STORY-BROOK ENDING: Brook Lopez addresses the crowd before the Nets’ 105-87 loss to the 76ers in the franchise’s last game in New Jersey. (Getty Images)
The past was in evidence last night, on the floor, on the scoreboard, in the stands. The future, specifically Brooklyn, was on everyone’s mind.
And the present also couldn’t be overlooked in the Nets’ goodbye to the state of New Jersey before next season’s move to Brooklyn. The present endured much of what the season has been: lots of injured players on the bench, a determined but losing effort on the floor as the Sixers clinched a playoff berth through the Nets’ 105-87 defeat.
“I’m a little bothered about leaving Jersey. We didn’t really finish like we wanted to down the stretch, but, you know, Brooklyn ready,” said New Jersey-born Nets rookie MarShon Brooks.
With video tributes (members of the 2002 and 2003 Finals teams drew the loudest cheers at sold-out Prudential Center), memories permeated the night. Derrick Coleman laughed, noting how “whoop-dee-damn-doo” came through his defense of Kenny Anderson “so I blame him.” Kerry Kittles fondly recalled two trips to the Finals. And on and on.
But for the current team, Nets memories and connections really aren’t so deep. Brook Lopez said the turnover really hit him last season when Vince Carter came to town.
“I remember VC came through last year and said there was no one other than me that he played with two years before,” said Lopez, who greeted the fans before the New Jersey finale.
“We would like to thank you this season for all of your support,” Lopez said, “so we can’t wait to see you next season.”
Which would be in Brooklyn. Coach Avery Johnson expressed the night best saying, “We knew this day was coming.”
And so ended a two-year rental of the Prudential Center. On the current roster, only Lopez and Kris Humphries were Nets when they played at the Meadowlands.
“It’s the closing of a chapter,” said Humphries, who again expressed his hope to stay with the Nets. “I think everyone wants to come back and be a part of Brooklyn.”
Any sentiment about New Jersey or the toughness of moving on didn’t mean much to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who ripped the team earlier in the day.
“My message to them is, good-bye. You don’t want to stay, we don’t want you,” he said.
Johnson admitted having “mixed emotions.’’
“Everybody has an opinion,’’ he said. “We’re moving on and hopefully we’ll move on and be successful in Brooklyn.”
Said newcomer Gerald Wallace: “I haven’t been a part of the history here. It’s tough. I don’t really know much about Jersey for the fact I’ve only been here a short time.”
And so on a night where history was in the air, there were moments for the present. Armon Johnson, originally signed as a 10-day guy, scored the final NEW JERSEY Nets basket.
“It’s an honor,” Johnson said. “It’s an honor to be in this organization. But now that you told me that, that’s a pretty cool thing to have.”
There were 15 stars and execs of the past at halftime. Former PA announcer Gary Sussman was back at the mike. Former owner Lewis Katz, who sold the team to the Brooklyn-determined Bruce Ratner, was on hand with grandkids Ethan and Brooke. Jay-Z sat courtside. Some truly did appreciate the history.
“I remember watching New Jersey games with my grandmother on the couch. Watching Kerry Kittles and these guys like Kenny Anderson that were here today,” said Brooks.
Anthony Morrow said he always has appreciated the history of the league.
“I spoke to all of [former Nets] at halftime,’’ he said. “A couple were surprised I knew their names.”