Noah Clowney is in the midst of his best stretch of the season, but he said it’s got nothing to do with mechanics or tweaks — just tough love and attitude adjustment.
“My main goal since the Cleveland game has been to be better energy-wise for my team,” Clowney said. “A lot of body language issues I had, and I’m trying to be an energy-giver.
“I feel like — I was told — [there’s] no neutral energy. It’s either bad or good. So try to give good energy. So that’s been my main goal, as far as how I play. [You] make shots sometimes, you don’t make shots sometimes. Do what you can on the defensive end. Just try to control what you can.”
Taken in the first round last year as the first pick from the Kevin Durant haul, Clowney has had an up-and-down sophomore season.
After fouling out with just two points and two rebounds in that desultory effort against the Cavs on Dec. 16, Clowney was averaging 7.3 points and 3.1 boards.
But in the three games since, he’s put up 13.3 points and 6.7 rebounds.
Clowney had a team-high 19 points, five rebounds and shot 4-of-10 from 3-point range in Monday’s loss at Miami.
He’s beginning to get in sync with Ben Simmons on a promising two-man game thanks to his ability to pick and pop.
“Be confident, play hard and live with the results is pretty much what I’m doing,” said Clowney, who has been afforded opportunities for extended playing time due to the unavailability of two starting big men.
Nic Claxton got ejected Dec. 19 in Toronto while Dorian Finney-Smith has missed the last two games with a left calf contusion and his status is unclear for Thursday in Milwaukee.
Clowney’s ability to shoot lets him play both positions.
“Yeah, he’s been able to shoot regardless, playing at the perimeter spot or a five,” coach Jordi Fernandez said. “And the good thing is the versatility. One of the coaches I worked for said the more spots you can play, the more minutes you’ll be able to play or fight for.
“So right now, just his versatility of yes, playing the five at times, but also playing whatever — one-through-four, or two-through-four — that just allows him to be on the court. If he can guard one-through-five, then it’s even more possibilities for minutes rebounding. He’s doing a great job.
“He’s really helping himself, but most importantly is helping the team.”
Cam Thomas has missed the Nets’ last 11 games with a strained left hamstring, and Brooklyn is 3-8 in that stretch.
He and Ziaire Williams practiced 5-on-5 before Monday’s loss to the Heat and are nearing a return.
Their status is unknown for Thursday’s game.
Nets owner Joe Tsai attended Monday’s loss to the Heat in Miami.
He recently purchased 2.9 percent of the Dolphins.
