Brooklyn Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez had plenty of reasons to be disappointed after a tough 124-122 loss to the New York Knicks on Friday night.
However, instead of focusing on the defeat, Fernandez chose to highlight his team’s grit and determination, traits that he believes define their identity.
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Just days after publicly criticizing his team for a lack of effort in a lopsided loss to the Boston Celtics, Fernandez saw a different side of his players at Madison Square Garden.
“Losing hurts, and it hurts all of us,” Fernandez said. “But right there, we showed our identity, and nobody can take that away from us.”
Missing starting center Nic Claxton due to a back injury, the Nets fell behind by as much as 21 points late in the third quarter. Instead of folding, the team staged a spirited comeback.
Outscoring the Knicks 40-24 in the fourth quarter, the Nets even took a brief lead on a Dennis Schroder 3-pointer with just 12 seconds left.
But Knicks guard Jalen Brunson sank a go-ahead 3-pointer with six seconds remaining, and former Net Mikal Bridges blocked Schroder‘s game-tying layup attempt at the buzzer, sealing the win for New York.
Despite the heartbreaking loss, Fernandez praised his team’s resolve. “The fight we put together is something we have to appreciate,” he said.
“Nobody’s happy about losing, and I’m the first one who wants to win every game, but today, I’m proud of my guys.”
Standout Performances Keep Nets Competitive
Cam Thomas was the standout player for the Nets, lighting up the scoreboard with 43 points, including seven 3-pointers. It marked his second 40-point game at Madison Square Garden and the ninth of his career.
Reflecting on the night, Thomas mentioned a personal highlight: “Seeing Tom Brady in the crowd was kind of dope. I was a big fan growing up. He gave me a little look when I hit a 3, and that really was a good moment for me.”
Dorian Finney-Smith also returned from an ankle injury, contributing 15 points and helping the Nets stay competitive down the stretch.
While the Nets dropped to 5-8 on the season, their strong fourth quarter gave Fernandez hope.
“We just have to take what we did in the fourth and try to carry that over,” Thomas said after the game.
For Fernandez, the focus remains on building a team identity rooted in resilience and determination.
Friday night’s performance, though it ended in a loss, showed signs that the Nets are beginning to find their way.
