It would be inaccurate to suggest that Thomas resumed his work exactly where he left off on Wednesday night. In his final official game for Brooklyn, a Game 3 loss against the Sixers in the opening round of the playoffs, he only managed six points. However, the way 2023–24 began wasn’t shocking to anyone who watched the Nets even somewhat last season. That hardly implies, of however, that Brooklyn supporters were any less thrilled to see Thomas slay nets once more.

In just 14 minutes off the bench, Thomas scored 24 points in the first half of the Nets’ season-opening game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. He shot 8 of 11 from the field and 7 of 9 from the free throw line.

The Nets fans went crazy, and deservedly so, with some pleading with coach Jacque Vaughn to give Thomas more of a role in the upcoming campaign.

It’s understandable that Brooklyn supporters would like to see more of Thomas. Behind Mikal Bridges, the Nets are severely lacking in offensive and shot-making dynamism, and Thomas has continuously shown himself to be among the game’s finest pure bucket-getters. Nor do they appear to lack a strong defensive system. This season, Brooklyn is leaning heavily on that side of the ball, using several All-Defense players in Nic Claxton, Bridges, and a revived Ben Simmons.