Nets’ Egor Demin Shines Brightly in Loss to Raptors
The Brooklyn Nets stepped onto the court Tuesday night in a dazzling tribute to the late rapper Biggie Smalls, showcasing what might be their most striking uniform yet. However, the night turned out to be less monumental on the scoreboard, as they fell to the Toronto Raptors 119-109, marking a dismal 1-10 start to their season. Despite the loss, the Nets displayed a more competitive spirit than in previous outings, largely due to the breakout performance of Egor Demin.
Demin’s Career Night
Egor Demin delivered a career-best performance, scoring 16 points on 5-of-11 shooting. He also contributed five assists and four rebounds, showcasing his all-around game. Notably, Demin made four of his eight attempts from beyond the arc, demonstrating a shooting touch that has quickly become a hallmark of his rookie season. With 18 three-pointers in his first 10 games as a Net, he has now surpassed Bojan Bogdanovic for the most triples made by a player in their debut season with the franchise.
One of the standout moments came when Demin executed a brilliant sidestep move, evading a defender who charged at him with intensity. He elevated his shot beautifully, highlighting not just his skill but his poise under pressure.
Coaching Praise and Expectations
Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez expressed his admiration for Demin’s growth, stating, “We all believe that he belongs. Some of the plays that caught my eye were the way he shoots and gets to spots. He needs to grow on the defensive end, being more proactive instead of reactive. That’s where he can better catch drives and communicate our schemes.”
Fernandez’s comments underscore the dual challenge facing Demin: while his offensive contributions are noteworthy, there remains a pressing need for improvement on the defensive side of the ball. The coach emphasized his belief in Demin’s potential, noting, “He’s a smart kid, and we’re going to keep challenging him to do those things, and he will. But I’m very happy with where he’s at right now.”
Evolving into a Leader
In interviews, Demin has expressed a desire to amplify his voice within the team and step into a leadership role. Early in the season, there were concerns about his aggressiveness, especially regarding 2-point attempts. Yet, in this game, he demonstrated a newfound assertiveness, attacking the rim more frequently. This shift not only benefits him but also creates opportunities for his teammates, as defenders are forced to collapse on him, leaving others open for shots.
While Demin had struggled with his 3-point shooting during his college career, his early success in the NBA has been nothing short of impressive. His ability to consistently knock down shots from downtown and drive aggressively to the basket signals a promising trajectory for the young player.
As the Nets continue to navigate this challenging season, Egor Demin’s emergence could provide a silver lining, hinting at a brighter future amidst the current struggles.
