Nets' Jordi Fernández Demands More After Slowing Knicks' All-Stars

Brooklyn's defense frustrated New York's top players, but the Nets ultimately fell short in the final matchup of the season.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 1:33pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In the final matchup between the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets this season, the Nets jumped out to an early lead by playing physical defense and limiting the production of the Knicks' All-Star duo of Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson. However, the Knicks rallied in the second half to win 93-92. Despite the loss, Nets coach Jordi Fernández was pleased with his team's defensive effort and plans to demand that level of play every game.

Why it matters

The Nets have struggled to establish an early tone in games this season, often having to overcome big deficits. Fernández's ability to get his team to play with that level of defensive intensity from the start could be a key factor in the Nets' success going forward, even in losses against more established teams like the Knicks.

The details

The Nets' defense pressured Brunson full-court, throwing doubles, blitzes, and hedges to take the ball out of his hands and limit his clean looks. Towns also had trouble going up against Brooklyn's physicality, getting stripped of the ball and struggling to finish inside despite having optimal positioning. While the Knicks' All-Stars finished with respectable box score numbers, their first-half performance reflected anything but, as the Nets' defense set the tone early.

  • The game was played on Friday night, marking the final matchup between the two New York teams this season.

The players

Jordi Fernández

The head coach of the Brooklyn Nets who was pleased with his team's defensive effort against the Knicks' All-Stars.

Karl-Anthony Towns

The All-Star forward for the New York Knicks who finished with 26 points and 15 rebounds, but struggled against the Nets' physicality in the first half.

Jalen Brunson

The All-Star guard for the New York Knicks who added 17 points and 8 assists, but also had trouble with the Nets' defense in the first half.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I thought we set up the tone, and the physicality was there from the beginning. We missed some good open looks, and then ended up taking the lead in the first quarter. We held them to 14 points. Obviously, they missed some, but very very very happy with the way we started the game, because we've struggled starting games lately, and we had to overcome like big deficits, and today, even though it was a deficit because that third quarter we lost by 16, we had the chance to take the lead in the fourth. So, the way we started the game definitely helped throughout. We know we can do it now. I'm gonna demand to do it every day, every quarter.”

— Jordi Fernández, Head Coach, Brooklyn Nets

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.