NBA

Nets’ Lopez comes up big vs. Knicks’ Chandler

Brook Lopez knew this was not going to be just another game. Like the rest of his teammates, he came in early to watch film yesterday morning, with Lopez preparing for his matchup with Tyson Chandler, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year.

By the time the lights dimmed at the Barclays Center, Lopez was ready. Long challenged to be tougher and more physical, the Brooklyn center responded in a game that felt far bigger than any other November night in Nets history, helping them to a 96-89 overtime win over the Knicks.

Lopez was aggressive offensively and unusually active on the glass, leading the Nets with 22 points while adding season highs of 11 rebounds and five blocks for his second double-double this season.

“[Chandler’s] always a good challenge for me,” Lopez said. “He’s a great gauge to see where I’m at. I know I’m going to get his best and it’s always fun to play against him.”

Lopez opened strong, totaling eight points, four rebounds and two blocks after one quarter, but came up biggest late. With the Nets offense looking lethargic, Deron Williams looked to the team’s biggest target, finding Lopez for a three-point play in which he was fouled by Chandler to give the Nets a 76-72 lead with 6:03 left.

Lopez extended the Nets’ lead to five with 3:57 left while running the floor as a trailer and throwing down a thunderous dunk on a pass from Williams. Lopez then closed a Knicks’ lead to one with 1:27 remaining and tied the game with a free throw with 24.1 seconds left before missing the second attempt.

“This was a great benchmark for us,” Lopez said. “We knew going in they were one of the best teams in the league, and we wanted to come out and show something tonight. We’re continuing to improve every game. It’s scary how good we can be.”

Last night was the first time Lopez and Chandler faced each other since the latter joined the Knicks. Lopez played just five games last season due to foot injuries, but the 24-year-old continued his consistency against Chandler — he had averaged 19.6 points on 55.7 percent shooting, 8.0 rebounds and 2.1 blocks in seven meetings before last night. Chandler was a force inside as well, scoring a career-high 28 points after averaging 8.3 points against Lopez in the previous meetings.

Lopez, who started the night shooting a career-best 55.1 percent and led the team in scoring with 19 points, said it is great being back with the Nets after the numerous trade rumors he endured last season. Most of all, it’s great being back after all the terrible seasons he suffered through in New Jersey.

“We went through a lot,” Lopez said. “We’re just glad that’s not the situation here right now. It’s completely different. It’s really fun to be out there every night playing for something. It’s night and day.”