Noah Clowney Shines with Career-High 29 Points in Nets’ Rebuilding Effort

Noah Clowney, the Brooklyn Nets‘ 20-year-old forward, delivered a standout performance on Wednesday night, scoring a career-high 29 points in a game against the Detroit Pistons. Clowney, who has recently stepped into a starting role following the trade of Dorian Finney-Smith, showcased his improved 3-point shooting, going 5-for-11 from beyond the arc.

Clowney’s performance was a bright spot for the Nets, who are navigating a rebuilding season with only eight available players. “What I like to call it is I like to keep teams honest,” Clowney said after the game. “I don’t like where teams have the ability to sag off of me because I’m a weak shooter. I feel like that hurts my team in general.”

The second-year forward has seen a significant increase in his 3-point attempts this season, averaging 5.3 per game compared to just 1.4 in his rookie year. His shooting percentage from deep has also improved, rising from 36.4% to 38.5%. “I think anytime you have a good performance, it’s good for your confidence,” Clowney added. “It helps confidence, for sure.”

Nets coach Jordi Fernández praised Clowney’s development, noting that the young forward is showing the team what he is capable of. “He’s showing us what he’s able to do,” Fernández said. “He’s showing us coaches, he’s showing his teammates. What it makes is when we have our group back, then I’m completely comfortable calling certain things for him because I’ve seen him do it.”

Clowney’s increased playing time has been a key factor in his growth. Since mid-December, he has averaged 29 minutes per game, up from 21.3 earlier in the season. During this stretch, he has scored 12.9 points per game while shooting 42% from the field and 40% from deep. His ability to stretch the floor and provide consistent scoring has been crucial for the Nets, especially as they look to develop their young core.

Despite his progress, Clowney acknowledges that he still has room to grow. “I think other people knew I could shoot,” he said. “Somebody took a chance, and here we are.” Clowney’s journey from a 28.3% 3-point shooter at Alabama to a reliable perimeter threat in the NBA is a testament to his work ethic and determination.

As the Nets prepare for a challenging six-game West Coast trip, Clowney’s development will be closely watched. “I love his personality. Great sense of humor. His work ethic for a 20-year-old kid is amazing,” Fernández said. “He carries himself as a grown person. A mature worker. You can see a lot of times the frustration because he wants more and he expects more of himself.”

With his improved shooting and growing confidence, Clowney is proving to be a key piece in the Nets’ rebuilding efforts. As the season progresses, his ability to continue developing will be critical for both his future and the team’s success.