Jordi Fernandez explains controversial decision during Nets’ late-game collapse vs. Hawks

Brooklyn Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez explained his decision to bench point guard Nolan Traore for the entire fourth quarter during a 124-121 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. Despite Traore scoring 19 points on 8-of-10 shooting through three quarters, Fernandez chose to ride rookie guard Mikel Brown Jr., who scored 13 points in the final period. Fernandez noted he stuck with Brown due to his hot scoring stretch late in the game.

The Nets led 114-110 with two minutes remaining before Atlanta finished on a 14-7 run to seal Brooklyn's collapse. Brooklyn committed 22 turnovers leading to 28 Hawks points, with Michael Porter Jr. and Julius Randle contributing nine giveaways. Following the defeat, Traore noted that Fernandez did not speak to him about the benching and criticized the team's late-game offensive focus and effort.