A current onslaught of trades, accidents and sickness has solely made 12 months 1 harder for Jordi Fernandez and his workers. However even because the Nets shamelessly tank, it’s tough to put in writing them off on most nights. No matter out there personnel, if they’ve a pulse, Fernandez normally has them able to play.
“I’ve come to learn every minute you play out there should matter,” Noah Clowney stated. “Somebody’s always watching. So, trying to make the most of every possession.”
Brooklyn was fairly shorthanded in Monday’s sport in opposition to the Pacers however outscored them 31-23 within the third quarter to maintain issues fascinating — till Indiana wakened down the stretch and pulled away.
Wednesday’s 113-98 loss to the red-hot Detroit Pistons at Barclays Middle performed out similarly — besides this time the Nets had simply eight out there gamers after Day’Ron Sharpe (sickness), Ben Simmons (decrease again harm administration) and Dariq Whitehead (concussion protocol) have been dominated out earlier within the day, becoming a member of Cam Thomas (left hamstring pressure), Cam Johnson (proper ankle sprain), D’Angelo Russell (proper shin contusion), Trendon Watford (left hamstring pressure) and Maxwell Lewis (left tibia fracture) on the inactive listing.
Fernandez began Clowney, Keon Johnson, Tyrese Martin, Ziaire Williams and Nic Claxton in opposition to the Pistons — Reece Beekman, Jalen Wilson and Tosan Evbuomwan have been the reserves off the bench — and his guys got here out swinging.
“That’s what’s important for me. That keep fighting mentality, that’s what we want to be,” Fernandez stated.
The Nets shot simply 32.1% within the first quarter however have been down solely two factors coming into the second thanks to 6 compelled turnovers, 10 early factors from Clowney, and an early 11-2 edge in second-chance factors. It helped that the Pistons went 2-for-6 from deep over the primary 12 minutes of motion.
Fernandez’s troops have been down 10 at halftime, however Beekman went 3-for-3 from the sphere and 3-for-3 from the free throw line within the second quarter to maintain the sport from getting out of hand, plus the Nets restricted the Pistons to 44.8% capturing within the interval — huge defensive enchancment from the 58.8% capturing common they surrendered to Detroit within the opening quarter.
Clowney poured in 15 factors within the first half on 5-for-11 capturing, matching the highest-scoring half of his profession. Fittingly, the second-year ahead — given the greenest gentle of the season — completed the night time with a career-high 29 factors in his eighth begin of the 12 months. The 20-year-old added six rebounds, three assists and two steals, and knocked down 5 3-pointers.
“I think anytime you have a good performance it’s good for your confidence because obviously you know what you can do but when you do it at the highest level in the real games where it matters, it translated,” Clowney stated.” “So, yeah, it’s a good feeling. It helps confidence, for sure.”
It was the type of sport followers have waited for, one that ought to do wonders for his confidence going ahead. However Clowney couldn’t carry the Nets alone on Wednesday — or spare them from a 3rd straight loss.
“I think the good thing is, he’s showing us what he’s able to do. He’s showing us coaches, he’s showing his teammates,” Fernandez stated of Clowney.
Brooklyn went on a 10-2 run to chop the Pistons’ result in six with 5:37 left within the third quarter, however Detroit responded with a 16-2 run to push the lead again as much as 20 and constructed a 91-70 benefit coming into the fourth quarter. The Pistons saved their distance with a 28-22 closing body to earn their fifth straight win.
“We didn’t always hit back and that’s the outcome,” Clowney stated.
Martin notched his first double-double with 12 factors and 10 rebounds, and Evbuomwan added 13 factors off the bench. Malik Beasley led Detroit with 23 factors and 5 assists.
The Nets completed winless of their three-game homestand. Wednesday marked seven straight losses at Barclays Middle. They go away for a six-game highway journey on Thursday, the place they may face the Nuggets first on Friday, adopted by matchups in opposition to the Jazz, Path Blazers, Clippers, Lakers and Thunder.
Initially Revealed: January 8, 2025 at 10:09 PM EST
