Cam Thomas joins Hall of Famers with a 40-point performance against the Spurs

Cam Thomas‘ The latest scoring outburst brought him into line Brooklyn Nets society. The 24-year-old recorded his 10th career 40-point game during Sunday’s 118-107 loss to the San Antonio Spurs, tying him with Kevin Durant for third most in Nets NBA history. Only Vince Carter (17) and Kyrie Irving (14) have more.

Thomas has shown his elite scoring ability at every step of his basketball journey. After setting Oak Hill Academy’s all-time scoring record, he led the nation’s freshmen in scoring during his lone varsity season. Despite an inconsistent role early in his NBA career, Thomas became the youngest player in NBA history to score three consecutive 40-point games.

After becoming a regular in the rotation, Thomas led the Nets in scoring over the past two seasons, averaging 22.9 points on 44/36/86 shooting in 91 appearances.

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The fifth-year guard has continued to score at a high level early this season. In three games, Thomas averaged 29.3 points on 43/32/94 shooting. Despite entering Sunday with a broken nose and a cut that required stitches, he helped bounce back with nearly 26 points.

Thomas scored 40 shooting points 11-of-25 from the field, 5-of-12 from three and 13-of-13 from the free throw line.

“I’m fine, it’s just part of the game. I’m getting beat up out there, but it’s okay. I just have to keep playing and keep pushing. If I’m good enough to play, I’ll play outside. So don’t worry, it’s just basketball,” Thomas said of his injuries.

While Thomas recorded zero assists, head coach Jordi Fernandez praised his engagement during his near return.

“Last game it was 30 (points) and nine (assists). This game it was 40 (points). He didn’t have to spray (the ball to teammates) as much, because he scored very efficiently,” Fernandez said. “I just love his engagement and his communication with his teammates. That’s the CT we need, when he’s engaged and asks his teammates to be in the right spots.”

Despite Thomas’ elite shooting, he and the Nets were far apart when he signed a contract extension this summer. With cap space limited in the league due to concerns about his defense and playmaking, the former first-round pick didn’t have a market. He ended up signing his $6 million qualifying offer and will be an unrestricted free agent next offseason.

Thomas will continue to have a major role in Brooklyn early this season as he looks to prove his worth to the NBA front office.