In a closely contested matchup on March 15, 2024, the Brooklyn Nets secured a narrow 112-109 victory over the Chicago Bulls, with rookie Nolan Traore playing a pivotal role in the game’s final moments. Traore logged a career-high 27:57 on the court, outpacing lottery pick Egor Dëmin in crucial stretches of the game, particularly during the decisive fourth quarter.
Traore’s performance included an impressive seven assists and significant contributions during the final period, where he played 8:59. In contrast, Dëmin was limited to just 2:56 of playing time in the fourth quarter, a decision made by head coach Jordi Fernández. The choice to rely on Traore during the game’s critical moments highlighted the coach’s expectations for physicality and defensive tenacity.
Coach Fernández explained his decision, stating, “I needed Egor to lead with this physicality, and those are conversations he and I have. I know he can do it, because late in the game against New Orleans, he had great stops.” Although Dëmin has shown promise, Fernández emphasized that Traore’s current contributions better suited the team’s needs in that moment.
The decision to prioritize Traore’s experience and performance comes as the Nets faced challenges with key players absent from the lineup. Ziaire Williams was sidelined due to illness, while Haywood Highsmith was recovering from surgery. With two-way player E.J. Liddell and Ben Saraf assigned to Long Island, the Nets relied heavily on their available roster to secure the win.
Another standout performance came from Noah Clowney, who recorded 23 points on 4-of-7 shooting from three-point range, and achieved a personal best with 11 rebounds. His contributions, alongside Traore’s, were essential in overcoming the Bulls and ensuring the Nets secured the victory.
As the season progresses, Fernández’s use of both Traore and Dëmin will continue to evolve. The coach expressed satisfaction with the selflessness and intentions of both players, stating, “I’m very happy with how they play, how selfless they play, their intentions. That’s how you learn and get better.”
With the Nets looking to build on this momentum, the focus will shift to upcoming games as they aim to solidify their position in the league. The balance of talent and strategic decision-making will be crucial as the team navigates the remainder of the season.
