Lopez in foreground — no relief in sight
With the latest disappointing 100-85 loss to the young Timberwolves here at home, the Nets have now dropped five straight games.
A recurring theme throughout the game was a lack of energy and effort, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. After strong back-to-back wins against Houston and Philadelphia, the current losing streak started with a close loss at home last Sunday versus the Los Angeles Clippers and has continued with losses against Orlando, Miami and Indiana.
The loss against Minnesota has Nets coach Lionel Hollins questioning whether his team is ready to play and if guys are going to compete every night. “It wasn’t about X’s and O’s, it was energy and effort, they outplayed us,” Nets starting center Brook Lopez said.
Even though Lopez had 20 points, 12 rebounds and five assists but it didn’t matter as the Timberwolves’ Karl-Anthony Towns dropped 24 points and 10 rebounds. The Wolves strong bench unit left the Nets no chance.
With upcoming games this week against Chicago, Dallas and Washington, the road to a victory won’t come any easier.
