LOS ANGELES -- Bagama’t naglaro lamang si Jason Collins ng 10 at kalahating minuto sa kanyang unang salang para sa Brooklyn Nets, naging espesyal naman ito.
Si Collins ang naging unang bading na active player sa apat na pangunahing US professional sports leagues at nagposte naman si guard Deron Williams ng season-high na 30 points at 7 assists para pamunuan ang Nets sa 108-102 paggupo sa Los Angeles Lakers.
“I know that I can play in the NBA and it felt good to be out there tonight,’’ sabi ni Collins. “Conditioning-wise, I felt good. I don’t think I got tired. It was a lot of fun to get back out on the court and set screens, hard fouls. Didn’t take any charges tonight - that’ll change. I’ll get in position next time. As far as basketball timing, it’s going to take at least a couple of practices.’’
Lumagda si Collins sa isang 10-day contract halos 10 buwan matapos ang kanyang paglaladlad noong Abril 29 sa Sports Illustrated.
Hindi nakaiskor si Collins, ngunit humablot ng 2 rebounds at 5 fouls.