SAN ANTONIO — Egor Dëmin, the cornerstone of the Nets’ reconstruction efforts, first demonstrated his shooting prowess. In Friday’s home opener, he revealed his poise under pressure.

The next phase for Dëmin to enhance his playmaking abilities involves attacking the paint. Once he masters this skill—utilizing his basketball smarts and strategic vision—it will elevate both the Nets and their prized draft pick to new heights.

“I need to improve my ability to adapt to this new level of physicality,” Dëmin remarked. “By penetrating the paint, my playmaking can reach a different echelon, especially with the shooters on our team.

“We have numerous sharpshooters, and penetrating the paint allows me to facilitate better opportunities for them. This is a key focus for me, and I’m committed to refining this aspect of my game to make it happen more consistently,” he added.

Initially, the Nets’ decision to select Dëmin with the No. 8 pick faced skepticism, as many doubted his shooting capabilities would allow him to play effectively off the ball. However, following a strong showing in summer league and training camp, he has silenced critics by hitting 7-of-11 shots from beyond the arc in just two games.

The seven are tied with Keegan Murray for the third most by a rookie in their first two games in NBA history, and the 63.6 percent shooting is sixth this year among players averaging 5.5 attempts.

“I’ve never questioned my shot,” Dëmin shrugged. “Back in college, I’ve been shooting, and I will be shooting. So that’s not something that I’m really doubting.”

That shot with his size (6-foot-8 ¼, 6-10 ¼ wingspan) gives Dëmin a floor as a solid wing. Touching the paint will give him a higher ceiling as a jumbo lead guard.

“Egor, he’s a great player, and even a better human. I’m really glad we added him,” Ziaire Williams said. “He’s tall. Honestly, when I first saw him I’m like, ‘Damn, you’re tall.’ Great size, plays the right way. And … he’s poised, man.

“I’m excited to see his future.”

Dëmin comes into Sunday’s tilt at the Spurs averaging 11.5 points, 5.5 boards and three assists — albeit with too many turnovers and too few drives.

He hasn’t taken a single 2-pointer this season. From summer league on, he’s a scalding 19-of-37 from deep, but just 2-of-6 inside the arc.

Bulk will help. So will ballhandling. But most of all, Dëmin said it’s a matter of bravery, using the word courage.

“It’s everything, overall. Mentality is a big part of it, too, how aggressive I am mentally,” Dëmin said. “For now, I wish I was more aggressive putting pressure on the rim. That’s what I’m missing in my game right now, those last two games.

“And this is where it’s going to open so much more opportunities for all of us — for me personally and for my teammates. That’s something I’ve got to get together physicality-wise, technical-wise and mentally.”

That courage helped Dëmin on Friday vs. Cleveland, when he played his first clutch minutes in the NBA.

Scoreless through three quarters, he had nine in the fourth on 3-of-5 from deep to help the Nets cut what had been a 25-point deficit to one.

“That’s an amazing experience, to have a chance to play in those clutch minutes against a team like Cleveland,” Dëmin said. “It’s about learning how to fight back.

“For me, it was important to really understand how to approach these types of situations.

“I didn’t really feel nervous; nerves aren’t really helping you at this point. Especially when we got to this run at the end, because when we do things and it’s successful, you start feeling better. You just start feeling the rhythm of the game, the fans are cheering, and it’s more courage.”

The courage to make a rare drive-and-kick in that late run, and it resulted in a Williams 3 to cut the deficit to five with 5:18 left. And Dëmin hit a 3 of his own to cut it to one with 3:48 to play, drawing the loudest roar of the night.

“He was real great. Staying composed,” Cam Thomas said. “I’m glad we have him.”

The Nets have every reason to be happy with their lottery pick. Once he starts driving, they’ll be ecstatic.