Nets hit new low as D’Angelo Russell exits with injury in loss to 76ers

A sellout Barclays Center crowd saw the Nets hit what felt like a new low Saturday night.

Just when the team thought it was merely 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 due to 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 the Nets would continue to handle the injuries “by committee” and it would prove to be a “good challenge” for the team.

A challenge it proved to be. The struggle for continuity continues.

Fernandez did not have an update on Russell following the loss. He explained the point guard experienced discomfort after taking a hit to the shin and the Nets decided not to play him.

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.

“We compiled a lot of mistakes,” Fernandez said. “I told the guys, I think a mistake is always okay because you always have a chance to get it back. But, it’s always hard when you make a mistake, you’re thinking about the mistake, and you’re making another one. I think that it’s not just the same player, but three mistakes in a row, compiling those mistakes, is when runs happen.

“Tomorrow, we will watch film and do some walkthroughs, and start building from there. But, I thought today that was the reason why we didn’t compete into the game. I thought the guys fought, but the purpose and focus and the compiling of those mistakes, that’s what we have to be better at. … Move on, be better the next one.”

Court time was given to Reece Beekman, who was acquired in the Dennis Schroder trade, along with Englishman Tosan Evbuomwan making his debut after a call-up from the Long Island Nets.

Fernandez pulled his remaining starters — 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-throw line, making 24 of 30 attempts.

“There were just stretches in the game where I think it was a little sloppy,” Evbuomwan said following the loss. “We were kind of compounding mistakes. So, being able to recognize after the first or second one, regroup, refocus, and keep pushing.”

Williams led the Nets with 19 points and three rebounds, followed by Johnson (15), Jalen Wilson (11) and Claxton with 10 points and four rebounds.

Martin added 16 points off the bench.

Joel Embiid recorded a double-double with 28 points and 12 rebounds. Tyrese Maxey tallied 18 points while Caleb Martin and Paul George each scored 17.

With Russell, the Nets were able to stay within 12 points of the 76ers for much of the first half, but soon the first-half turnovers (13 for 19 points) and foul-shot attempts (16 from 11 fouls) proved too costly.

After getting within 10 points, Johnson committed a double dribble violation, which led to a wide open layup from Caleb Martin. On the following play, Russell had a bad pass and George went down the other end to hit a 3-pointer.

It sparked a run for the 76ers to take a 64-47 half lead.

“We cut it to like 20 or under 20, and it tells you that the guys are trying to do the right things,” Fernandez said. “Again, three mistakes in a row happen and then they take it almost to 30. Those are the things we want to learn from.”