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By Tim Thomas

Almost two weeks ago, Byron Scott was let go by the New Jersey Nets after the Nets had lost five of six games, and their record was a mediocre 22-20. Lawrence Frank, the team's lead assistant, was named interim head coach. Since then, the Nets have won seven in a row, and have gotten their act together in large part because of Coach Frank.

Lawrence has kept Byron Scott's motion offense, while making some subtle changes which have helped result in the current winning streak. Unlike Scott, if a player has a hot hand, Coach Frank will alter the motion offense and run some pick and rolls, and continue to ride the hot shooter.

In the past, Byron Scott would go away from the bench if their play is sub-par. He tended to just use one or two players. Lawrence, on the other hand, goes to the bench and gives consistent minutes each night, which has helped bench players build confidence and give them some rhythm in their play. Rodney Rogers, who has been inconsistent and unimpressive during most of his time as a Net, is enjoying some of his best stretches under Frank.

Frank's trust in his bench also benefits the starters. They're now more fresh towards the end of the game.

New Jersey's defense under Lawrence has been more consistent than under Byron Scott.

As a whole, the team is reborn and looking more like the team that went to the finals these last two seasons.