Despite loss, Nets always have Paris
The Nets’ 111-102 loss to the Cavaliers on Thursday at Accor Arena in Paris marked their 12th defeat in 15 games, dropping them to 16-22 this season. While the trip did not go according to plan from that standpoint, the team still tried to make the most of its experience.
“We actually practiced and got through some things,” coach Jacque Vaughn said. “I think we’re in a better place because of it. And then the fact that the orchestra piece was awesome for me. I love music. To have a good seat and hear good music and appreciate art at its finest in Paris with a twist of Brooklyn hung onto that thing, pretty cool.”
Lonnie Walker IV, now three games removed from a 17-game absence, brought his father to Paris with him. Royce O’Neale brought his mother. And they were not the only Nets player who had family accompany them on the trip.
As much as it was a business trip for the Nets, it was also a mini vacation, an escape from a merciless NBA season. And according to Walker, the experiences the team shared in Paris are culture-building moments.
“When you’re trying to build a culture, build a brotherhood, build a family, you always want your family to be around your teammates, families, so on and so forth and let them grow,” Walker said. “Because it’s more than just us on the court, so it felt great. My father was with Royce’s mother for multiple days talking about paintings and doing certain things and whatnot. Our family and friends doing stuff like that only makes us closer and makes us want to play better and play harder with each other.
Cam Johnson’s view of the trip was similar to Vaughn and Waker’s.
“Anytime you go through something like that it makes you come together as a group,” Johnson said. “I think that’s what the experience was. I mean, we’re all going through it together — the time changes, the long flights, the practices — so it was definitely a bonding experience.
Vaughn said he is thankful to use his own shower and sleep in his own bed. And as the Nets try to get back into a groove stateside, he is hoping the team’s experience in Paris will help it get out of its skid.
“I think you realize what we all sacrifice,” Vaughn said. “That piece of it, it really makes everyone human, to see (players) around their families, where there’s me with my wife, whether it’s my son turned 18 and I was in Paris and not with him. So that piece of it, that’s part of life and the things that you sacrifice... Those interactions just don’t happen if you don’t have a trip like that.”