Noah Clowney is at his best this season, but he said it has nothing to do with mechanics or tweaks, just tough love and attitude adjustments.
“My main goal since the Cleveland game was to improve our team energy-wise,” Clowney said. “We had a lot of body language issues, so we’re trying to be energized.
“I feel like I was told that [there’s] There is no neutral energy. It's either bad or good. So try to give them good energy. As far as how I play, that was my main goal. [You] Sometimes you take a shot, and sometimes you don't. Let's do what we can defensively. Try to control what you can. ”
Clowney, who was drafted in the first round by Kevin Durant last year, had a rocky sophomore season.
After fouling out after scoring just two points and two rebounds against the Cavaliers on Dec. 16, Clowney was averaging 7.3 points and 3.1 boards.
However, in the three games since then, he has averaged 13.3 points and 6.7 rebounds.
Clowney had a team-high 19 points and five rebounds against Miami on Monday, making 4 of 10 3-pointers.
He's starting to sync up with Ben Simmons in a promising two-man game thanks to his pick and pop abilities.
“Being confident, playing hard and accepting the results is pretty much what I'm doing,” Clowney said. Clowney was given the opportunity to get more playing time with the two starting big men out.
Nic Claxton was ejected Dec. 19 in Toronto, Dorian Finney-Smith has missed the last two games with a left calf contusion, and his status Thursday in Milwaukee is unknown.
Clowney's shooting ability allows him to play both positions.
“Yeah, he could shoot regardless of whether he played in a perimeter spot or as a No. 5,” coach Jordi Fernandez said. “And the good thing is the versatility. One of the coaches I worked for said the more spots you can play, the more time you can play and compete.
“So for now, just his versatility, sometimes he plays five, but he plays anything from one to four or two to four that allows him to be on the court. If he can guard 1-5, his rebounding potential will be even better. He's doing a great job.
“He’s really helping himself, but most importantly he’s helping the team.”
Cam Thomas has missed the Nets' last 11 games with a strained left hamstring, and Brooklyn is 3-8 in that span.
He and Ziare Williams practiced 5-on-5 before Monday's loss to the Heat and are close to returning.
Their status for Thursday's game is unknown.
Nets owner Joe Tsai attended Monday's loss to the Heat in Miami.
He recently purchased 2.9 percent of the Dolphins' stock.
