Mike Mazzeo, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

With KG's help, Mason Plumlee a Net gainer

NEW YORK -- Kevin Garnett does not want any credit for Mason Plumlee’s recent resurgence.

But Jarrett Jack believes the future Hall of Famer deserves plenty.

“To be honest, ‘Mase’ has a factor that always keeps his ears perked up and makes sure that he’s involved in the game: It’s called Kevin Garnett,” Jack said, laughing, after the Nets snapped a three-game losing streak with a 110-105 win over the Detroit Pistons Sunday night at Barclays Center.

“So I think with ‘Ticket’ always being on him and constantly in his ear wanting him to be better, coaching him at all times, and then Mase going out and doing the tough part and actually executing, it’s a weird tandem, but they’ve definitely seemed to work together.”

Plumlee posted 21 points and 12 rebounds. He shot 9-for-10 from the field and added two blocks, two steals and two assists in 33 minutes. In his last six games, he’s averaging 18.0 points, 10.2 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game in 34.2 minutes on 68.2 percent shooting.

“I think Mason’s starting to understand his strengths versus calling for the ball,” Garnett said. “He’s playing [like] more of a team player, not to say that he wasn’t, but I think he’s leaning on that a little more. We’re looking for him a little more, when he’s in there with me I’m a little more passive trying to make it easy for him and he’s doing a great job at finishing.

“Now, the next step for him is just knocking down free throws and being comfortable with being up there. Coach [Lionel Hollins] has him in the latter part of the game, which is the crucial part, which shows confidence and I think the kid is just growing day by day. But that’s on Mase. Mase has to put that work in, he has to come in and better himself. That’s not on any other player than himself.”

Plumlee, who changed up his free-throw shooting form, taking his left (guide) hand off the ball before he releases it, has gone 7-for-10 from the stripe in his last two games. With 1:16 remaining Sunday night, he swished a pair to give the Nets a 104-98 lead.

Said Plumlee: “It felt great. Coach probably didn’t like me holding the ball, but I wanted it so there’s no better confidence builder than to hit some down the stretch. Those are big.”

Brooklyn (11-15) led by 15 with 5:31 left, but was outscored by Detroit (5-23), 22-12 the rest of the way. Twice the Pistons had chances to tie if they hit a 3-pointer in the closing seconds. Twice the Pistons took terrible shots. Twice they missed, only hitting the rim once.

Still, in spite of all their woes, Plumlee remains one of the team’s few bright spots. If he keeps being this consistent, he’s going to be a valuable young piece for the franchise moving forward.

“Every night’s a new challenge, new personnel, and I get excited about each matchup,” Plumlee said. “So you prepare for it, and you get excited about it, and for me, that’s where the consistency is -- just getting excited to go out there and play each night.”

Over the last six games, the Nets have posted a 110.2 offensive rating and a 100.3 defensive rating with Plumlee on the court. Hollins is going to have a decision to make when Brook Lopez returns from his back injury, but the Nets coach doesn’t want to think about it right now. It does seem like a good problem to have, after all.

“When Brook comes back, I told you I’ll deal with it,” Hollins said. “I’m not dealing with it right now. I’m just coaching the guys that are out there playing, and that’s what I’m gonna do.”

^ Back to Top ^