Michael Porter Jr.’s Scoring Streak Ends as Nets Dominate Bucks Without Head Coach
Michael Porter Jr.’s remarkable run came to an abrupt halt last night as he failed to reach the 30-point mark for the first time in five games. The talented forward, who had been on a tear with performances of 35, 33, 35, and 34 points from December 1 to December 12, managed only 12 points against the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite Porter’s lackluster outing, the Brooklyn Nets showcased their depth and resilience, cruising to a stunning 45-point victory.
A Historic Night for the Nets
Porter’s struggles did not overshadow the overall performance of the Nets, as they achieved a rare feat with nine players scoring in double figures. This balanced scoring attack marked only the fourth time in franchise history that so many players reached double digits in a single game. The team’s ability to distribute scoring responsibilities highlighted their collective strength, especially in the absence of their head coach, Jordi Fernandez, who was sidelined due to illness.
Assistant coach Steve Hetzel stepped up to lead the team in Fernandez’s absence, and he expressed immense pride in the players’ ability to rally together. “Yeah, it was a lot of fun. Just watching how well we played as a team. Normally, Mike [Porter Jr.] has been carrying us offensively, and then you see how spread out the points are. I don’t think anybody that stepped on the court played poorly,” Hetzel remarked. The Nets’ performance not only underscored their versatility but also demonstrated their commitment to each other and their coaching staff.
Hetzel’s First Win as Head Coach
In addition to the team’s success, Hetzel celebrated a personal milestone as he recorded his first victory as an NBA head coach. Following the dominating win, he was doused with water by players in a celebratory gesture, but he quickly redirected the credit. “With a big ice bath. It feels good, but it’s really — we’re all an extension of Jordi and everything that he’s done. The way they played in his absence just shows how much they care about playing for him,” he noted. Hetzel’s humility shone through as he emphasized the collaborative effort that led to the win, reflecting on his close relationship with Fernandez. “Jordi and I are like brothers. I view him like a brother. When he asked me to come work for him, I said absolutely. But this win is more of a reflection of everything that everybody on the staff does. And it’s fun to win. It’s fun to play well. I’m glad that we got it for Jordi.”
Looking Ahead to Miami
With their impressive victory over a Giannis Antetokounmpo-less Bucks team, the Nets now turn their attention to the Miami Heat, whom they will face on Thursday. This matchup marks the first meeting of the season between the two teams, and the Nets will be looking to improve upon last year’s results, where the Heat won two of three encounters. As Brooklyn prepares for this next challenge, they carry with them the confidence gained from their dominant performance and the depth of their roster, ready to make a statement in the Eastern Conference.
