For years, even at their best, the Nets have struggled to defend and rebound — and this season has been far from their best.

They’ve also steadfastly, some might say stubbornly, doubled down on playing small ball. There might be cause-and-effect there.

But the sight of rookie big man Noah Clowney playing alongside center Nic Claxton instead of relieving him was the lasting image of the Nets’ win Wednesday over the Raptors.

It may be the most important takeaway from the Nets’ last few games down the stretch of this lost season and a positive sign for next season.