:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/2620603/155397769.0.jpg)
It was a scene that seemed unique to Brooklyn, with its big city/small town dichotomy. There at the corner of Flatbush and Dean, outside a coffee shop that was still open as the clock neared 11, was Marty Markowitz, whose name cannot be spoken with use of the word, "irrepressible." Brooklyn's borough president, dressed in Nets gear ("Fan since day one"), was taking congratulations, explaining various details of the arena, even offering directions!
As people passed by, there were cheers and high fives. Brooklyn is in love. Earlier in the evening, standing at mid-court, Markowitz had pronounced the ghost of the Brooklyn Dodgers finally exorcised. Only a few people in the house besides Markowitz could remember the Dodgers, but still there was a connection, particularly when Nets players and Dodger old-timers exchanged uniform jerseys.
As Joe Johnson, he of Little Rock, AR, said, this wasn't Manhattan or even New York. "It's Broooook-lyn. ... Broooook-lyn," he intoned. Now, it's up to the Nets to return that love.
- Nets need to justify love from Brooklyn - Stephen A. Smith - ESPN
- Dodging the past, loving the present - Mike Vaccaro - New York Post
- Big ups for Brooklyn’s new hoops palace - Brett Cyrgalis - New York Post
- Branca helps make debut a home run - Brett Cyrgalis - New York Post
- Nets game provides bright spot for reeling fans - Rich Calder - New York Post
- Nets remember Brooklyn sports history in first game - Neil Best - Newsday
- Nets' Opener in Brooklyn Has Shades of Old and New - Benjamin Hoffman - New York Times
-
Nets Open Season at Barclays Center - Jonathan Moffie - New York Times
- Brooklyn Nets Home Opener (Video) - BCTV