Devin touched on it a bunch in yesterday’s recap, but the buzz from Nets practice yesterday was what has Brook Lopez been eating for breakfast? He’ averaging 22.6 points and 8.1 rebounds in his past 10 games, including five double-doubles:
“He senses the moment more of when he needs to try to dominate and not just be a participant,” Avery Johnson said Thursday. “He talks to his teammates about getting him the ball. He’ll even whisper to me one or two of his go-to plays that he likes or he gives me some kind of signal. I just think it’s maturity. It’s time and guys start feeling good about themselves and that’s a good thing.”
I think it’s a combination of factors. I do think the end of the trade talk and the deal for Deron Williams has probably reenergized a number of Nets players. Brook has always worn his unhappiness with losing on his sleeve. But also, Lopez looks as strong as he’s ever been the last 10 games – blaming his off-season mono may sound convenient, but I think it’s legitimate.
