One big game makes Tyshawn Taylor popular guy

Tyshawn Taylor already has changed his phone number once since he became a member of the Nets.

If he has a few more performances like the one he turned in Monday night, when he served as the backup point guard with Deron Williams sidelined, the rookie from the University of Kansas might be inclined to switch up his digits again.

After registering career bests in points (12), field goals (5) and minutes (34) in an overtime win at Indiana, Taylor's phone has been buzzing nonstop, particularly with text messages.

"Quite a few from numbers that I haven't seen recently," he said Wednesday, drawing laughs.

"I love the support. I live right in Hoboken, so a lot of people showed me love right at home. My mom is my biggest fan. I had about 10 text messages from her on every play. Every play I did that night, she texted me about it as if I'm reading it. She was excited.

"It just feels so good to know that so many people are rooting for me and cheering for me. That's a good feeling. It makes me feel like I'm playing for a lot more than myself."

Home not a fortress

The Nets played their 29th game at Barclays Center Wednesday night and still are trying to build a home-court advantage, with hopes of making their billion-dollar edifice an intimidating place.

They are 19-10 there after their 119-108 victory over the Nuggets. They had been struggling at home lately, dropping three of their previous four.

"As much as this is a tremendous home court and a big advantage, it's a new building," interim coach P.J. Carlesimo said.

" . . . They love the building, don't get me wrong. But they'll love it more in two or three years. If we still have the nucleus of this roster and they are playing here for the third year, the fourth year, they'll be even more comfortable in this building than they are now."