While many of the Nets’ goals for this year remain a bit blurry — are they competing or competitive? — the team’s intentions — spark a “Brooklyn Grit” renaissance — has been crystal clear. From Jordi Fernández’s introductory press conference, to the team’s on-court effort now five games deep, putting forth hustle and heart has been a focal point.
But tonight, this movement would face its first real test, if not in playing style then by name. The Nets visited perhaps the only team more synonymous with the term “grit” thanks to its “grit and grind” era — and gave us a dandy.