Nicolas Claxton finished Sunday’s 115-114 loss to the Celtics with 13 points (6-of-8 FGs, 1-of-5 FTs), eight rebounds, one assist, one steal, and three blocked shots in 31 minutes.
Claxton was the better of the Nets’ two options at the center position in Game 1, as starter Andre Drummond (8/4/0/2/1) only played 17 minutes. However, he was a liability at the foul line, making just one of his five attempts on the day. With the Celtics being without Robert Williams (knee), it’s possible that Claxton will serve as the primary option at center in this series. And with the foul shooting issues that both he and Drummond have experienced throughout their respective careers, that may open the door for LaMarcus Aldridge (DNP-CD in Game 1) to re-enter the rotation. Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday night in Boston.