The Nets fell to the Chicago Bulls 116-110 on Thursday at United Center.
Brooklyn, which fell to 22-44 with the loss, is now six games behind Chicago for 10th place in the Eastern Conference — the final Play-In Tournament spot — with 16 games left.
This matchup featured 11 lead changes and 10 ties.
Cam Thomas finished with 24 points, six rebounds and a career-high 10 assists — the first double-double of his career. He matched his previous career high of eight assists in just 16 minutes. The Nets shot 51.1% from the field in the first half, went 7-for-14 from deep, and had 21 assists on 24 made field goals.
Ziaire Williams went 5-for-5 from the field in the first half. The Bulls shot 60% in the first half but trailed 65-62 at the break.
Brooklyn used a 12-4 run early in the third quarter to go up 11 with 7:06 left. It successfully kept the Bulls at arm’s length throughout the rest of the period and entered the final frame with a 92-82 advantage.
It was the ninth time this season the Nets have led by double digits through three quarters. However, Chicago opened the fourth quarter on an 8-0 run to cut its deficit to three. The game was tied at 95 with 7:16 left.
The Bulls won the fourth quarter 34-18 to steal their 28th victory of the season.
Tyrese Martin scored 19 points off the bench for Brooklyn and made five 3-pointers, marking the second time he’s made five or more 3s in a game in his career. Nic Claxton collected a season-high 14 rebounds.
Coby White paced Chicago with 31 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
Noah Clowney missed Thursday’s game because of a right ankle sprain.
The Nets will return to action on Saturday against the Boston Celtics at Barclays Center.
