The Nets were playing textbook defense on Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs early, but that effort was not sustained throughout regulation in a 96-87 loss Friday night at Barclays Center.

Veteran forward Dorian Finney-Smith returned to the starting lineup after missing three straight games because of a left calf contusion, but Cam Johnson (right hip contusion) and Ben Simmons (injury management) were ruled out ahead of tipoff.

Even shorthanded, the Nets’ preferred identity shined through in the first quarter, as they limited San Antonio to just 5-for-26 shooting. Brooklyn had a 22-11 advantage entering the second quarter, and the Spurs would have finished the opening frame with eight points if Keldon Johnson did not drain a halfcourt heave at the buzzer.

Eleven points were the fewest Brooklyn had surrendered in any quarter this season. However, the Spurs opened the third quarter on a 13-2 run to tie the game with 9:05 left in the half. Despite the game being tied at 41 at halftime, the Nets held San Antonio to 27.5% shooting, marking their lowest opponent field goal percentage in any half this season.

The Spurs connected on 14 free throws compared to Brooklyn’s two in the first half. That kept the game close for a while. But Wembanyama finally found his rhythm in the third quarter, where he went 4-for-5 from the field and scored 11 of his team-high 19 points.

Brooklyn did not get much offense in the third quarter outside of Shake Milton, while the Spurs shot 68.4% from the field and went 6-for-7 from deep. The Nets committed six turnovers in the period, which gifted the visitors six more points. It all added up to a 74-62 deficit for Brooklyn entering the final frame.

The Spurs shot 8-for-19 in the fourth quarter, and that was enough to secure win No. 16. Noah Clowney was ejected with 4:01 left after disagreeing with a call, pushing Jeremy Sochan, then continuing to jaw at an official.

The Nets committed 16 total turnovers and fell to 12-19 with the loss. The Spurs attempted 27 free throws to their eight.

Milton tallied 16 points, three rebounds and 12 assists in his first start as a Net. Keon Johnson finished with a game-high 25 points in a 38.9% team shooting effort.

Brooklyn will return to action on Sunday against the Orlando Magic at Kia Center, the first matchup in a three-game road trip to start the new year.