Egor Dëmin Shines with Record 3-Pointers in Nets’ Loss to Warriors

Egor Dëmin, the promising rookie point guard for the Brooklyn Nets, showcased his potential during a game against the Golden State Warriors on December 4, 2023. The young player set a franchise record for rookies by sinking seven 3-pointers on 14 attempts, despite the Nets ultimately falling short as their three-game winning streak came to an end.

Nets head coach Jordi Fernández praised Dëmin’s performance, highlighting the aggressiveness he has consistently sought from the first-year player. However, Fernández noted areas for improvement, particularly in Dëmin’s ability to create assists and minimize turnovers. “The lessons come every day, especially against a good defensive team,” Fernández stated after the game. “His decisiveness and ability to touch the paint to create assists could have been better.”

At just 19 years old, Dëmin has become a crucial part of the Nets’ rebuilding efforts. He recorded three assists in 32 minutes of play but also committed two critical turnovers in the fourth quarter. Following the game, he expressed excitement about competing against future Hall of Famer Steph Curry, saying it was “an honor” to share the court with him.

Dëmin matched his career-high with 23 points, which also tied him with Charlotte’s Kon Knueppel for the most 3-pointers made by an NBA rookie this season. Teammate Nic Claxton remarked on the significance of the performance, stating, “It was a big confidence builder for him. He hit some really big shots for us. Obviously, there are still a lot of errors where he can learn from. But the sky’s the limit for him, and he’ll keep getting better.”

As the season progresses, Dëmin has averaged 11.8 points, 3.3 assists, and 2.2 turnovers while shooting 38.7 percent from beyond the arc during the Nets’ 7-4 stretch in December. He has shown noticeable growth, expressing that he feels “much more comfortable” on the court. “Mentally, I’m understanding the game better and just adjusting to it,” he explained. “With time, it will start being easier for me to be on the court, physically and mentally.”

In addition to Dëmin, three other rookies—Nolan Traore, Danny Wolf, and Drake Powell—contributed significant minutes against the Warriors. Traore, in particular, had a standout game, scoring a career-best nine points, including three 3-pointers. Leading scorer Michael Porter Jr. recognized the efforts of the younger players, noting, “They’re getting better and better and they’re going to keep getting more and more experience under their belts.”

The Nets, who are focused on development this season, continue to see their young talent flourish. As the team prepares for the upcoming match against the Houston Rockets, Dëmin and his fellow rookies are poised to take on greater challenges, further honing their skills against some of the league’s best.