Tyrese Martin has been a great success with the Nets' next-man-up approach.
With Cam Thomas (hamstring), Cam Johnson (ankle), Ben Simmons (calf) out, and later D'Angelo Russell (shin injured during the game), the Nets were on the decline before tipoff. I sat down on the bench in front of this.
In Saturday's game at Barclays Center, which ended in a 123-94 loss, Martin shined off the bench, scoring 16 points, adding 5 rebounds and 3 assists.
It was at least one performance that head coach Jordi Fernandez was proud of at the end of the night.
“Tyrese has been great all year,” Fernandez said. “He's been consistent. Consistent in the rotation for the most part, taking advantage of his opportunities. It's not just now, it starts in the summer. He was competing for a two-way spot. He's right every day. He did all that and now he's qualified for the NBA and he's doing a great job.”
On November 27, the second-year guard scored a career-high 30 points off the bench in the Nets' 127-117 win over the Suns.
This was the Nets' third straight win at the time, improving their unexpectedly hot start to 9 wins and 10 losses.
Just a month ago, Martin, 25, was signed to a two-way contract by the Nets. This was the last contract available to the Nets.
He was drafted 51st overall in the 2022 draft out of UW and played for the Hawks in the 2022-23 season.
He averaged just 4 minutes and 1.3 points in 16 games before spending one year with the Timberwolves' G League affiliate, the Iowa Wolves.
He averaged 17.8 points, 8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 33 games with the Timberwolves.
He's currently a new wave for the Nets, jumping to 16 minutes per game while averaging 6.7 points.
“He went 1-of-7 from 3 for 16, but I liked every shot he made,” Fernandez added. “There's going to be some games where he makes all seven games. We all remember him against Phoenix, right? I don't care if they get in or not. He just cares about his job. How good a teammate he is and what a great job he's done so far. That's why we love him.”
Keon Johnson's 15 points against the 76ers marked the sixth time in the past seven games he has scored in double digits.
He also tied a career high with eight assists.
ben simmons On Saturday, he felt pain in his calf during warm-ups and was a late scratch.
Fernandez did not provide an update on the point guard after the game, but said he would be evaluated prior to Monday's game against the Pacers.
