Nets hit new low as DAngelo Russell exits with injury in blowout loss to 76ers

The Barclays Center crowd saw the Nets hit what looked and felt like a new low on Saturday night.Just when the team thought it was simply shorthanded, another blow came.With long-standing injuries to Cam Thomas (left hamstring) and Cam Johnson (right ankle), and a late scratch of Ben Simmons with left calf soreness, the Nets scraped together their 18th starting lineup, led by veteran point guard D’Angelo Russell.That was until the one-time All-Star exited at halftime and did not return because of a right shin contusion.It led to a complete reshuffle and the playing of reserves who simply weren’t able to hang on against the 76ers in a 123-94 blowout.Prior to tipoff, head coach Jordi Fernandez said they would continue to handle the injuries “by committee” and it would prove to be a “good challenge” for the team.A challenge proved to be.The struggle for continuity continues.After a painful third quarter that saw Keon Johnson lead at the point and the 76ers go on a 27-19 run to take a commanding 91-66 lead into the final quarter, it continued to look like a varsity vs.JV scrimmage with the 76ers leading by as many as 30.Court time was given to Reece Beekman, who was acquired in the Dennis Schroder trade, along with Englishman Tosan Evbuomwan making his debut after being called up from the Long Island Nets.Fernandez pulled his remaining starters on the court — Nic Claxton and Ziaire Williams — halfway through the third quarter.

The two only returned in the fourth quarter for two minutes to work alongside Johnson, Evbuomwan and Tyrese Martin.They weren’t able to damage Philadelphia much as the Nets continued to shoot a poor 40 percent from the field.The Nets (13-22) also committed 22 turnovers that resulted in 32 Philly points.

The 76ers also benefited from a parade to the free-thrown line, making 24 of 30 attempts.Williams led the Nets with 19 points and three rebounds, followed by Johnson (15), Jalen Wilson (11) and Claxton with 10 points and four r...