«A New Year with my mother and cat». Egor Dёmin offers everyone a chance to win a special gift

Hi, Sports.ru!

It’s always great to come here and feel the support in my blog. This is how I stay connected to my home country and to fans all across Russia. Seeing my post about my NBA debut finish in the top three posts of the year on Sports.ru was a huge honor — thank you so much, it really means a lot to me!

I hope you’re able to watch Nets games, at least on replay. Little by little, we’re building chemistry as a team and understanding each other better on the court. Of course, it’s not the kind of connection where I can throw a pass with my eyes closed yet — but many of our combinations are already working, and that’s starting to show in the results.

The outcome: the biggest win in Brooklyn history. We beat Milwaukee by 45 points! And what’s even more important for a young team’s development — nine players scored in double figures in that game.

Of course, my life has changed dramatically, even compared to last year in college. I try to spend almost all of my free time on recovery and rest. Games, flights, constant travel — it all takes a lot of energy. Sometimes things don’t go according to plan.

For example, not many people know this, but our recent trips along the East Coast were incredibly tough. Both in Milwaukee and Chicago, there were heavy snowstorms, and because of that our plane couldn’t take off. We had to spend hours sitting at the airport just to make it back home.

I can truly say now that Brooklyn feels like HOME. Little by little, I’m settling into my apartment, buying things, making it more comfortable. For New Year’s, my mom came to visit — I had been really looking forward to that. Everything instantly felt warmer, and my mood lifted right away. She was here with me in Brooklyn after the draft as well.

We even made it to a Russian restaurant on Brighton Beach together — I absolutely loved the atmosphere and the food.

In general, Brooklyn has strong ties to Russia. I often hear Russian being spoken at games, there are even chants and songs. That makes me feel very comfortable here.

To make my new apartment even cozier, I got a Bengal cat — and he’s already become a true friend to me.

Meet Yuki! He’s 10 months old, and he really helps me relax when I get back home after road trips. Together, we’re creating a New Year’s atmosphere and getting ready to welcome 2026.

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!

Let’s start a wishes marathon in the comments under this post — share your best New Year wishes with each other. The most creative comment will receive a special gift from me: the Sports.ru Year-in-Review magazine and my signed Brooklyn jersey.

Good luck to everyone! 🎄🏀