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The math has been pretty convincing so far. If LaMarcus Aldridge scores in double digits, the Nets usually win.
The Nets improved to 6-1 this season in those instances after Aldridge netted 21 points off the bench on 9-for-16 shooting in a blowout win Wednesday at Orlando.
For a team that was desperately seeking a third offensive option in the absence of unvaccinated All-Star guard Kyrie Irving, Aldridge has done his share to help fill that void, averaging 13.1 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.
“He’s won us a few games and been a big part of our success this year,” coach Steve Nash said of Aldridge. “Gives us a scoring punch off the bench, but also just a veteran who knows how to play on both ends of the floor. He’s been great and really important to us.
“The second unit, the way we’re rotating right now is with Kevin [Durant] and James [Harden] both off the floor. So to have ‘L.A.’ anchor us a little bit and give us some shot making works well for us at the moment.”
Aldridge, a seven-time All-Star, returned to the Nets after retiring late last season due to an irregular heartbeat. In October, the 36-year-old forward became the seventh active NBA player to surpass 20,000 career points.
“He just wants to win, wants to be in a culture like this that is fighting for something bigger than yourself, sacrifice to come off the bench, sacrifice touches and shot attempts, but still staying ready,” Durant said of Aldridge. “He’s a true pro, a true vet. … That is a testament to how hard he works.”
DeAndre Bembry added 11 points in 18 minutes off the bench against the Magic, connecting on all three of his 3-point attempts and knocking down four of five shots overall.
The sixth-year wing also has converted a career-best 59.5 percent of his shots through 11 appearances, well above his career field-goal percentage of 45.9 entering this season.
“I definitely kind of switched up my shot a little bit,” Bembry said. “I worked on it a lot more, but it’s more so mechanics, did a little bit of switch-up [with] how I shoot the ball, and it’s been working so far. Just shooting with confidence, as well, and also having that much space helps out, too.”
Center Nic Claxton (non-COVID illness) has been ruled out, for a ninth straight game, Friday at New Orleans.
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