Nets' Players Share Encouraging Message After Pelicans Win

The Brooklyn Nets got contributions from just about everyone in Wednesday night's 145-111 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, and that was something head coach Jordi Fernández made sure to emphasize afterward. While several players put together impressive individual performances, the team's ability to play together and get production throughout the lineup was arguably the biggest takeaway from the win.

Brooklyn had eight players finish in double figures, received a major boost from Egor Dëmin in his return from injury, and watched its bench continue building on what has been an important point of emphasis throughout the early portion of the season. Following the game, Fernández, Day'Ron Sharpe, and Dëmin each spoke about the team's performance and what it could mean moving forward.

Fernández was particularly pleased with how the Nets executed offensively, took care of the basketball, and supported one another throughout the game. Brooklyn finished with just 15 turnovers, something the head coach was happy to see against a Pelicans team that can make opponents pay for mistakes.

The Nets also received contributions from all over the rotation. Michael Porter Jr. finished with 22 points, Julius Randle added 17 points and five assists, and Dëmin matched Porter with 22 points in his return. Noah Clowney and Mo Wagner each contributed 16 points, while Sharpe finished with 15 points, five assists, and four blocks.

"Everybody was a big part of the win," Fernández said after the game.

The head coach also highlighted the importance of Brooklyn's bench, which continued adding to the team's advantage rather than allowing New Orleans to work its way back into the game. Wagner finished with 16 points in 19 minutes, while Clowney provided another valuable scoring performance. Fernández specifically praised the group's ability to stay composed and continue making winning plays.

That kind of production has been something Brooklyn has been looking for throughout its first several games. The Nets have struggled to find offensive consistency at times, but Fernández believes the work being done in practice is beginning to translate into their performances.

Sharpe shared a similar sentiment when discussing the team's progress. The Brooklyn center pointed to the importance of reviewing film, getting additional practice time, and continuing to build chemistry with a group that is still learning how to play together.

With several new faces on the roster, developing that familiarity has been an ongoing process. Sharpe acknowledged that the team has gotten better with each game, but also made it clear that Wednesday's result should not change its approach.

"I just hope you can't get too high," Sharpe said. "We won by a lot today, but we just can't let that be like, 'Oh, we won by a lot of points,' and get comfortable."

Sharpe added that the Nets still have plenty of work to do and cannot afford to become overly satisfied after one convincing performance. That message is especially important for a team that entered Wednesday having experienced its share of offensive struggles.

Dëmin, meanwhile, was happy with how the group played but wasn't particularly surprised by what he saw. The second-year guard said the performance reflected the effort and execution Brooklyn has been working toward every day.

The 20-year-old finished with 22 points in just 23 minutes, making an immediate impact after missing six consecutive games with a right leg bone bruise. However, he was quick to give credit to his teammates for helping him find opportunities throughout the game.

Dëmin described Brooklyn's performance as unselfish basketball, explaining that his teammates consistently found him in positions where he could be successful. He also emphasized the importance of remembering what went into Wednesday's victory, particularly when the team isn't shooting as well.

The Nets shot 50% from three-point range against New Orleans, making it difficult for the Pelicans to keep pace. Dëmin understands that nights like that won't always happen, which makes maintaining the same energy and execution even more important.

"How can we win the days we're not shooting well or the days that the ball is not going in as often?" Dëmin said when discussing what the team needs to carry forward.

For Brooklyn, the next step is finding a way to bring that same approach into its upcoming games, even when the shots aren't falling at the same rate. The Nets have shown what they're capable of when the offense clicks, but they'll need to find ways to produce more consistently.

Fernández, Sharpe, and Dëmin all touched on different aspects of what made Wednesday's performance successful, but their messages ultimately came back to the same thing: continuing to trust one another, execute the game plan, and put in the work necessary to improve.

Wednesday was certainly a step in the right direction, but the Nets know they cannot treat one blowout victory as the finish line. Their next opportunity to build on that performance comes Saturday night against the Memphis Grizzlies.