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Mentor–Protégé Reunion: Mike Brown’s Knicks Face Jordi Fernández’s Nets in New York Showdown

A blunt pregame jab underscored a bond that began when Fernández trained Brown’s son, leading to his first NBA job.

Mar 25, 2023; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown (left) and assistant coach Jordi Fernandez (right) talk during the fourth quarter against the Utah Jazz at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Sacramento Kings associate head coach Jordi Fernandez, left, and head coach Mike Brown during Game 3 in the first round of the NBA basketball playoffs against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco, Thursday, April 20, 2023. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Overview

  • Sunday’s game at Madison Square Garden marked their first Knicks–Nets meeting since Brown was hired in June.
  • Brown praised Fernández, then added an NSFW line about the matchup, saying he wanted to “kick his ass.”
  • Fernández credited Brown for shaping his path, saying he would not be in his position without his mentor.
  • Their connection traces to IMPACT Basketball in Las Vegas, followed by Fernández’s Cavaliers player-development role, six seasons with Denver, and an associate head-coach stint under Brown in Sacramento, plus work with Nigeria’s national team.
  • Brooklyn entered seeking a second win without leading scorer Cam Thomas, while New York targeted a fourth straight home victory with efficiency metrics that Fernández highlighted.