The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 111-108, with their strong defensive effort limiting Luka Doncic to just 8-of-26 shooting. Head coach Jordi Fernandez praised the team's energy, pressure, and communication.
The Brooklyn Nets pulled off a narrow 111-108 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night, and a key factor in their success was their defensive effort against Luka Doncic.
| Player of the Game | |
|
EFF
20
|
| Cameron Johnson | |
| Points | 18 |
| Accuracy | 6-14 |
| Rebounds | 7 |
| Assists | 5 |
Doncic struggled against the Nets’ high-pressure defense, finishing the game with just 8-of-26 shooting (30.8%) and committing 5 turnovers.
In a post-game press conference, the Nets' head coach Jordi Fernandez explained the strategy behind slowing down the All-NBA guard.
"We had energy, we had pressure, we had to put two on the ball, especially with Luka," Fernandez said. "I thought the scramble, the energy, the communication was very good… Sometimes you bring the energy and you’re flying around."
"And when you put two on the ball, you’re opening up something else. And sometimes you just gotta get lucky that guys like them that can score in bunches, they’re not having the night," he added.
Fernandez praised the team's collective performance and energy, noting that it was a crucial reason for the win.
"Credit to our guys. Ziaire Williams did a great job, and everybody else, Tyrese Martin, Keon Johnson. I think the whole team did a really good job, and our energy was there, and that’s the reason we came up with a win."
Even though Doncic posted a triple-double in the game with 22 points, 12 assists, and 12 rebounds, the absence of LeBron James was also felt as the Lakers lost.
Austin Reaves struggled with shooting as well, contributing just 17 points on 3-of-14 shooting.
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