Until a month ago, no one imagined the Nets capable of playing spoilsport in the East. And yet, one thing promised, one thing due, Jordi Fernandez’s players go hard, sometimes all-terrain, and they give their opponents a hard time. Like last night, in the derby against the Knicks. Trailing by 21 points, Dennis Schroder’s partners almost signed the heist of the evening. They led 11 seconds throughout the second half, and it took a double feat from Jalen Brunson, then Mikal Bridges for the Knicks to finally win 124-122.
“It’s the very nature of this championship” summarizes Tom Thibodeau, about Brunson’s victorious 3-pointer six seconds from the siren. This is the same Brunson who missed the winning basket against the Bulls two days ago. “There’s that disappointment, and then he bounces back to find a way to make us win. That says a lot about him. He had to react, take that shot and put it in… It took courage to try again, and that says a lot about this team.” continues the Knicks coach.
Mikal Bridges decisive
Behind, the Nets have six seconds to equalize or win. It’s Schroder who rushes to the circle, and Bridges tarps him on the board. “People put pressure on him to be perfect,” reports Josh Hart about his pal and new teammate. “The beauty of Mikal is he’s going to go out there and find ways to impact the game even if he’s not making his shots. So we are happy for him. We traded him for five players who aren’t in the NBA yet, and we’re fine with that. »
Author of 22 points (4 of 7 at 3-points), 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 interception and therefore 1 block, Bridges did not do his former teammates any favors, and his integration is confirmed. “He changes the game and he impacts the game in different ways,” Hart reiterates. “People want to talk about shots, actions or whatever… But that’s why we recruit a guy like him: to have such an impact on the game, to make decisive actions . He is a player who wins matches. »
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