The Nets’ Jordi Fernandez explains the late-game benching of Egor Demin during the loss to the Magic

ByNBAUSA


Rookie development is the main story of the Brooklyn Nets’ 2025-26 campaign. However, the team’s draft picks often took a back seat early in the season. Egor Demin’s late-game benching during Friday’s 105-98 loss to the Orlando Magic was the latest example.

Despite starting his fourth straight game, the No. 8 pick played just seven minutes in the second half. Nets coach Jordi Fernandez played Tyrese Martin in extended periods, playing against the player for 15 minutes in the second half.

“At some point, what you’re trying to find is a group that gives you a run … It’s not just about one player. It’s about finding a group,” Fernandez said of the decision. “Egor played against a very physical team. Those minutes are extremely valuable. But it’s not just about the starters. I know you keep asking me about the starters, but it’s (about) everybody… We were one percent better as a group (tonight), and that’s the most important thing.”

Demin struggled for most of the game, scoring eight points on 2-of-9 shooting from the field and 1-of-5 from three with two assists and one turnover. Novak finished with minus six in 18 minutes. Before Friday, he was averaging 11.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.7 turnovers. over Brooklyn’s last three games after moving into the starting lineup.

Martin also struggled against the Magic, scoring four points on 2-of-7 shooting from the field and 0-of-4 from three with two assists and one turnover. The 26-year-old finished minus one in 24 minutes.

Nets rookie Egor Demin was benched after the loss to the Magic

Brooklyn Nets guard Egor Demin (8) shoots against Orlando Magic guard Jalen Sag (4) during the first quarter at the Kia Center.
Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Despite his early struggles, Demin unloaded clutch three to give the Nets the lead with five minutes left. However, Fernandez pulled the rookie a minute later after a missed dunk attempt, rolling with a veteran lineup of Terrence Mann, Ziaire Williams, Michael Porter Jr., Noah Clowney and De’Ron Sharp.

After Clowney fouled out with Brooklyn leading 98-94 with 1:58 left, Fernandez substituted Demin for Martin. The Magic would close out on an 11-0 run, and the Nets missed their final five shots.

Demin and Drake Powell are the only starters in Brooklyn’s rotation. Powell played 22 minutes Friday and had six points, three rebounds and three assists on 3-of-5 shooting. The No. 22 pick finished with a team-best plus-six, but played just three minutes of the fourth quarter.

Brooklyn’s other rookies — Nolan Traore, Ben Saraf and Danny Wolf — have been playing with the Long Island Nets since the G League season began last week.





2025-11-15 05:14:00

Similar Posts