Nets Rookie Egor Dëmin Shines in Utah Homecoming: Team Ends Seven-Game Losing Streak
The Brooklyn Nets brought their woes to a halt with a stunning 109-99 victory over the Utah Jazz, thanks to an outstanding performance from rookie Egor Dëmin. This game marked not only a significant return to Utah for Dëmin, who previously starred at BYU, but it also snapped a disheartening seven-game losing streak for the Nets.
Dominant Performance by Dëmin
Dëmin’s contribution was nothing short of stellar. He recorded 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists, marking career highs in all three categories. This defining performance came at the Delta Center, in front of a cheering crowd of 18,186 fans.
- 3-Point Milestone: Dëmin extended his record by making a three-pointer in his 34th consecutive game, setting an NBA rookie record. He shot 6-for-12 from beyond the arc, showcasing his sharpshooting prowess.
With significant support from his fellow rookies, Nolan Traore and Danny Wolf, the Nets overcame the absence of key player Michael Porter Jr. and solidified their presence in the game.
Key Contributions From Teammates
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Nolan Traore: Contributed 7 points and 6 assists, including a crucial late drive that resulted in an and-one play, although it led to a minor injury for Jazz player Keyonte George.
- Danny Wolf: Added 14 points and 5 rebounds, proving essential in the victory.
Team Dynamics and Rookie Excitement
This win marked a significant moment for the Nets, who lined up with three rookies for the first time since December 18, 2021. The energy and tenacity brought forth by the young players were palpable.
Player Quotes
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Egor Dëmin expressed his thoughts post-game: “It means a lot… We’ve got to be able to function without [Mike]. So that win means a lot, especially for me being back home.”
- Day’Ron Sharpe added, "It feels great to snap the losing streak. Nobody likes losing."
Game Highlights
The matchup was tightly contested, tied at 83-all entering the fourth quarter. The Nets capitalized with an 8-0 run, pushing ahead for good. A pair of late three-pointers from Dëmin secured the lead at 100-90, ensuring the victory.
Coverage of the impressive performance can be found in more detail on sites like ESPN, offering comprehensive NBA insights.
Understanding the Current Season Landscape
This victory was crucial for the Nets (13-34). They now find themselves fifth in the lottery race, one game behind the Washington Wizards and one ahead of the Utah Jazz, who have faced a dismal stretch recently, losing nine of their last ten games.
Conclusion
With their losing streak finally behind them and promising young talent like Dëmin leading the way, the Nets may be turning a corner in their season. As the team looks ahead, fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how these developments influence their games and standings in the competitive NBA landscape.
For more insights on the Nets and their recent performances, check out NBA.com.
