With a stellar performance, Cam Thomas racked up 29 points to propel the Brooklyn Nets to a convincing 120-101 victory over the home team Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday night.

Making a comeback in his second game after missing six games due to an ankle injury, Thomas played a crucial role in the Nets’ recovery from recent disappointing losses against the Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets. His remarkable display brought Brooklyn within 3 1/2 games of the 10th-seeded Atlanta Hawks in the race for the final play-in berth in the Eastern Conference.

Thomas excelled by converting 9 of 19 shots and sinking five of the Nets’ 18 three-pointers. His buzzer-beating three-pointer at the end of the third quarter extended the Nets’ lead to 96-80 heading into the final period.

Contributions flowed in from Mikal Bridges, who scored 25 points, including a crucial three-pointer that ensured the Nets maintained the lead during their 44-point explosion in the third quarter. Dennis Schroder added 17 points, with a clutch three-pointer preventing a shot clock violation during a significant stretch for Brooklyn.

Nic Claxton showcased his skills early, engaging in a physical showdown with Cleveland’s Georges Niang and registering 16 points through powerful dunks and tenacious rebounds. Dorian Finney-Smith also made an impact with 11 points, as the Nets impressively shot 53.2 percent and surged to a 26-point advantage.

Struggling without key players, the Cavaliers, missing Donovan Mitchell for the sixth consecutive game, fell to the Nets. Cleveland was without Max Strus (knee), Evan Mobley (ankle), and Dean Wade (personal).

Despite the absence of four starters, the Cavaliers were led by Georges Niang‘s 20 points. Former Net Jarrett Allen contributed 15 points as Cleveland’s five-game winning streak against Brooklyn came to an end. Darius Garland added 14 points and Craig Porter Jr. chipped in 13 as Cleveland shot at a 48.7 percent clip.

The first quarter concluded with a tight battle, as the Nets held a slim 29-28 lead while shooting at a 40 percent clip. Claxton’s emphatic dunk and subsequent free throw extended the lead to 40-31 with 8:37 remaining, and another basket by Claxton increased the lead to 46-34 with 6:02 left in the quarter.

A strong comeback by Cleveland, led by Niang’s 11 points, closed the gap as they ended the first half with a 17-6 run, trailing by only one point, 52-51. The Nets responded in the third quarter, outscoring Cleveland 29-13 after tying the game at 67 with 7:32 remaining.

Thomas’ sharpshooting from beyond the arc in the fourth quarter quickly stretched the lead to 108-82.