Filed under: Heat, Magic, Nets
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Brook Lopez came into Friday night's game feeling really good about himself and his game, one of the better young centers in the NBA, giving the New Jersey Nets a real reason for future hope.He left Orlando looking like he was lost.
Dwight Howard just beat him senseless.
Lopez, now in his third NBA season, came into the Nets/Magic matchup averaging a team-high 22.8 points and 6.5 rebounds, itching to measure his improvement against the NBA's two-time defending Defensive Player of Year.
It didn't go well, leaving with a black eye and his confidence battered. More than anyone, he was the reason the Nets lost, 105-90.
"I can't wait to forget about this one,'' he said afterward. "It was rough. He (Howard) got physical with me. His athleticism makes it tough, but a lot of it is on me. I need to play stronger.''
While Howard was dominating the game with 30 points and 16 rebounds, Lopez looked totally intimidated from the start. He was timid. His shots were weak. His moves to the basket had no confidence. And much of it was due to Howard waiting for him.
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