Nets’ Loss: Learning from Setbacks
The Nets have two options when facing defeat. For one, they can look to their lottery standings, but that doesn’t necessarily guarantee a top draft pick or future success. Alternatively, they can reflect on the lessons learned from their recent string of losses.
After Sunday’s disappointing 115-104 defeat to Atlanta, where they allowed a 24-2 run in the fourth quarter, both choices were clear.
Terrence Mann commented post-game, “They’re a team with experience. You can tell they know how to execute down the stretch. We’re still figuring that out.”
This was apparent when the Nets’ bench managed to build an 11-point lead, only to see the starters falter thereafter.
An errant pass by Egor Demin led to a turnover, allowing Jalen Johnson to close the gap with a dunk, bringing the Hawks within five points.
When given a chance, Demin rushed a 26-foot three-pointer that missed the mark. He made only 1 of 3 attempts in that quarter. Then, Nolan Traore lost possession, contributing to a total of five turnovers for the Nets in that crucial final frame, shooting 0-for-4 during that stretch.
Ultimately, the Nets missed 11 of their last 12 field goals, a performance Coach Jordi Fernandes labeled as “unacceptable.”
He noted, “Egor will learn from these rushed attempts. We did well with 13 turnovers overall, but those five in the fourth were critical. It’s all about staying calm, placing everyone correctly, and taking smart shots. We didn’t manage that. On to the next game.”
Fernandes expressed confidence in his starters despite their struggles. “We were playing well until about 5:30 left, then it unraveled,” he remarked.
Even with a competitive game, the Hawks scored just 26 points in the final quarter, marking their lowest of the game.
This marked the fourth time this season that all five starters—Michael Porter Jr., Noah Clowney, Nic Claxton, Demin, and Traore—scored in double figures, and the first since January 19.
However, with a record-breaking five first-round picks on the roster, it’s clear they have much to learn. The team is still adjusting, especially after acquiring Josh Minott and Ochai Agbaji earlier this month.
Mann shared, “This is a new group, and we’re still figuring things out. We’re focusing on what to refine and how to execute better. I think we made some progress today.”
With Indiana’s loss to Dallas on Sunday, the Nets (15-41) currently sit third in the lottery standings, just a game behind the Pacers. In some ways, this loss might be beneficial for their future.
They have an opportunity to turn things around against the Mavericks at home on Tuesday. Claxton remarked, “We got off to a strong start in that second group, but we need to improve.”
