Nets' Second-Year G Dëmin Bounces Back Against Cavaliers

The Brooklyn Nets are yet to capture a win, but have seen some positives from young players who need to take steps forward.

Egor Dëmin, second-year guard out of BYU, is at the top of that list, as he looked like he had taken a big step this offseason.

But, in the Nets' season opening loss against the Charlotte Hornets, Dëmin really struggled, shooting just 2-of-10 from the field, and missing all five of his 3-point attempts.

With Mikel Brown Jr. on a minutes restriction to start the season, Dëmin needs to carry the load as Brooklyn's primary ball handler, sharing responsibilities with Keon Ellis and Julius Randle.

On Friday, against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Dëmin rebounded from his rough start, scoring 22 points and cashing in on five deep balls.

Dëmin looked much more comfortable with the ball in his hands, while taking advantage of multiple catch-and-shoot opportunities.

He got hot late in the game, helping Brooklyn storm back in the fourth quarter, but it was too little, too late.

But, Dëmin looked the part as a player who had taken a step forward, knocking down deep triples and getting to where he wants to on the court.

The improvements in the passing game were noticeable as well, as Dëmin used his driving ability to find shooters on the perimeter.

Dëmin's best pass of the night, however, came in a pick-and-roll with Randle, fitting in a pocket pass to his rolling forward.

Randle caught and finished through the contact, converting on an and-one opportunity.

Entering this season, Dëmin was pegged as a breakout candidate, with ESPN's Zach Kram outlining his abilities.

"Egor Demin was by far the best [rookie on the Brooklyn Nets] last season..." Kram wrote. "The Nets will have more offensive talent next to him this season... and they'd love to see Demin expand his offensive repertoire to take the next step as an NBA player," 

As Brown nurses himself back to full health, Dëmin being aggressive as a driver and efficient from distance will be key to the Nets finding some early wins.

Thus far, it seems that Brown will be limited for the foreseeable future, as head coach Jordi Fernández and the front office have continued be conservative with his recovery.

The Nets have a good opportunity to pick up their first victory of the budding season Sunday night at 6:00 p.m. against the Indiana Pacers.

Indiana is coming off it's first loss of the season, falling 121-105 against the Dallas Mavericks.

For Dëmin, this will be one of the toughest defensive assignments for him thus far, likely matching up with former two-time NBA All-Star Tyrese Haliburton.