Preseason Finale Shows Promise and Challenges for Nets

In their last preseason game, the Nets gave fans a glimpse of what to expect in the regular season. They play with energy and some flair, but the outcome wasn’t what they hoped for.

On Friday, Brooklyn fell short against the Raptors, losing 119-114. They staged a comeback in the fourth quarter but had earlier put themselves in a tough position with careless turnovers, which cost them dearly.

Michael Porter Jr. led the scoring with 34 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, showing off his ability to shoot from long range, going 6-of-11 from three-point territory—though he admitted to feeling the effects of jet lag. The overall -8 point differential reflected some serious defensive lapses.

On a positive note, Ziare Williams, known for his defensive skills, contributed 20 points while shooting 4-of-8 from beyond the arc, which bodes well for the upcoming season.

However, it was surprising to see Cam Thomas score only 7 points on 1-of-10 shooting, including 0-of-4 from three. That’s, well, not what fans expect from him.

One of the most glaring issues was the turnover rate. The Nets committed 23 turnovers, translating into 34 points for the Raptors, with a staggering 16 of those in just the first half. This led to an 18-point deficit in the third quarter, and the team really struggled to dig themselves back out.

Coach Jordi Fernandes acknowledged the physical challenge the Raptors presented, especially in the first half. “We struggled but managed to control things better later, cutting down to seven turnovers for only three points in the second half,” he reflected, as the team allowed just 47 points.

Though it wasn’t all bad, the younger players did show some resilience. “It’s encouraging how our young point guards handled the challenges,” Fernandes noted, urging them to stay positive. It’s important because opportunities will come, perhaps sooner than expected.

In that first half, Nolan Traore and Ben Saraf combined for just one point, two assists, and six turnovers in under 14 minutes—definitely not a productive stint.

Contrast that with Egor Demin, who was efficient with 14 points, scoring 11 of them without a turnover during a crucial stretch. Saraf seemed to find his footing in the second half, helping the Nets mount a 16-1 run in the fourth, even briefly taking the lead.

In an interesting side note, Grant Nelson is now available after signing an Exhibit 10 contract. This gives him a chance to prove his worth as a 23-year-old forward from Alabama. “It’s all about competing every day. I’m eager to show what I can do,” he shared.

Nelson had initially participated in the Las Vegas Summer League but faced a minor injury that kept him out. “I caught it early, thankfully, and now I’m back and feeling 100 percent,” he said, optimistic about his future with the team.

The Nets made this signing after waiving Zen Huang. Coach Fernandes expressed some hesitation about what comes next regarding the G League, but he was pleased with Huang’s efforts during training camp. “We’re excited to have him as part of the group,” Fernandes remarked about the training experience in Macau.