Nets 0-4 After Blowout Loss to Rockets

The Brooklyn Nets fell to 0-4 after a 137-109 loss to the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center, handing Houston its first win of the season. Houston dominated early and late—shooting 62.5% in the first quarter, outscoring Brooklyn 32-17 in the third and building a lead that swelled to 33 in the fourth—paced by Tari Eason (22 points, five 3s) and Alperen Şengün (21 points, six rebounds, six assists); reserves Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson also contributed while Kevin Durant scored 19 for Brooklyn. Brooklyn’s thin bench and injuries continue to bite: rookies Drake Powell and Danny Wolf are dealing with ankle issues and Ziaire Williams exited with a lower-back contusion, creating opportunities for young players such as 19th pick Nolan Traoré. The loss followed a 118-107 defeat to the San Antonio Spurs in which Victor Wembanyama had 31 points, 14 rebounds and six blocks and rookie Dylan Harper added 20, even as Cam Thomas poured in 40 points (tying Kevin Durant for third-most 40-point games in Nets history). Overall, the Nets have shown short-handed rotations, defensive lapses and reliance on a few scorers amid growing roster uncertainty and tanking talk.