Brooklyn Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez had loads of causes to be disillusioned after a tricky 124-122 loss to the New York Knicks on Friday night time.
Nevertheless, as a substitute of specializing in the defeat, Fernandez selected to focus on his staff’s grit and willpower, traits that he believes outline their identification.
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Simply days after publicly criticizing his staff for an absence of effort in a lopsided loss to the Boston Celtics, Fernandez noticed a distinct aspect of his gamers at Madison Sq. Backyard.
“Shedding hurts, and it hurts all of us,” Fernandez stated. “However proper there, we confirmed our identification, and no person can take that away from us.”
Lacking beginning middle Nic Claxton because of a again harm, the Nets fell behind by as a lot as 21 factors late within the third quarter. As an alternative of folding, the staff staged a spirited comeback.
Outscoring the Knicks 40-24 within the fourth quarter, the Nets even took a quick lead on a Dennis Schroder 3-pointer with simply 12 seconds left.
However Knicks guard Jalen Brunson sank a go-ahead 3-pointer with six seconds remaining, and former Web Mikal Bridges blocked Schroder‘s game-tying layup try on the buzzer, sealing the win for New York.
Regardless of the heartbreaking loss, Fernandez praised his staff’s resolve. “The struggle we put collectively is one thing we’ve got to understand,” he stated.
“No one’s blissful about dropping, and I am the primary one who needs to win each recreation, however right this moment, I am happy with my guys.”
Standout Performances Hold Nets Aggressive
Cam Thomas was the standout participant for the Nets, lighting up the scoreboard with 43 factors, together with seven 3-pointers. It marked his second 40-point recreation at Madison Sq. Backyard and the ninth of his profession.
Reflecting on the night time, Thomas talked about a private spotlight: “Seeing Tom Brady within the crowd was form of dope. I used to be a giant fan rising up. He gave me a little bit look after I hit a 3, and that actually was a superb second for me.”
Dorian Finney-Smith additionally returned from an ankle harm, contributing 15 factors and serving to the Nets keep aggressive down the stretch.
Whereas the Nets dropped to 5-8 on the season, their sturdy fourth quarter gave Fernandez hope.
“We simply should take what we did within the fourth and attempt to carry that over,” Thomas stated after the sport.
For Fernandez, the main target stays on constructing a staff identification rooted in resilience and willpower.
Friday night time’s efficiency, although it led to a loss, confirmed indicators that the Nets are starting to search out their manner.
