As the L’s mount up, nearly 200 percent more than their wins, the Brooklyn Nets may have to find victories, no matter how small, in other areas.
One is the consistent play of center Brook Lopez, averaging 20 points and five rebounds per game.
Jeremy Lin returned to Brooklyn’s lineup Monday against one of his former teams, the Houston Rockets. His first game back since he strained his left hamstring Nov. 2.
Lin’s presence on the court keeps Brooklyn’s offense organized noted Brooklyn’s head coach, Kenny Atkinson.
“I felt a lot better than I thought I would with my wind, but I struggled with the rhythm,” Lin said after playing 20 minutes off the bench, hitting 10 points.
Brooklyn, who played the Los Angeles Lakers at home last night, trailed the Rockets for much of the game, but fought back. A small victory. Guard Joe Harris, who’s been averaging close to 10 points and three rebounds per game, tied it up with a layup at 118 each with about 40 seconds to go in the game.
“It could have gone either way,” said Atkinson. A small victory.
Though Brooklyn is struggling, Atkinson is developing players such as rookie guard Isaiah Whitehead, who kicked in 13 points with five assists. The play of guard Sean Kilpatrick and forward Trevor Booker is helping on the floor and to create chemistry within the team and their locker room. With some luck and continued hard work, it can kick in before they’re sharing last place with the Philadelphia 76ers, or outright owning last place in the Eastern Conference.
Brooklyn hits the road again tomorrow, Friday, to Florida to play the Orlando Magic, and then to Philly for Sunday’s game against the 76ers, winnable games. They continue to Toronto Tuesday to play the top-ranked Raptors. The Golden State Warriors roll up to Atlantic and Flatbush, Barclays, next Thursday.
