Nets without a win aiming to maintain a positive attitude during tough start

INDIANAPOLIS — Nets’ Struggles Continue

No one expected smooth sailing for the Nets this season. Still, experiencing their struggles firsthand is tough.

With an abysmal start, the Nets are sitting at the second-worst record in the team’s history, heading into Wednesday night aiming to lift their spirits after an 0-7 start.

“We just need to stick together,” Nick Claxton said. “In challenging times, like now, our true colors really show. We have no choice; we have to remain united. We’ve got a lot of high-character players here, and we just need to keep pushing through and overcome these hurdles.”

Sadly, the Nets haven’t found any silver linings so far, entering Tuesday as one of only two winless teams left in the league, alongside New Orleans.

Things are looking pretty disheartening for them.

They’re missing a solid offensive point defender, a situation that isn’t likely to change throughout the season.

This unfortunate streak ties for the worst start since the 2015-16 season when they finished with only 21 wins and 61 losses. The outlook for this year seems even more grim.

That’s precisely why head coach Jordi Fernandez held discussions with the team, both collectively and individually, prior to Monday’s loss against Minnesota, aiming to keep the positive energy flowing.

“The same message applies: just maintain a positive vibe. Nobody wants to go through an 0-7 record right now,” remarked Cam Thomas. “We want to win, certainly. But it’s crucial to keep working hard, look for the positives, and build on them. At the same time, we have to recognize and rectify our mistakes.”

Thomas, alongside Michael Porter Jr., represents the team’s only consistent scoring threats. Although Porter was absent in Monday’s game due to personal issues, he is expected back for Wednesday’s matchup.

Even with Porter available, the Nets are still lacking experienced point guard play, relying on younger players like Ben Saraf, Egor Demmin, and Nolan Traore. This situation pushed Thomas to work harder, though his offensive efficiency is already a concern.

“Defense is becoming more crucial right from the start of games,” Thomas noted. “I know they focus on me, but now they’re paying extra attention to minimize my impact. I’ll read the game better, watch for early passes, trust my teammates with open shots, and keep shooting when the opportunities arise.”

“I need to adjust to this,” he added. “It’s only our seventh game. We’ll head to Indiana aiming to snag a win.”

The Nets will face a struggling Pacers team that is currently 1-6 without Tyrese Haliburton. However, it’s worth noting that they’ve recently lost to Philadelphia, who were without Joel Embiid, and Minnesota, who didn’t have Anthony Edwards.

In the midst of a rebuild, the focus must remain on improving morale.

“Adversity is part of life. You’ve got to accept it, work through it, and give yourself a fighting chance,” Fernandez stated.

“Change doesn’t come overnight. It’s about the little steps. Were we competitive? A bit better? More selfless and connected? Yes. Each small improvement counts, and if you keep enhancing your game, eventually, it will translate to wins. Once you experience a win, you’ll want to chase after the next one.”