Nets Struggle in Road Loss to Cavaliers

Brooklyn falls to Cleveland 112-84 in first game back from All-Star break

Feb. 27, 2026 at 10:47am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Brooklyn Nets returned from the NBA All-Star break with a road matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers, but were no match for the Eastern Conference contenders, falling 112-84. The Nets struggled on both ends of the floor, particularly in the first half, as the Cavaliers shot 64% from the field and 57% from three-point range to build a big lead. Ochai Agbaji was a bright spot for Brooklyn, scoring 13 points off the bench, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Nets' defensive lapses and Cleveland's offensive onslaught.

Why it matters

The loss drops the Nets to 15-39 on the season, further cementing their position near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. With the team focused on rebuilding and securing a high draft pick, games like this one against a superior opponent are likely to become more common as the season winds down.

The details

The Nets were without starting center Nic Claxton due to an ankle injury, and the team's defense struggled to contain the Cavaliers' attack. Cleveland scored 70 points in the first half, led by Jarrett Allen's 15 points. Ochai Agbaji, in just his second game with the Nets, was a bright spot with 13 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists off the bench.

  • The Nets returned to action on Thursday, February 20, 2026 after the NBA's All-Star break.

The players

Nic Claxton

The Nets' starting center who missed the game due to an ankle injury.

Jarrett Allen

The Cavaliers' center who led all scorers with 15 points in the first half.

Ochai Agbaji

The Nets' bench player who scored 13 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists in 28 minutes of play.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

With the Nets focused on rebuilding and securing a high draft pick, games like this lopsided loss to the Cavaliers are likely to become more common as the season winds down. However, the performance of young players like Ochai Agbaji provides some optimism for the team's future.