The NBA season is in full swing, with the first week of hoops behind us. The Boston Celtics are maintaining the winning momentum from last season in the Eastern Conference. The Los Angeles Lakers, despite fan concerns, are off to a 3-1 record. Additionally, Jordi Fernández made history with his first win as an NBA coach in the Brooklyn Nets’ 115-102 victory against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Nets Coach Earns First Win
Jordi Fernández is the NBA’s first Spanish head coach. He began coaching in his teens in Spain. After moving to the United States, he worked his way up from head coach of the Canton Charge in the NBA G League to an assistant coach with the Denver Nuggets and Sacramento Kings. In April 2024, he was hired as the head coach of the Nets.
After the Nets win over the Bucks, Fernandez said,
“So it’s very special to come all the way from starting from the bottom in the NBA, and working really hard and move up, and move up, and some good moments, some tough moments, different teams, friends, memories And it’s really cool now you look and you have to enjoy this moment because there’s only one time that you’re a head coach and win a (first) game.”
First Three Games of the Season
Coming into the season, the Nets are not considered contenders due to their rebuilding. However, in their first three games, the team showed they want to compete despite losing to the Hawks (118-116) and the Orlando Magic (116-101). Fernández has emphasized physical defense and fast-paced offense. Fernandez also reminds his players that this team is a family and a brotherhood. The team’s win against the Bucks is an indication of them moving in the right direction.
Accountability
After the Nets loss to the Orlando Magic, Fernández told the media that he is challenging Ben Simmons this season.
“I don’t want him to drive to pass. I keep telling him I want him to drive to the rim and be aggressive.” Fernandez said.
Before Fernández made these comments to the media, there was a situation that gave a glimpse of the bonding taking place among the players. Nets guard Dennis Schroder and Simmons had an altercation with a Magic fan who called Simmons trash. Players and security got involved to manage the situation.
History With First Win
Fernández’s wife, children, parents, friends, and extended family were in attendance at the Barclay Center to see him earn his first win as head coach and make history as the first Spanish coach to win a game. He kept the game ball.
“I’m going to put it in my office,” Fernandez said, “because my wife does a great job decorating the house and she doesn’t want my basketball stuff there.”
Fernandez And Nets Moving Forward
As the Nets move on from their first win, they can expect many ups and downs this season. The Eastern Conference is strong, with the Celtics, New York Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks, and Philadelphia 76ers. The Nets next game will be against the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night.
