MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Nets were worried about Nic Claxton's return, and now they're talking about his return.
For the first time since his back injury flared up a month ago, and really for the first time all season, Brooklyn's starting center is getting back into shape.
“I'm just feeling like I'm being aggressive and getting back to myself. I've just got to pick my spots, watch film and build on it and be consistent,” Claxton said. spoke. “I know everything is fine with my back, both physically and mentally, so I just have to trust my body and just go to work.”
Claxton feels like himself, looking and playing more like himself, especially Sunday against Milwaukee.
He looked to build on that in Memphis on Friday.
“Yeah, [it’s a] He has a combination of being more comfortable, playing more minutes and being aggressive,” said head coach Jordi Fernandez. “That's what we want him to do and we want him to do it every game. So he should be comfortable doing that. We also know that he's in good shape right now in his game. If you feel like it's getting better, it will get easier. [Milwaukee] It was a good, good first step and he has to keep getting better. ”
Claxton first injured his back in the summer, but the pain has since returned and he missed five of seven games last month.
Since his return, his scoring has increased in all five straight games.
Sunday's game against the Bucks has finally arrived. With no time limit, he finished with 21 points, 10 rebounds, three steals, and two blocks in 32 minutes, 38 seconds.
Claxton made 9 of 14, including several lobs.
“I'm getting used to it,” Fernandez said. “It's about finding the right space and making decisions based on the other team's defense and coverage situation.
“Obviously, we know Nick's ability to put pressure on the rim and go for lobs. We also have to get better at throwing. We weren't very good against Chicago, but we just I'm just getting used to it. In my opinion, Nick played his best game in the last game, so I want to see him put the game together the same way.”
That includes Claxton's season-long quest to get on the same page with point guard Dennis Schroder in the pick-and-roll.
“Yeah, they need these guys together,” Fernandez said. “The reality is they haven't played enough minutes yet. But now with more consistent minutes and you can see Nick looking better and better each day, he's getting better. That's fine. We need that connection. We need them to get on the court and talk to each other and see how they want to do certain things. There is.
“It's not just me telling them how to do it all the time. Good players show you what they're doing, so they understand it. I give them ownership.” They are very good and will get even better.”
The Nets had to do that work during a rare midseason practice time because of a lightened schedule due to the NBA play-ins.
“We're getting there. Things aren't going to work out right away,” Claxton said. “[Wednesday] It actually took about 20 minutes. We were just working. i was asking [Schroder] How he wants the screen to be set and how he wants me to roll. So we're definitely getting there.
“That's modern basketball, especially when you have active players like me and high-level basketball players, being able to play in the pick-and-roll. [like Schroder]. He can put a lot of pressure on the rim. That's the way the game is now. We can definitely use that to our advantage. ”
Claxton gradually increased his touches and was able to isolate, play the high post, and even elevate the ball after a rebound.
After recording four assists against the Bucks, he expects to continue to be more involved in the offense.
“Indeed,” Claxton said. “I have opportunities, so when I can attack, I'm aggressive and I pick my spots. I'm always just thinking about scoring.”
