Nets Notebook: Where Brooklyn stands at both ends of the court through first five games

The Nets have not only been one of the more exciting teams to watch this season, but statistically speaking, they have boasted one of the best offenses in the NBA so far under first-year head coach Jordi Fernandez.

Fernandez’s dynamic duo of Cam Thomas (27.4) and Dennis Schröder (24.6) have been one of the highest-scoring backcourts in the league through five games. The Nets rank No. 14 in assists per game (15.6) and sixth in 3-pointers made per game (16.4). Their offense rating of 116.1 is currently the fifth best in the league.

Brooklyn’s 118.0 points per game trails only the Memphis Grizzlies (118.2), Charlotte Hornets (118.5), Golden State Warriors (119.8), Cleveland Cavaliers (125.6) and Boston Celtics (125.8). When asked about the team’s offensive success early this season, Fernandez credited an unselfish approach.

“The ball has energy, and I think if everybody touches the ball that everybody feels better, so that’s important for us,” Fernandez said. “Touching the paint is important for us with the shot quality. We’ve been good at doing all those things that create good shots, whether it’s at the rim, fouls, or catch and shoot threes. The guys have bought into it… Right now, it’s a small sample size because five games are not that you can say this is who we are. Obviously, we’re trending the right way.”

Defensively, the Nets have allowed the fewest 3-point attempts but have given up the most shots at the rim. Fernandez is aware of the issue. He said it has been a byproduct of the ball pressure the team has applied on the perimeter. Brooklyn’s defensive rating of 116.2 is currently sixth in the NBA.

“Sometimes you’ll get beat, and then you have to get the rim and cover for your teammates,” Fernandez said. “We’re not there yet, it’s in process. We know that all these high-level defensive teams, playoff teams, Orlando, Celtics, Minnesota, they’re very good in pressuring the ball and very physical. It’s a process. It’s not like in one day, you’ll become those, those type of teams. You have to go through it, but, yeah, we have to do better at the rim, for sure.

WATFORD A LATE SCRATCH

Trendon Watford, who was expected to make his season debut on Friday against the Chicago Bulls, was downgraded to questionable then later ruled out before tipoff. The forward had missed the entire preseason because of a left hamstring strain. He has now missed the team’s first six regular-season games.

The YES Network broadcast said the 23-year-old’s hamstring flared up during warmups. Watford’s sudden scratch was certainly disappointing to Fernandez, who was excited to have him back in the rotation.

“He’s worked really hard to get himself back healthy and it’s just good to have him around,” Fernandez told reporters ahead of the game. “Just such a good energy, great personality, and just a good time [for him to be] available. Obviously right now I have to help him get back into rhythm and so forth. He’ll get there. He’s been very good. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to participate yet.”

CLAXTON TRENDING UPWARD

Nic Claxton, who continues to be slowly re-integrated back into the Nets’ rotation, did not play in Wednesday’s defeat of the Memphis Grizzlies, but came off the bench again in his fifth appearance against the Bulls. And while the center’s minutes have been limited (just 20.9 minutes per game entering Friday’s matchup), he leads Brooklyn in total rebounds (33), total blocks (seven), and plus/minus (31).

“Overall, I’m feeling pretty good, just adjusting everything with the new system, with the interesting minutes that I’m playing, but you know, at least I’m out there,” Claxton said.

The timetable for when the Nets’ $100 million man will return to the starting lineup remains unknown, but Fernandez does believe he is trending in the right direction.

“We like where he is at right now,” Fernandez said. “Him taking it one of the two games off was part of the plan because we have to be cautious. Health is the number one thing. Right now, we just want to see him play consistently every game but also play more minutes. It’s going to happen.”