The key to the Brooklyn Nets' Game 5 win over the Chicago Bulls, and maintaining that momentum for Game 6 on the road is aggressiveness.

The Nets were led by strong performances from Brook Lopez and Deron Williams, along with strong bench play from Andray Blatche, Kris Humphries and C.J. Watson.

“We came out very aggressive as we have the past few games,” said Lopez. “I think the difference was just that we sustained it for essentially a full 48 minutes tonight and we really came together as a team. I think we really played through the entire shot clock and really turned our good looks into great looks.”

Lopez has been an interior force for the Nets, ranking second in blocked shots during the playoffs (3.4) and sixth in scoring average (23.6). Lopez's 28 points was his highest output of the series.

“You could see the look in his eyes tonight, he had it going,” said Williams. “He was rebounding the ball. He was scoring the ball. He’s been great defensively for us all series with his blocked shots and clogging up the paint. He was just a monster tonight.”

Williams took advantage of the injury to Kirk Hinrich and was able to penetrate through Chicago’s strong side defense to finish with 23 points and 10 assists. Williams was aggressive attacking Nate Robinson off the dribble and attempted 10 free throws.

“You know Kirk is a good defender,” said Williams. “You know he’s tough. He fouls, he gets into you. You know he does what he’s supposed to do; he tries to get under your screen. It’s definitely a different look between Nate and Kirk.”

While Brooklyn was anchored by Lopez and Williams, the play of Blatche, Humphries and Watson should not be overlooked.

“We got a huge lift off the bench from Andray Blatche, Kris Humphries and C.J. Watson in particular,” said P.J. Carlesimo.

Blatche led the bench in scoring with 13 points.

“My main thing was I wanted to get the ball into the paint and be aggressive, not settle for jump shots,” said Blatche. “I tried to stay in attack mode and I was successful doing it.”

Humphries led the bench with six rebounds while Watson scored 11 points.

“We just came out aggressive,” said Watson. “We came out desperate for a win and that’s how we played.”

As Brooklyn heads to Chicago for Game 6, there are some interesting statistics to keep in mind. The Nets have won both games in the series at home while shooting over 50 percent from the field and scoring more points in the paint than the Bulls. 

“We’ve just got to remember everything we did tonight,” said Blatche. “Don’t take anything for granted. Go out there and be as aggressive as possible on defense and bring our own energy to Chicago and we should be successful with that.”

According to Watson, Brooklyn must improve down the stretch to win Game 6.

“Just stay aggressive offensively and defensively and once we get a lead, try to close it out and get a win,” said Watson.

Gerald Wallace said the Nets must take the Bulls out of their comfort zone early on the road.

“We have to stay aggressive,” said Wallace. “Right now, it’s win or go home. I think they were expecting to go back to Chicago. I think they felt more comfortable playing in Chicago. We just have to go in, play our 48-minute game, and steal one in Chicago.”

Joe Johnson believes Brooklyn’s Game 5 win may give the team enough momentum for the rest of the series.

“I still think we have a chance to come back and win this series,” said Johnson. “On saying that, we really need to buckle down in Game 6 and leave it all out there on the line like we did tonight.”