Two nights after a 53-point loss to the Detroit Pistons, the Nets returned to Barclays Center carrying the weight of a brutal stretch that has defined the past two weeks. They’re 2-8 in their last 10 games entering Tuesday’s matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers. Three of those losses have come by 35 points or more.
What’s been harder to measure is the team’s internal pulse before games tip off.
Jordi Fernández was asked whether he can sense his group’s focus level ahead of time, whether there are signs during shootaround or pregame that hint at how the night might unfold.
“If I could see that, I should probably be working on Wall Street,” Fernández said. “I try to have a feel for it, but it’s hard to judge because the NBA has so many variables — schedule, back-to-backs, travel, time changes. The more experience I get, maybe I’ll get better at it. What matters is consistency and not being too emotional about it. No matter the schedule, no matter who’s out, there are no excuses. Good teams find a way. That’s what I’m asking from our guys: consistency in how we play and our purpose. Don’t overthink it. Just come back and do it in a positive way. I’m not mad at the guys. I want us to have a chip on our shoulder and go out there and play really hard. This is part of the NBA.”
That theme surfaced again when Fernández was asked what the priorities are now. For this group, the response to adversity is less about talk and more about how they follow through by learning to compete consistently.
“Just to compete for 48 minutes from the first to the last possession,” Fernández said. “I think when we’ve done that, we’ve looked very competitive and good, and we’ve gotten better. The moments when we haven’t done that, that’s not helping us grow. So that’s the challenge. I think it’s been more positive than negative. Was it the game that we wanted the other day? No. But we competed, guys are getting better, and now we’ve got to move on while holding each other accountable to a high standard.”
IMPACT BEYOND ALL-STAR
Michael Porter Jr.’s value to the Nets didn’t hinge on an All-Star nod, and nothing about his role changes without it. Fernández pointed to the parts of Porter’s game that ripple through the rest of the roster.
“It helps everybody else,” Fernández said. “It shows his work ethic. He’s dealt with injuries and worked hard to play at this level. He won a championship, comes here in a different role, and works hard every day. He leads by example.”
It isn’t all about the stats when it comes to Porter. His presence in the locker room is just as important. Fernández said he’s embraced mentoring the younger players, doing it with a steady demeanor and a constant smile. For a developing team, that influence matters as much as the points.
BACK IN THE MIX
Noah Clowney and Ziaire Williams returned to the lineup Tuesday after brief injury absences that disrupted Brooklyn’s rotation. Clowney missed five games with a lower back sprain that developed over time, while Williams sat three with a left calf contusion after trying to play through it.
Fernández cautioned that one could be on a temporary minutes restriction going forward. “For one of them, yes. I’m not going to tell you which one,” he said. “Those guys are excited and ready to play.”
