The star point guard and head coach are both saying all the right things... for now.
Despite a 13-point lead at home, the Nets are unable to hold it together down the stretch, falling to Utah, 92-90.
Amar'e Stoudemire took his first practice since injuring his knee and undergoing surgery in October, as the Knicks assigned him as well as two other players to the D-League Erie BayHawks for a few days to help them ease into form.
The Brooklyn Nets have fallen off a bit after a hot start. So have the Utah Jazz, who have dropped two-straight games following a four-game winning streak.
The two teams in the New York area are off to strong starts in 2012.
The Brooklyn Nets received good news to begin their week when center Brook Lopez went through a full practice on Monday.
Both of New York's basketball teams are in the top 10 of the latest SB Nation power rankings, but they were headed in different directions. The Knicks moved up a spot while the Nets slid back two spots.