Jordi Fernandez calls Nets' defense worse than bad after Bucks loss
- The Brooklyn Nets suffered a 118-113 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, allowing 26 points in the last six minutes of the game.
- Jordi Fernandez criticized the Nets' defensive strategies, particularly the failure to execute proper double-teaming against Giannis Antetokounmpo.
- The team's defensive rating is ranked sixth-worst in the NBA, highlighting a pressing need for improvement.
In Brooklyn, New York, the Brooklyn Nets experienced a disappointing 118-113 defeat against the Milwaukee Bucks. The loss was particularly frustrating for the team's assistant coach, Jordi Fernandez, who highlighted the severe shortcomings in the Nets' defensive strategies during the game. After establishing a 12-point lead late in the third quarter, the Nets faltered in the final minutes, allowing the Bucks to score 26 points within just six minutes, demonstrating a lack of consistency and control on defense. This defeat left the Nets with a defensive rating of 116.6, ranking them as the sixth-worst team in the NBA in terms of points allowed per 100 possessions. Despite their interior defense being relatively better, surrendering 48.7 points per game in the paint, they still struggled significantly on the perimeter. After the game, Fernandez specifically noted that his decision to double-team star player Giannis Antetokounmpo in the closing minutes backfired. This tactical choice allowed Antetokounmpo to find open shooters behind the three-point line, leading to a critical breakdown of their defensive coverage. Fernandez expressed disappointment in the execution of their game plan, emphasizing the need for aggressive rotations and urgent responses during double teams. Statements from players like Dennis Schroder followed suit, acknowledging the necessity to watch film and improve on these defensive lapses. Additionally, Dorian Finney-Smith's return from an ankle injury was noted as a potentially beneficial factor in strengthening both inside and perimeter defense, as he possesses versatile defensive capabilities. The Nets must quickly learn from these mistakes if they aim to compete effectively in the ongoing NBA season, especially with younger team members needing guidance to maintain high standards of performance. There is an urgent expectation for improvement, as Fernandez emphasized, the offensive line has been sufficiently good, and it's now essential for the defense to catch up to those standards.