Feb. 26, 2026, 7:06 p.m. ET

NEW YORK — The Brooklyn Nets looked like they were capable of being one of the better teams in the league during the month of December when they were operating on all cylinders. However, since the calendar turned to January, Brooklyn has looked like a shell of its former self and head coach Jordi Fernandez explained how the team remains positive amidst the extended losing.

“Winning matters and competing for games is extremely important. The record is what it is, we’re well aware of it and we don’t like it. But, the players show up and work every day,” Fernandez said prior to Thursday’s matchup against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs. The Nets have the worst record in the NBA in 2026 and at this point, it seems that the team is just trying to stay focused and continue to improve while keeping the big picture in mind.

“It’s not uncomfortable, it’s not a bad feeling. Coming here and feeling like we can compete against anybody has to be important,” Fernandez continued. “If you’re up 10, you want to be up 20. If you’re down 20, you want to be down 10. We have to be competitive and understand this is a process.”

While Brooklyn is hoping to win every game from now until the end of the season, the fact of the matter is the Nets have the eighth-hardest schedule to finish the year, in terms of opponent win percentage. Players like forward Michael Porter Jr. have recently spoken about maintaining the mindset of winning while keeping in mind that part of the team’s mission is also to develop the younger players on the team.

If the Nets are lucky after this season is over, they may have the chance to draft a franchise player of their own, similar to what the Spurs did three years ago when they drafted Wembanyama. This season, similar to last season, has been hard for the organization as well as the fanbase, but everyone in the building is choosing to remain positive down the stretch with the hope that the growing pains will be worth it when the rewards start pouring in.

Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!