Corey Brewer delivers in first significant playoff action since joining Mavs
Tuesday, May 3, 2011 | Men's Basketball, Gymnastics, Scott Carter
Al Horford and Joakim Noah aren't the only ex-Gators from the back-to-back national title teams in 2006 and 2007 still alive in the NBA playoffs.
There was a Corey Brewer sighting on Monday night in Los Angeles during Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals between the Lakers and Mavericks.
Brewer, playing for his third team this season following a trade from Minnesota to New York as part of the Carmelo Anthony deal, played only four minutes in the Mavericks' first-round series win over Portland.
But on Monday night, Brewer made a splash by scoring eight points and adding some much-needed energy off the bench as Dallas knocked off the Lakers in Game 1. Brewer hit a key three-pointer in the second half and also chipped in defensively on guarding Lakers star Kobe Bryant.
Bryant finished with a game-high 36 points, but he missed a three-pointer at the buzzer in Dallas' 96-94 win.
"When Kobe gets in a zone, he's almost unstoppable," Brewer told reporters after the game. "All you can do is contest and try to make it tough for him."
The former Gator was grateful he finally got a chance to contribute, and once he did, Brewer delivered.
"It felt good," Brewer said. "I was just happy to get a chance to help the team, made some plays and we got the win. Couldn't be any happier. They always tell me to be ready.''
