The Nets are on track to potentially set a record for the worst season in the league, aiming for a top lottery position.
Despite a 119-109 loss to the Raptors in front of 17,233 fans at Barclays Center, coach Jordi Fernandez emphasized that the focus of the rebuild isn’t solely on draft picks. It’s also about fostering positive habits.
This approach includes nurturing standout rookies like Egor Demin, rather than merely hoping for luck in the upcoming draft.
“It’s often misunderstood what rebuilding really means,” Fernandez remarked. “To us, it’s about adopting winning habits, and we need to start winning now.” He expressed the importance of maintaining competitiveness. “You can’t just go out and not try; it’s essential to see growth in these players.”
“I trust that we are taking the right steps,” he continued. “We’ve grasped what winning signifies for us, and naturally, winning games is vital in the NBA. Our aim is to compete and win as many games as possible.”
The Nets have managed just one victory out of eleven games and remain close to setting a record for losses. They currently sit tied with the struggling Wizards for the top spot in lottery standings, while trailing the Pacers by half a game.
Fernandez isn’t quick to criticize his team’s efforts, even when talent levels seem low.
With leading scorer Cam Thomas still sidelined due to a hamstring issue, Nic Claxton and Michael Porter Jr. each contributed with 21 points. Claxton and Noah Clowney also tallied eight rebounds, two blocks, and two steals. Yet, it was Demin who may have left the most positive impression of the night.
Demin achieved a career-high of 16 points, marking the highest scoring night for a Nets rookie since Drew Timme’s 19 points last season. He also collected five assists, four rebounds, one steal, and one block. With Thomas out, this young player increasingly took charge during pick-and-roll plays, showcasing noticeable confidence with two strong drives to the basket in the third quarter.
“He really stepped up, managing the ball well and penetrating the defense,” Fernandez noted. “Some have questioned a couple of his shots, but he demonstrated his ability to pass, penetrate, and shoot. We want to nurture those skills, and spending more time with him is key.”
The Nets faced a tough start, allowing a stretch of 13 unanswered points that transitioned into the second quarter.
A 14-5 scoring run from the Raptors left the Nets chasing for the remainder of the game.
At one point, the Nets fell behind by fourteen points. Toronto’s Brandon Ingram led the Raptors with 25 points, hitting a free throw that pushed the score to 70-56 early in the game.
Even with the score at 76-66 after a layup by Immanuel Quickley (who tallied 24 points), the Nets rallied briefly, narrowing the gap with a 9-3 run that was capped by a foul shot from Claxton.
Clowney followed with a free throw, reducing the score to 81-79 with just over a minute left in the third, but Brooklyn couldn’t make the final push in the fourth quarter.
Defensively, even with a notable effort, they allowed Toronto to dominate the boards, getting outscored 50-36 and 68-36 in the paint.
Fernandez highlighted the challenges his team faced with their aggressive style, stating that they remain committed to their system. “There’s no compromise here; pressure and aggressiveness are essential,” he remarked. “Top defenses do this effectively, and to succeed with us, you need to embrace that mentality. As we grow, we aim to diversify our strategies, but for now, sticking to the basics is crucial. Limiting scoring in the paint must always be a priority.”
