Fernandez: Nets must 'fight more than that' after 29-point loss to Cavs
Brooklyn Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez ripped his club's effort Monday following a 130-101 blowout loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
"We got punched in the face, and we didn't have the togetherness, the fight, to get back and keep punching," Fernandez told reporters postgame, including NetsDaily's Lucas Kaplan.
He added, "It is extremely disappointing because whoever wears our jersey will fight more than that, and if not, you will not be part of this club."
The Nets shot just 42% from the field in the contest and committed a season-high 22 turnovers. They were down 72-40 at halftime, and the final margin of defeat was their largest of the season.
Brooklyn traded veteran guard Dennis Schroder to the Golden State Warriors on Saturday, and this was the team's first game without him. Fernandez was asked if being without Schroder's leadership may have caused Monday's result, but he didn't want to focus on departed players.
"That's not in my mind; I don't care," Fernandez said, according to the New York Post's Brian Lewis. "I love him, I'm happy for him, but he's not here. So right now I'm fighting with my guys, and the ones that are here have to fight. And if they don't fight, there's going to be consequences."
The Nets have been unable to get into a rhythm this season and have used a league-high 14 different starting lineups. They've also struggled with injuries: Cam Thomas, Bojan Bogdanovic, and Ziaire Williams are all currently sidelined.
Brooklyn has lost six of its last seven contests and may look to trade more veterans as the trade deadline approaches. Dorian Finney-Smith is on an expiring contract, and Cam Johnson is having a career year; both should draw some interest from contenders.
The Nets now sit at 10-16 on the season and 11th in the Eastern Conference.