Jordi Fernandez jokingly responded to Brooklyn’s 45-point win during his absence
The The Brooklyn Nets made history against the Milwaukee Bucks on Sundayand they did it without their head coach. With Jordy Fernandez sidelined with an illness, the Nets dominated the Bucks at Barclays Center, 127-82, in pursuit of their biggest win in franchise history.
Fernandez, who watched from home with his wife and two children, had a humorous response on his team’s performance in his absence.
“If I have to miss one more game and (they’re) playing that well, I’ll do whatever it takes for the group,” Bridget Riley told the New York Post. “All four of us were rooting for our guys and coaches and everything. So we were sending a lot of love this way.”
Fernandez’s top assistant, Steve Hetzel, stepped into the head coaching position against Milwaukee. The Nets had nine players score in double figures during the win, which was their fourth in their last six games.
Jordi Fernandez returns to the Nets after missing the Bucks game due to illness
Egor Demin responded to Fernandez’s public criticism during the win, scoring a team-high 17 points on 6-of-8 shooting. Noah Clowney added 16 points, while Tyrese Martin had 14, Drake Powell added 13, and Michael Porter Jr. and Terrence Mann chipped in 12 points apiece.
While the Nets’ 45-point shutout of the Bucks shocked many around the NBA, Fernandez wasn’t surprised by his team’s performance.
“Everybody’s response and everybody’s positive energy and willingness to do the right thing,” the coach said. “Nine players in double figures, like a lot of growth, a lot of good development — a lot of things we want to do consistently.
After an easy stretch of the schedule that included six straight games against teams with sub-.500 records, the Nets will face a tough upcoming schedule. Fernandez will return for a home game with the Miami Heat on Thursday before facing the Toronto Raptors, Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets.
2025-12-17 14:50:00
