“Transparency,” Nic Claxton stated when requested about these conferences. “Just trying to get everyone on the same page, and really just trying to get us to play harder consistently, and I think we did a better job at it today.”
Competing for a full 48 minutes has been Brooklyn’s greatest problem via its winless begin. The fireplace that outlined Fernández’s first season has been lacking in Yr 2, however the group’s conferences earlier than Monday’s 16-point loss to Minnesota appeared to make an affect.
The Nets nonetheless fell brief, however they seemed sharper defensively and extra linked general. Their offense froze within the fourth quarter, but the vitality was higher, a small step ahead even in defeat.
“I think we played hard,” Clowney stated. “I think in the fourth they made shots, we didn’t, that’s the reality. And a lot of transition stuff we could’ve avoided, but I think we played a lot better. We looked like a team today, I think.”
Fernández’s phrases appeared to resonate most with Clowney and Claxton.
Clowney earned his first begin of the season Monday instead of Michael Porter Jr., who was out for private causes. He offered a direct defensive spark, diving on the ground for free balls and choosing up two early steals.
Whereas it wasn’t his best offensive evening, the third-year ahead delivered one in all his higher performances of the younger season, ending with 15 factors, six rebounds and two steals, together with 4 made 3-pointers. Fernández urged him to play onerous above all else, and his effort was central to Brooklyn’s improved competitiveness at each ends of the ground.
“I just think I got more engaged,” Clowney stated. “I made it a point to get engaged on the defensive end, and I think shots fell because I was more locked in. That’s really it.”
In the meantime, Claxton has been on a tear over his final three video games, averaging 18.7 factors, 8.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.7 blocks whereas capturing 71% from the sector. The veteran heart was Brooklyn’s second-leading scorer Monday with 19 factors, eight rebounds and one block in just below half-hour, however what stood out most was his playmaking. He dished out a team-high seven assists, the second-highest complete of his profession.
“Definitely feeling more comfortable knowing the spots I’m going to be in, and picking my spots, wanting to be aggressive,” Claxton stated.
Claxton’s regular play and calm demeanor have made him one in all Brooklyn’s few anchors throughout this tough stretch, and his message to teammates was easy.
“Times like this, whether it’s success or whether it’s rough times, it really can show your true colors,” Claxton stated. “So, we just have to stay together. We have a lot of high-character individuals in the locker room, and we just have to keep chopping, and we’ll get over that hump and get a win.”
