Brook Lopez Returns, Nets Dominate Thunder

Mike Stobe/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — For the first time in nearly a year, Brook Lopez stepped on the court in an NBA game. The Brooklyn center scored 18 points and pulled in six rebounds as the Nets beat Oklahoma City 116-85 in their home opener on Monday night.

“I can’t put it in words,” said Lopez, who broke his foot last December and was forced to miss the rest of the season. “It was great to be back out there. I’ve missed it for a long time and our team definitely took care of business tonight. Our guys make it easy.”

Lopez was 6-for-10 from the floor in 24 minutes as the Nets (2-1) notched their biggest home-opening win ever. The center’s 18 points was tied for the team-high, with Alan Anderson also pouring in 18 off the bench. Deron Williams added 17 points and nine assists as Brooklyn opened up a 32-19 lead after the first quarter, due in large part to going 5-for-7 from three-point land.

“It was just good to see him have that bounce, explosion,” Kevin Garnett said of Lopez’s return. “We know he’s having foot problems. He’s playing through a lot, man. And like I’ve said, if we’re going to be anything, we’re going to need the big fellow.”

The Thunder (1-3) have been suffering their own injury issues with both Kevin Durant (foot) and Russell Westbrook (hand) unavailable. Reggie Jackson did make his season debut for Oklahoma City after missing the first three games, and scored a game-high 23 points in the loss.

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