Nets hit new low as D’Angelo Russell exits with injury in 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 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 off a Williams’ lob to Claxton, Johnson committed a double dribble violation, which led to an open Caleb Marting layup.

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.

The Nets took an early 11-0 lead. But 3-pointers from George and Caleb Martin, along with a three-point play from Martin after a Wilson shooting foul, sparked the 76ers to tie it at 13-all.

The 76ers then went on a 16-6 run to close the first quarter, and it only bled into the rest of the game.