Facing Boston and Cleveland in two days, away, was not a gift for the Nets. But the latter were up to the task by delivering two good matches, even if they ultimately lost both matches. And narrowly, every time. The loss in overtime for the Celtics caused frustration.
There is no doubt that the one with the Cavaliers will also leave a bitter taste in the mouths of the Brooklyn players.
“We were seven points ahead with four minutes to go”, recalls Dennis Schroder. “We have to improve, I have to organize the team and we have to take the shots we want. We need to apply our attack better. And in defense, we must be more proud in one-on-one. We can't take three floaters in a row. »
So what happened to let go of this lead in the final minutes? The Nets will suffer a 10-0 and notably lose three balls. A breakdown which can be explained by the fatigue of executives according to Jordi Fernandez.
“We don't end matches like that, away against a big team. I told the guys: it’s my fault,” assumes the Nets coach. “I played Schroder for 12 minutes in the last quarter, without letting him breathe. This is how the offense and defense weaken. I didn't blow Cam Thomas and, in the end, we pay him. I have to do better with the substitutes, be smarter at the end of the match. »
“I have to do better to give guys some rest so they are fresher at the end of the game”
Jordi Fernandez therefore pulled too hard on his starters, especially in “back-to-back” with a match in overtime in Boston the day before, and he insists on the “20 balls lost outside”who gave the Cavaliers 26 points. “It cost us the match”he delivers. “I have to do better to give guys some rest so they are fresher at the end of the game”insists the technician, who nevertheless emphasizes that it is ” proud “ of its players.
Dennis Schroder, who played 37 minutes in Cleveland, like Friday night in Boston, does not want to use the fatigue card to explain the missed turn in the last quarter.
“That’s not an excuse. We could have done better offensively and it's up to me to do it. I don't know if the coach is responsible, but I have to make sure that we play with rhythm and that we do things correctly.” also accepts the German, while paying tribute to his trainer. “I love his attitude. He is not afraid to take responsibility. He said it from training camp: no one is perfect. Him saying it's his fault means a lot to us, but it's us who play the last minutes. Everyone needs to look in the mirror and learn. »
