The Nets saw their modest winning streak come to an end, blowing a late lead in a 123-110 collapse against the equally tanking Jazz.
In what promises to be a league-wide season-long tankathon, whoever is the most committed may win.
And Brooklyn showed some signs of strategic long-term commitment, resting Michael Porter Jr. in a clash that could have real implications in the all-important lottery.
Brooklyn fell to 5-17, now tied for fourth in the lottery odds.
Despite their improved play, the Nets aren’t changing lanes.
They’re still full speed ahead with their tank.
But Porter had been so good for Brooklyn, he’s begging questions no one ever thought would need to be asked, much less answered.
A — Is he playing so well that he endangers the Nets’ tanking?
B — If so, do they have to trade him away to ensure their future rebuild?
Or can he actually become a part of that rebuilt future?
Those are the sort of decisions that Brooklyn may have to start mulling sooner rather than later.
That inflection point may be rushing up faster than expected.
They rested him to manage his sore lower back, and without him, their offense couldn’t buy a basket when they really needed.
Up by as much as 15, and 90-79 with a half-minute left in the third quarter, Brooklyn went ice-cold in an extended 33-13 Utah run.
Noah Clowney had a team-high 29 points, the second highest scoring game of his career.
Ziaire Williams added 23 and rookie Danny Wolf 17 with nine rebounds.
But they sorely missed Porter in the fourth quarter when he has taken over and won games.
