Nets Hold Off Wizards 121-115 Behind Traore

The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Washington Wizards 121-115 on Sunday, April 5, 2026, at Barclays Center, using a strong fourth quarter to secure the result. Nolan Traore led Brooklyn with 23 points and seven assists, while Washington got a game-high 30 points from Will Riley in the loss.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

First Quarter

Brooklyn set the tone early by outscoring Washington 35-23 in the opening period. The Nets moved the ball well, built quality looks, and created an early cushion with 15 made 3-pointers eventually becoming a major part of their scoring profile. Washington had trouble matching Brooklyn’s pace in the half court and entered the second quarter trailing by 12.

Second Quarter

The Wizards answered with a much sharper second period, winning the quarter 31-24. Washington found better rhythm offensively and cut into the deficit behind improved shot-making and interior work. By halftime, Brooklyn’s lead was down to 59-54, and the game had clearly shifted into a more competitive stretch.

Third Quarter

Washington continued to pressure Brooklyn in the third, outscoring the Nets 30-26. The Wizards’ efficiency stood out throughout the night, and they did enough in the period to move in front heading into the fourth quarter. Despite Brooklyn’s solid ball movement, Washington’s 55.7 percent shooting kept the visitors in control for much of the middle portion of the game.

Fourth Quarter

The Nets responded when it mattered most. Brooklyn won the final quarter 36-31, regaining control with timely shooting and steady free-throw work. The Nets went 20-for-23 at the line for the game and generated enough late offense to close out Washington, which stayed within reach but could not fully recover after Brooklyn’s push in the final minutes.

Key Performers

Brooklyn Nets:
Nolan Traore led the Nets with 23 points and seven assists, setting the pace for Brooklyn’s offense. Jalen Wilson added 19 points and posted Brooklyn’s top efficiency rating. Trevon Scott led the team with eight rebounds as the Nets spread production across the lineup and finished with 29 assists.

Washington Wizards:
Will Riley delivered the top scoring performance of the game with 30 points and six assists. Julian Reese controlled the glass with 16 rebounds, helping Washington finish with a 41-35 edge on the boards. The Wizards also shot an impressive 55.7 percent from the field, but missed opportunities at the foul line proved costly.

NerdSports Stat: Brooklyn won this game despite being outrebounded by six and outshot from the field by 6.8 percentage points, thanks to a +6 edge from 3-point range and a +2 advantage at the free-throw line.

Game Analysis

This was a useful example of how shot distribution and late-game execution can outweigh overall field-goal percentage. Washington made 44 of 79 shots and was more efficient from the floor than Brooklyn, but the Nets made six more 3-pointers and converted free throws at a much higher rate. Those margins mattered in a six-point game.

Brooklyn also created offense more consistently as a group. The Nets finished with 29 assists on 43 made field goals, a strong indicator of connected offense. Washington had productive scoring nights from Riley and Reese, but its 18-for-28 mark at the line left points available in a game that remained close throughout the second half.

The biggest swing came from Brooklyn’s ability to recover after being outscored in both the second and third quarters. Rather than letting the game slip away, the Nets delivered 36 points in the fourth and made enough winning plays in the closing stretch to come away with the result on their home floor.

Closing Context

With the win, Brooklyn improved to 19-59, while Washington dropped to 17-61. Although neither team is in postseason position, this result gave the Nets a season-series edge in a matchup between two Eastern Conference teams looking to finish the schedule with momentum and continued development from younger contributors.

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