It was a typical evening in the 17728. I grabbed Jensen from baseball, and we headed home for supper. Mom didn’t have anything prepared, so we made a detour. Little Caesars on the Crick Road is our staple. We finally arrived around 8:00 p.m. We devoured our thin crust and looked for something to watch on television.

HEY DAD. THE NETS ARE PLAYING THE PELICANS. DO YOU THINK ALIZE WILL GET IN?

Both Jensen and I were dialed in. The NETS and ALIZE JOHNSON were on ESPN. We don’t normally watch the NBA. But we make an exception when our local hometown hero and friend is on the big screen.

I DON’T KNOW BUD. I AM THINKING HARDEN IS STILL HURT, BUT I HEAR THAT KEVIN DURANT IS EXPECTED TO MAKE HIS RETURN. SAME WITH BLAKE GRIFFIN AND LaMarcus ALDRIDGE.

Alize Johnson had another outstanding G LEAGUE season. The now 24-year-old forward from Williamsport continues to amaze EVERYONE. He knows how to fill a stat sheet with his hard work and determination. His journey is only getting started, and I give him so much credit. Alize spent two years with the Indiana Pacers. He then hooked up with the Toronto Raptors. The 570 native has signed two ten-day Free Agent deals with the Brooklyn Nets. He has made the most of his opportunities as the league leaders are battling some injuries. Johnson is putting up some huge numbers.

DAD. ALIZE IS COMING IN. IT’S ONLY THE FIRST QUARTER. HE IS GETTING MINUTES. HE JUST GOT A REBOUND AND PASSED IT TO KYRIE. LOOK ALIZE IS GUARDING ZION WILLIAMS. THIS IS AMAZING.

Alize Johnson did check into the game rather early. He was out there playing hard and doing his thing. I, too, was excited to see him in action. Jensen and I cheered and watched his every move with every possession. Johnson has earned some quality time for the Brooklyn Nets. Incredible, and they are the new favorites to win the NBA Championship.

Kevin Durant did, in fact, make his long-awaited return. The superstar was out with a bad leg and replaced Johnson mid-way through the second quarter. The crowd went absolutely crazy. I joked and told Jensen — I think they are actually cheering for Alize.

I am hoping the Nets will guarantee Alize a contract for the remainder of the season. You can never have too many kids that bring some major energy. Johnson’s current deal expires this weekend. Either Brooklyn will sign him, or he will return to free agency. Alize will be just fine, however. Many other teams have taken notice.

“I think we’re pretty comfortable in what we have with Alize. He’s been outstanding, works hard, plays with incredible energy, he’s a great teammate,” said Nets head coach Steve Nash. “So, he’s been really productive in the minutes he’s gotten, so we feel confident in him as a player.” Confession. I did not speak to Coach Nash personally. I stole his quote from the front page of the Daily News.

Johnson has made a huge impact. He is averaging nine points and seven rebounds in just 14 minutes per game. The Nets are outscoring their opponents by 27 per 100 possessions that Alize is on the floor. Sharpshooter Joe Harris specifically credited Johnson’s hunger coming off the bench in a win over the Nets.

“From the moment that he got here, that’s how he’s been,” Harris said. “Even in his practice sessions, he doesn’t back down from anybody, is ultra-aggressive on both ends of the court, and I’m glad that he got an opportunity tonight.”

Alize has seized every opportunity. He scored 23 points and secured 15 rebounds in his first game. The Nets were without Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, or James Harden. Johnson had 12 points and seven boards in a very close game against the Knicks. Unbelievable.

“He’s a great kid. We love having him in our clubhouse,” said Nash. “We love when he gets a chance to play and think he’s a player that can help us.”

Continued successes, my young friend. We are so blessed. I appreciate the support you give to this community. You are a class act, and we are just thrilled that you are finally getting an opportunity. Thanks for all the love you gave to me personally. Alize was one of our biggest Knight fans. I don’t mind talking hoops with a tall, lanky kid who is slowly becoming a household name. Cheers.