This was the healthy version of Dennis Smith Jr. the Nets have been waiting for over the past few weeks.
The Nets dropped their fifth consecutive game, but Smith provided Brooklyn with a boost off the bench with seven points and five assists over 19 minutes in his first appearance since early December because of a strained lower back.
The 26-year-old Smith, who was signed as a free agent over the summer, was a key contributor to a strong effort by Brooklyn’s second unit to lead the Nets back from an early 11-point hole.
“I’m just going to get on my knees and pray tonight that this same group is available to play,” coach Jacque Vaughn said after the Nets’ hard-fought 122-117 loss to the Nuggets. “This group hasn’t been available to play [together]. So that’s what I asked them, to do whatever you have to do to be ready to play [Saturday against the Pistons].”
Smith has missed half of the Nets’ first 28 games in two separate injury stints.
“The first couple of days, it was tough. Because I was in pain, I couldn’t move. I was hurting. I was in a lot of pain,” Smith said before the game. “I came in, I was doing my treatment, they left me back on the road trip, which was a good idea on their behalf. Just in terms of traveling, sitting on a plane and things like that.
“But I came in every day, got my work in, and I feel better. I’m ready to go now.”
The former lottery pick of the Mavericks already is on his sixth team in seven NBA seasons — including a stint with the Knicks — but Vaughn and Smith’s teammates have noted that the Nets have missed his defensive intensity and ability to push the pace.
“Big time. I think his energy and effort are contagious,” Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie. “What he brings on the defensive end is unique to anybody on this roster. He’s an impact player.”
Nic Claxton had a season-high 16 rebounds and a career-high six assists to go with 10 points and three blocked shots.
Ben Simmons (back) and Lonnie Walker IV (hamstring) remained out for Brooklyn.
