ORLANDO, Fla. — Brook Lopez showed the Magic last night what they are missing. He showed the Nets what they are missing, too.
The Nets center was everywhere early in the game, making baskets, blocking shots, pulling down rebounds, setting a tone the Nets had to have after two difficult losses. The NBA is all about the bounce-back, and Lopez was there when the Nets needed him most, in a game they could not afford to lose.
Lopez scored nine of the Nets’ first 13 points on their way to a 107-68 blowout of the Magic at Amway Center. After having endured the Dwight Howard saga, the constant trade rumors and the Magic’s decision to go in a different trade direction, this was a statement start for the center.
Yes, on this night, this was Brook Lopez’s Magic Kingdom.
This game was nothing personal, though, Lopez said. This is how he wants to approach every game, no matter the opponent.
“I expect a lot out of myself,’’ Lopez said on a night he collected 14 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks in just 24 minutes.
Just as important as the results, Lopez got some on-court instruction during a timeout early in the game from point guard Deron Williams on how best to use his size. This is the type of teamwork that will make a difference over the long haul for Lopez and for the Nets.
Williams is so passionate about what he does. He is not afraid to show his displeasure if a teammate is not making the most of his ability, but the point guard also is willing to lend a helping hand. There he was during a timeout, on the court instructing Lopez the best way to use all of his seven feet to attack the opponent and give the guards a terrific passing target.
Though Lopez often has position on a defender, Williams told The Post, “He has his hands down, so you don’t want to throw it because you don’t know if he’s open or not. He’s open but … I was just telling him that, and he did it the next time and it worked.’’
It worked to perfection. To his credit, Lopez took it all in and made the most of the situation.
“It’s just a matter of me getting in the right position, me sealing my man to help make his pass easier and giving him a target so he can be confident that when he throws the ball I’m going to get it strong with two hands,’’ Lopez said. “This is a work in progress, so we are definitely going to be out there talking to each other, trying to figure it out, but it was really clicking tonight.’’
Remember, Lopez played just five games last year because of injuries. There still are big lessons to be learned by the big man.
“He was a beast early,’’ Joe Johnson said. “That’s what we need him to do.’’
Do they ever.
This win got the Nets back to thinking good thoughts after blowing a 22-point lead to the Timberwolves on Monday night in Brooklyn and following that up by getting blown out of AmericanAirlines Arena on Wednesday night by LeBron James and the Heat.
In that game, Lopez had all of two points at the half. Last night, he had 12 points, seven rebounds and three blocked shots at the half. This was a much different opponent, of course, but those numbers were huge. He has to keep it going on both ends of the court.
“Defensively, I was trying to be the last line of defense where if they get to the basket I’m the wall and my guards can trust me if they get beat,’’ Lopez said.
It’s all about trust.
“He was good,’’ coach Avery Johnson said of Lopez. “He was getting deep post position. He was holding his position. Deron did a good job of getting him the ball.’’
Getting Lopez the ball and giving him some vital on-court instruction.