Nets C Sharpe Posts Historic Performance in Hawks Loss

The Brooklyn Nets once again experienced fourth-quarter woes in Saturday's 124-121 loss against the Atlanta Hawks, surrendering 38 points and being outscored by 10 points.

Overall, it was a solid offensive night from the Nets, with the team shooting 48% from the field and scoring the second-most points in a game this season.

Sixth-year big man Day'Ron Sharpe had his best game of the year, recording a triple-double with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 13 assists.

Sharpe's 13 dimes marks the most from a Nets big man in single-game franchise history, and shows his continued growth and versatility on the offensive end.

Entering the year, Sharpe had shown the ability to be an initiator from the perimeter, which he excelled in on Friday night.

There has been a clear focus on getting Sharpe the ball more as a facilitator since the start of November, with his assist numbers jumping to seven per game in Brooklyn's four outings this month.

The former North Carolina standout had his best professional season last year, averaging 8.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per game on 60.1% shooting.

Following the season, he was rewarded with a two-year, $20 million contract.

To acquire former NBA All-Star Julius Randle this offseason, the front office traded longtime starting center Nic Claxton and handed the keys to Sharpe.

On the offensive end, Sharpe is an extremely efficient player who doesn't need the ball to produce.

His ability to knock down an occasional 3-pointer is also something the Nets have not had at the center position in some time, giving head coach Jordi Fernández another element on offense.

With talented playmakers like Egor Dëmin and Mikel Brown Jr. alongside him, Sharpe's efficiency should continue to be his best attribute, while he continues to grow as an interior defender and 3-point shooter.

Through the beginning of the season, Sharpe has taken a step as an interior defender, averaging over a block per game.

Sunday's matchup with the Dallas Mavericks provides a good opportunity for Sharpe to continue his success, as first-year head coach Dusty May's squad is one of the more undersized units in the NBA.

The Mavericks' top two healthy centers, Daniel Gafford and rookie Morez Johnson Jr., are both small for the position, standing at just 6-foot-9.

Sharpe isn't much taller, but has the strength advantage and ability to attack from the outside off the dribble.

The Nets are back in action following Sharpe's historic night on Sunday at 7:30 p.m.