Noah Clowney is within the midst of his finest stretch of the season, however he stated it’s received nothing to do with mechanics or tweaks — simply robust love and perspective adjustment.
“My main goal since the Cleveland game has been to be better energy-wise for my team,” Clowney stated. “Loads of physique language points I had, and I’m making an attempt to be an energy-giver.
“I feel like — I was told — [there’s] no neutral energy. It’s either bad or good. So try to give good energy. So that’s been my main goal, as far as how I play. [You] make shots sometimes, you don’t make shots sometimes. Do what you can on the defensive end. Just try to control what you can.”
Taken within the first spherical final 12 months as the primary decide from the Kevin Durant haul, Clowney has had an up-and-down sophomore season.
After fouling out with simply two factors and two rebounds in that desultory effort in opposition to the Cavs on Dec. 16, Clowney was averaging 7.3 factors and three.1 boards.
However within the three video games since, he’s put up 13.3 factors and 6.7 rebounds.
Clowney had a team-high 19 factors, 5 rebounds and shot 4-of-10 from 3-point vary in Monday’s loss at Miami.
He’s starting to get in sync with Ben Simmons on a promising two-man sport due to his capacity to choose and pop.
“Be confident, play hard and live with the results is pretty much what I’m doing,” stated Clowney, who has been afforded alternatives for prolonged taking part in time as a result of unavailability of two beginning massive males.
Nic Claxton received ejected Dec. 19 in Toronto whereas Dorian Finney-Smith has missed the final two video games with a left calf contusion and his standing is unclear for Thursday in Milwaukee.
Clowney’s capacity to shoot lets him play each positions.
“Yeah, he’s been able to shoot regardless, playing at the perimeter spot or a five,” coach Jordi Fernandez stated. “And the great factor is the flexibility. One of many coaches I labored for stated the extra spots you’ll be able to play, the extra minutes you’ll be capable of play or struggle for.
“So proper now, simply his versatility of sure, taking part in the 5 at instances, but additionally taking part in no matter — one-through-four, or two-through-four — that simply permits him to be on the courtroom. If he can guard one-through-five, then it’s much more prospects for minutes rebounding. He’s doing an important job.
“He’s really helping himself, but most importantly is helping the team.”
Cam Thomas has missed the Nets’ final 11 video games with a strained left hamstring, and Brooklyn is 3-8 in that stretch.
He and Ziaire Williams practiced 5-on-5 earlier than Monday’s loss to the Warmth and are nearing a return.
Their standing is unknown for Thursday’s sport.
Nets proprietor Joe Tsai attended Monday’s loss to the Warmth in Miami.
He not too long ago bought 2.9 % of the Dolphins.
