NBA Roundup: Nets Aim to Maximize Michael Porter Jr., Kolek Shines for Knicks, Heat Regroup After Skid
nba-roundup-nets-porter-kolek-knicks-heat
Nets
Brooklyn continues to ride Michael Porter Jr.’s breakout season, but head coach Jordi Fernández wants the offense to diversify late in games. After Friday’s loss to Dallas, Fernández said the club “kept looking at Mike instead of using him,” noting that while players can choose good shots, they “can’t control if it goes in.”
Porter has become the first forward in league history to post four consecutive games with at least 30 points and five made three-pointers. The Nets are 6-2 when he scores 32 or more and have not won any of his other appearances. “We’ve just got to make the right reads,” Porter said. “Especially late.”
Knicks
Rookie guard Tyler Kolek delivered his strongest performance as a pro in New York’s NBA Cup semifinal victory over Orlando. Filling in for the injured Miles McBride (ankle), Kolek finished a team-best plus-17, sparked a decisive second-quarter run and closed the game. “Tyler did a fantastic job of impacting winning, one of his finest games as an NBA player,” Karl-Anthony Towns said. The outing comes as the Knicks evaluate their backup point-guard rotation.
Heat
Miami used several days off to reset after dropping four straight. Head coach Erik Spoelstra emphasized improvement over panic, telling reporters, “We’re just focused on getting better, not getting caught up in the noise.”
Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported that the club’s early-season three-point luck has swung, with opponents shooting better from deep while the Heat have cooled. Guard Norman Powell added that defenses are “denying passing lanes,” stressing that Miami must respond collectively.
Source: Hoops Wire
