Brooklyn officially learned the fate of the two injured stars before taking the rout to the Hawks.
The Brooklyn Nets surrendered more than 140 points for the first time since Feb. 27, during a time Danny Wolf and Michael Porter Jr. were healthy.
Both are officially shut down for the rest of the season. And likely would've been needed against a red-hot Atlanta Hawks team.
The visitors rolled to the 141-107 rout against a Porter/Wolf-less Nets team on Friday night inside Barclays Center.
MPJ and Wolf had nursed ankle injuries for nearly a month, the latter dealing with his nearly one week after Porter. Head coach Jordi Fernandez confirmed with reporters before the game that both are out.
Fernandez embraced Porter's demeanor during a rigid campaign following his summer trade from the Denver Nuggets.
"Michael is in a new situation, being on the same team for seven years on a championship team and now having a different role, a different situation, everything has been very positive,” Fernandez said. “He’s played at an All-Star level. In my opinion, he should have been an All-Star."
Porter even heard renewed trade chatter during his Nets debut. Fernandez let it be known what his vision is for MPJ next season.
"And now I want him to come back here and have a chip on his shoulder, lead the team the way he’s been doing the same way," Fernandez said. "That was a new thing for him, to lead by example and be the oldest guy. He went from being the youngest guy [when I met him at 19], and now all of a sudden at 27 and he’s a vet. So that was an adjustment. He’s done a great job, whether he used his voice or led by example. And the way he produced, the numbers just speak pretty loud.”
Fernandez added how he liked the way Wolf played during his time, with the attitude of showing "that he belongs."
Nic Claxton led the Nets with 16 points. Malachi Smith added 15 points. Nolan Traore chipped in 13 while Noah Clowney provided 12. Chaney Johnson (11) and Josh Minott (10) rounded out the remaining double-figure scorers for Brooklyn.
But the 141 allowed is now the second-most points Brooklyn allowed this season since that Feb. 27 loss to Boston Celtics. This loss also sets up a huge NBA Draft implication showdown with the Washington Wizards on Sunday.
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