Willy Hernangomez: I won’t help opponents up again
Willy Hernangomez of the New York Knicks puts up a layup against Brook Lopez of the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 9, 2016. Credit: Getty Images / Michael Reaves
BOSTON — Willy Hernangomez got the message loud and clear: Don’t help up opposing players.
Brandon Jennings pulled Hernangomez away when he reached to help up the Nets’ Rondae Hollis-Jefferson on Wednesday night and got in his ear later.
“He said, ‘Willy, this is a war, so you can’t help nobody on the other team on the court,’ ” Hernangomez said. “After the game, you can go to dinner with your friends or whatever, but during the game, you can do nothing to the other team. I learned about that. I never help anybody again in the game.”
The rookie center from Spain added a caveat: He might help up a Spanish guy.
“Brandon was being Brandon,” Anthony said. “Willy was just being a friendly Spaniard, the way he is, big baby, and Brandon didn’t want that, especially at that time when you’re going to battle.”
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
