8:30 p.m. YES Network
The Nets hit the road for the first time this season, taking on the San Antonio Spurs at 8:30 p.m. ET. The Nets and Spurs are each looking for their first wins of the season, as the Spurs host the Nets for their home opener.
5 Things to Watch:
Brook Lopez vs. Kawhi Leonard: Brook Lopez posted a game-high 26 points in the Nets season opener, along with seven rebounds and two assists. The 7’0 big man looked sharp from mid-range, but also did some damage in the post. Lopez’s offensive impact was felt in the Nets 36-point second quarter, as Brooklyn went on a 9-2 run when he re-entered the game. Lopez will test his stuff against the Association’s top defender in Kawhi Leonard, the NBA’s reigning defensive player of the year.
Jarrett Jack Practices: After missing the Nets season opener, point guard Jarrett Jack practiced Thursday with the team. Jack was sidelined with a sore hamstring and did not practice in the four days leading up to the Nets opener.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson made his NBA debut Wednesday, scoring eight points (4-for-6 FG), five rebounds, two steals and a plus-15 rating. Hollis-Jefferson radiates energy and was one of the sparks for the Nets 36-point second quarter effort.
Andrea Bargnani: Andrea Bargnani had 17 points and seven rebounds in his Nets debut. Head coach Lionel Hollins praised the second unit’s athleticism and aggressiveness and complimented Bargnani for bringing some offense to the group Wednesday. Bargnani didn’t start strong, but gained momentum as the game wore on.
“The game rhythm took me a couple minutes,” Bargnani told reporters. “I was a little rusty at the beginning, but other than that I felt pretty good.”
San Antonio: The San Antonio Spurs are 0-1 after dropping their season opener to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday. Kawhi Leonard had a career-high 32-point night, but it wasn’t enough to hold off the Thunder, who came back with a 26-9 run in the final 6:35 for the win. LaMarcus Aldridge had 11 points and five rebounds in his Spurs debut.
