The Brooklyn Nets concluded their preseason with a loss to the Miami Heat, falling 144-128 at Kaseya Center in front of a sellout crowd of 19,600. Nets coach Jordi Fernández emphasized that while preseason games do not count in the standings, they are important for team development.
Michael Porter Jr. led the Nets with 27 points, shooting 4-for-8 from three-point range. Other notable performances included rookie Mikel Brown Jr. with 15 points, sophomore Egor Dëmin scoring 17 points on 4-for-7 shooting from deep, and Nolan Traore contributing 12 points and five assists.
However, the team's defense was a significant concern, as they allowed the Heat to score 70 points in each half, totaling 144 points. Fernández stated, "[The problem was] just defense. I mean, it was a very poor defensive game... if we want to be a competitive team, we have to play better defense than that."
The Nets were outscored 62-38 in the paint, with the Heat shooting 31-for-40 inside. Giannis Antetokounmpo was a key player for Miami, finishing with 20 points, 15 rebounds, nine assists, and three blocks in just 23 minutes.
The Nets initially attempted to capitalize on the absence of Bam Adebayo but struggled with their own rim protection. Day’Ron Sharpe faced early foul trouble, which allowed Antetokounmpo to dominate. The Nets briefly took a lead in the third quarter but ultimately could not maintain their momentum, giving up a 10-0 run to the Heat.
Davion Mitchell required six stitches after an injury in the third quarter when he collided with Sharpe's knee.