Nets Finally Snap Skid, But Face Tall Task in Detroit
The Brooklyn Nets finally got a much-needed breather in the form of a win - and it came the hard way. Shorthanded and on the second leg of a back-to-back, they outlasted the Utah Jazz behind a breakout 25-point performance from Egor Demin, snapping a seven-game losing streak in the process.
Now it’s onto Detroit, where the challenge doesn’t get any easier.
Next Up: Nets (13-34) at Pistons (35-12)
Tip-off: 6:00 PM ET
Watch: YES Network
What to Watch: Life Without MPJ
The Nets will once again be without Michael Porter Jr., and that’s been a problem all season. Brooklyn is just 1-8 when he’s out of the lineup - that lone win being Friday’s gritty victory in Denver.
It’s a tough blow, especially considering how well Porter Jr. had been playing before the injury. He’d gone for 30+ in two of his last three games and dropped 28 points the last time these two teams met.
His shot creation, floor spacing, and ability to heat up in a hurry have been sorely missed. Without him, the Nets have struggled to find consistent scoring outside of their young core.
Porter Jr.’s absence also looms large with the trade deadline approaching. He’s one of the more intriguing names on the market - a wing with size, scoring touch, and playoff experience.
If Brooklyn ultimately decides to hold onto him, they at least know they’ve got a reliable piece to build around moving forward. But in the short term, they’ll have to find a way to manufacture offense without one of their best weapons.
Can Demin Keep It Rolling?
Egor Demin’s 25-point outburst against Utah was a bright spot - not just because of the numbers, but because of how he got them. Confident pull-ups, timely cuts, and a willingness to attack the rim made him a spark plug on a night the Nets badly needed one.
The question now is whether Demin can string together performances like this against a team like Detroit, one of the league’s top defensive units. If he can, the Nets might have uncovered a valuable contributor in the making.
The Road Ahead
Brooklyn’s record may not show it, but there are signs of growth. Young players are getting reps, and the team continues to compete despite injuries and trade rumors swirling. But with the Pistons on deck - a team that’s 35-12 and loaded with size, depth, and experience - the Nets will need more than moral victories.
It starts with defense, ball movement, and finding ways to get easy buckets without MPJ. If Demin and company can rise to the occasion again, Brooklyn might just surprise a few people. But make no mistake - this one’s going to be a battle.