Nets snap home losing skid, outlast rival Knicks
Twins Robin (8) and Brook Lopez (11) fight for position in the Nets’ win over the Knicks. AP
NEW YORK – Brook Lopez scored 20 points, Thaddeus Young had 19 points and 11 rebounds, and the Brooklyn Nets ended their 10-game home losing streak with a 110-104 victory over the New York Knicks on Wednesday (Thursday Manila time).
The Nets also ended a five-game overall skid with their first victory under interim coach Tony Brown, who took over when coach Lionel Hollins was fired and general manager Billy King was reassigned on Sunday.
Joe Johnson made two key jumpers in the final 2 minutes and finished with 14 points, seven rebounds and six assists for the Nets in their first home victory since beating Philadelphia on Dec. 10.
Derrick Williams tied his career high with 31 points for the Knicks, who played without leading scorer Carmelo Anthony and had their two-game win streak snapped.
The Knicks had a two-point lead with 5 minutes to play before the Nets took control with a 10-2 run that made it 100-94 after the second of Johnson’s consecutive baskets. Lopez had the first basket in the run in outplaying twin brother Robin, who finished with nine points and 12 rebounds.
Anthony sprained his right ankle Tuesday in a victory over Boston. Lance Thomas got the start in Anthony’s place but it was Williams who picked up his offense. Arron Afflalo had 18 points and Jose Calderon 16 for the Knicks, but Kristaps Porzingis shot just 5 for 17 on his way to 12 points and 10 rebounds.
The Knicks (20-21) were bidding to reach the halfway point of their schedule with a winning record after winning 17 games last season.
Neither team led by more than four for most of the final period, a divided crowd cheering or booing on seemingly every play.
The Knicks wore the home whites and with Spike Lee yelling at referees from a sideline seat, it felt at times like the game was at Madison Square Garden. But the Knicks couldn’t overcome their 65 percent free throw shooting.
