Nets coach Avery Johnson wanted to see lateral movement, especially defensively, from guard Devin Harris, who was returning yesterday from a two-game absence because of a strained left knee. He’s still waiting.
“Not where it usually is, but I’ll get it back,” Harris (seven points, three assists, four turnovers in a blowout-shortened 24 minutes) said of his lateral movement in the 100-75 wipeout loss to Boston yesterday.
“I felt fine. Obviously, I would have liked to have played a little bit better, but as far as injury-wise, I felt pretty good.”
The other guy everyone was watching closely was Brook Lopez, who had no defensive rebounds in Friday’s overtime loss at Charlotte and then left without talking to the media.
“That’s a sign of progress. He was so upset he couldn’t talk to you. I like that,” Johnson said of Lopez, who was aggressive early yesterday when it was a game, grabbing five rebounds in the first quarter.
So what was on Lopez’ mind going in?
“Rebounding,” he said. “A lot of rebounding. I tried to rebound when I was in as much as I could, I got five in the first quarter.”
*
Count Travis Outlaw
among those with a brutal game: 0-of-7 shooting, two free-throw points. Outlaw admitted “something I ate for breakfast” didn’t agree with him.
Rookie Derrick Favors
played 27 minutes, most since his season-high 28 Nov. 6. He scored 10 points. … Boston has beaten Nets nine straight in New Jersey.