By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Leading the way for the Brooklyn Nets in a charge to reach the Play-In zone of the Eastern Conference, Dennis Schroder added 23 points to a brilliant stretch on Thursday.
The 30-year-old German point guard made 9/15 field goals. He also tallied eight rebounds and seven assists as the Nets defeated the Atlanta Hawks at Barclays Center. The goal was improving to 23-36 in the 2023-24 NBA Regular Season and forcing the opponents to 26-33.
“We understood before the game we kind of have a hit first mentality and we did a great job of it,” he referred to his side reducing the deficit from the direct rival in the race to the Play-Ins to three games. Another home appointment opposite the Hawks and an opportunity to inch closer to the spots leading to the Play-In stage follows on Saturday.
Since arriving via trade, Schroder is up to 10.6 points, 3.9 assists, and 2.4 rebounds per contest, including 18.7 points per game over the last three appearances.
“The coach is doing a great job, giving people confidence, letting people play. He understands the game. He was for 12-13 years in the league himself. And then my teammates, they make it easy as well. The transition was easier for me. Just getting comfortable, getting to know these guys, and being fully comfortable doing my stuff,” he mentioned on working with interim head coach Kevin Ollie and his new teammates, “It is getting there.”
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