Nets Vow to Learn From Fourth-Quarter Struggles

Brooklyn coach Jordi Fernandez says team is focused on growth, not frustration, despite late-game woes

Feb. 24, 2026 at 11:49pm

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The Brooklyn Nets have struggled to close out games this season, blowing multiple fourth-quarter leads. However, coach Jordi Fernandez says the team is staying positive and focused on learning from these experiences, rather than getting frustrated. Despite their 5-19 record in clutch situations, the Nets are determined to develop their younger players and improve their late-game execution.

Why it matters

The Nets' inability to protect leads in the fourth quarter has cost them several games this season. As a young team focused on player development, their struggles in crunch time are a key obstacle they must overcome if they want to turn their season around and make a playoff push.

The details

In a recent loss to the Atlanta Hawks, the Nets blew a 104-97 lead with 5:19 left, as the Hawks finished the game on an 18-0 run. During that stretch, the Nets shot 0-for-9 from the field and turned the ball over 3 times. Overall this season, the Nets have the NBA's worst winning percentage (5-19) in "clutch" situations, defined as games within 5 points in the final 5 minutes.

  • On Sunday, the Nets lost 115-104 to the Atlanta Hawks.
  • With 5:19 left in the fourth quarter, the Nets led the Hawks 104-97.

The players

Jordi Fernandez

In his second year as the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets.

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What they’re saying

“I think the guys have done a great job. You give yourself a chance being up seven with five minutes to go, the second group was amazing.”

— Jordi Fernandez, Nets Head Coach

“I think the whole team competed, played the right way. We didn't see the ball go in, we didn't get any stops. It was an 18-0 run, and we just got to learn from it. The guys were frustrated because nobody likes to lose. But, the vibe and the day-to-day is very good.”

— Jordi Fernandez, Nets Head Coach

What’s next

The Nets will look to apply the lessons from their late-game struggles when they face the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday.

The takeaway

Despite their disappointing record in close games, the Nets are staying positive and focused on developing their young talent. Their ability to learn from these fourth-quarter meltdowns will be crucial as they try to turn their season around and make a playoff push.