ability to maintain leads when it matters most.

Cavaliers Extend Winning Streak, Nets Slip in Standings

Even without Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland proved their depth. Evan Mobley delivered 21 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, while former Net Jarrett Allen dominated the paint with a 23-point, 13-rebound double-double.

The victory secured Cleveland’s Central Division title and tied their franchise record with a 15-game winning streak. Meanwhile, the Nets’ loss dropped them to 22-43, putting them in a tie with the Toronto Raptors for the fifth-worst record in the NBA Draft lottery standings.

Brooklyn’s Late-Game Issues Continue

Brooklyn’s inability to close out games remains a glaring weakness. The Nets have now blown leads of 17 points or more in three of their last four games, a troubling trend that raises questions about their execution, mental toughness, and defensive discipline.

With the Chicago Bulls up next on their schedule, the Nets have little time to regroup. Addressing their fourth-quarter collapses is essential if they hope to salvage their season and build positive momentum.

What’s Next for the Nets?

Inside the locker room, frustration is building. Players and coaches must quickly identify solutions, whether through defensive adjustments, improved shot selection, or better execution in crunch time. The talent is there, but the lack of consistency and late-game focus continues to be their downfall.

Meanwhile, the Cavaliers continue to solidify their place as one of the NBA’s elite teams. Overcoming an 18-point deficit without a key player speaks volumes about their depth, resilience, and championship aspirations as the playoffs approach.

For the Nets, the situation is urgent. Their season has been defined by missed opportunities and blown leads. Without significant improvement in closing out games, Brooklyn risks becoming one of the NBA’s biggest disappointments. The time for reflection is over—immediate action is needed to turn things around.