The Nets got their first 2 game winning streak of the year, tonight. OK the new year is less then a month old, but for a team that entered the game 13-24, any win streak is a big one. The game started with the Nets shooting the basketball at a blitzstering pace, as they shot 60% from the field in the 1st half. The 3rd quarter is where the Nets hit a brief stall offensive. And allowed the Bucks to take the lead in the game after trailing 54-47 at the half. But a few key defensive changes by Coach frank in the last 3 minutes of the 3rd put Jersey back into the drivers seat going into the 4th. To me Jersey won this game late in the 3rd when Kidd was switched on to Micheal Redd(30pts on the night), he slowed Redd down for that small stretch in the game. And that really left the Bucks with no other offensive option. Jersey picked up their defensive intensity, which allowed them to get out in the open court a bit like they did in the first half. In the 2nd half they did an excellent job of turning their defense into easy baskets. Jersey outscored the Bucks 15-2 in fastbreak points. That was key because the Bucks are known to like to get up & down themselves. We havent been the fastbreak team that we were in past years, so far this season. But from time to time you can still see that out potenial to run is still there, just got to find away to create those opportunites more often. Anyway Kidd & Carter definately carried us tonight like stars are surpose too. It was the best game by far for Carter not only staticially with the Nets high 33pts. But the total operation of his floor game. He didnt hold the ball to long like he has a tendancy to do. He was able to get his baskets within the flow of the offense. And he also used his ablity to get to the hoop to set guys like Buford and Kristic all night. But the best part of his night was his defense late in the 3rd quarter. With Kidd having to slow down Redd, Carter was asked to guard the quicker Mo Williams. And he really step up to the task, at first Mo Williams beat him to the rim a couple of times and got easy hoops. But once Vince brought that intensity he was showing on offense all night over to the Defensive end, he did an excellent job cutting off William's penetration. And his efforts even lead to a few turnovers & a shot clock voliation. They will be talking about his offensive game tonight on the sports shows. But that 4 minute stretch of excellent D by him was secretly a big key. Now Vince got to bring that type of intensity on D for 48 minutes on a consistent basis. Kidd, well, he was just Kidd. He did everything Coach frank asked of him, slow down Redd for a while, Be the all-world floor leader & contribute a little scoring needed with our lack of depth. Kidd & Carter both almost finished with a triple-double. Kidd's statline 17pts, 10ast, 8rebs. Carter's statline 33pts, 9ast, 9rebs. The most exciting hook up of the night came mid-4th as Best hit Kidd with a cross court pass on a semi fast break. And barely touching the rock Kidd makes a perfect 22 foot Alley-Oop pass to Carter, who was running the secondary break on the wing. It was just a beautiful play, Iam sure it will be on Sportscenter 10 later for those that didnt see it. Anyway, Back to the important stuff. Buford contributed another solid game dropping 17. And hitting some key shots late in the 3rd after the Bucks took the lead. Buford is doing a stand in job filling in for Rj. And being either our 2 or 3rd scorer night tonight, hopefully the trend can continue. Kristic and Collins both played pretty well also, they were nuch more pshyical then they were in the first matchup when the Bucks frontline killed them. They combined for 22pts and 11rebs. And came up with a key block here & there. Anyway, hopefully we can carrry most importantly the defensive effort over to the Boston game on friday. A 3 game win streak would be nice right now.
I did not get a chance to watch this game on TV, but I heard it on the radio. It was good sounds to me with the exception of the begining of the third quarter. I was very happy with the way the Nets clamped down at the end of it. I think that the Nets still can improve, especially with thier bench production, however, according to what I heard the Nets bench did allow the starters to get a good rest. I think that one of the underrated things that will drive the Nets to more victories is the return of Scalbrine. It seemed to me that we was able to come in and provide engergy and hustle as always. Not only that, but he was able to come in to Kristic to some rebounds. I think that he'll see more minutes as he gets back into the grove and I think that the Nets will keep either Collins or Kristic in at center at every point in the game. I thought that the Net's ability to finish the game in the last 2-3 minutes was a huge positive. They were able to prevent the Buck's Redd, from being as clutch as he ussually is. In addition to that, Collins was able to pull down 1-2 offensive rebounds that, according to the radio commentators, sealed the game. The Nets have a though against the Celtics on Friday. I think that the Celts will take the Nets vie for the Division lead seriously and give the Nets a fight. The Nets might have trouble with Pierce, but he might just put on a performance like Redd did tonight, and the Nets will have a chance to win. I think it'll be a even matchup; maybe an overtime game.
game was exciting carter had his first big game this whole season 33 pnts 9 assists 9 rebs... him and kidd almost ahd a triple double each... hope they cna carry the momentum againest the celts.
