The Nets played two different games today: a competitive one in the first half, and a, well, meager one the rest of the way.

After dropping 41 first-quarter points, Brooklyn largely fell into a rut as Oklahoma City’s offense surged in a 129-116 win. Kevin Durant led the way in his first game back as the Nets fell to 5-6 on the year.

The Thunder entered Sunday’s game averaging 101.9 points, the second-worst mark in the league. They hit that number by the early minutes of the fourth quarter thanks to a third quarter where they out-scored Brooklyn 37-18 and led by as many as 18 points.

Brooklyn led by as many as 15 points in the first quarter and entered halftime with a six-point lead. The team found offensive success through Durant and Caris LeVert but could not register defensive stops as the Thunder broke the game open in the third quarter. 

Even with Durant’s return, the Nets sure are missing Kyrie Irving, who missed his third straight game due to personal reasons. There is not a clear floor leader who can execute off the bench, with Landry Shamet especially struggling, leaving a lot on LeVert’s shoulders and allowing the opposition to capitalize. Brooklyn has the depth to help make up for Spencer Dinwiddie’s absence, but it is even more difficult to replace Irving and his floor presence.

The Nets shot 50.6% from the field but especially struggled from three (10-of-34). Meanwhile, Oklahoma City shot a blistering 54.4% and 15-of-39 from three.

Brooklyn’s defense and ball-handling were exploited as the Thunder got into a rhythm the Nets just could not stop. Oklahoma City recorded its top mark for points in a game this season and took advantage of Brooklyn’s sloppiness on offense, forcing 17 turnovers and registering a 21-9 edge in fastbreak points. The Thunder’s bench also outscored Brooklyn’s, 44-30.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander starred for Oklahoma City with 31 points, while Hamidou Diallo added 25. Al Horford also added a three-point threat and anchored the team’s 66 points in the paint. 

It is clear: The Nets still have a lot to figure out. Passes were often intercepted as the team was largely out of sync and lacking energy. As Steve Nash said post-game, Brooklyn did not play with “pride.”

The Nets have shown flashes of their ceiling this season, but they need to have answers when teams such as Oklahoma City get hot. The effort — and depth — was just not there, and the Nuggets are next on deck.