Forward of Sunday’s assembly with the Philadelphia 76ers, Nets head coach Jordi Fernández mentioned the crew used its three-day layoff to reset. The primary day was about restoration; the subsequent two have been dedicated to “really good team practices” centered on the defensive fundamentals which have slipped early within the season.
“The guys embraced it, embraced the struggle, especially defensively and going back to the basics defensively and try to do those little things,” Fernández mentioned. “The guys know the schemes. It’s just a matter of now executing technique, communication, all those things starting with more pressure.”
No matter defensive progress Brooklyn hoped it revamped the break didn’t take lengthy to face a take a look at. The Nets entered with the league’s worst defensive ranking at 129.1, up in opposition to a 76ers offense buzzing at 122.3. With or with out Joel Embiid, containing Tyrese Maxey and rookie V.J. Edgecombe was difficult sufficient.
“They have guards that can really score, and that’s fun to watch, right?” Fernández mentioned. “So, on our end is, how do you stop that guard power, the ability they have to shoot 3s? It’s going to be a challenge for where we are now defensively to face a team that’s so good offensively.”
Fernández careworn that protection isn’t about one participant guarding his man however 5 working in unison. He mentioned studying to stress the ball, talk in pick-and-rolls and keep linked is all teachable. And if that progress doesn’t present, he put the blame squarely on the coaches.
“I think that’s important,” Fernández mentioned. “You can learn. You can learn all those things.”
LINEUP CHANGE
Final Wednesday in opposition to the Atlanta Hawks, Tyrese Martin closed the fourth quarter at level guard, and Fernández mentioned that group delivered one of many Nets’ “best defensive quarters” of the season. On Sunday, the 26-year-old earned his first begin, changing rookie Ben Saraf.
“He’s a grown up and he’s had an amazing summer, and he’s a rock star,” Fernández mentioned. “He does everything we ask him to the best of his abilities.”
Martin earned reward all through coaching camp for his regular play, scoring bursts and flexibility. On a two-year deal price about $2.8 million, he’s averaged 7.2 factors, 3.4 rebounds and a couple of.4 assists by means of his first 5 video games this season.
WOLF OUT AGAIN
Danny Wolf can’t catch a break. The No. 27 total choose missed Sunday’s recreation in opposition to the Philadelphia with a left ankle sprain, an harm he suffered throughout shootaround earlier than the crew’s season opener. He’s the one one in all Brooklyn’s 5 rookie first-rounders but to make his debut.
