<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">If this is the Nets' idea of a push toward the playoffs, they are an even longer shot at earning a postseason berth than they realize. Richard Jefferson is still predicting he'll be back from left wrist surgery before the regular season is over, but unless his teammates get their act together soon, there will be no reason for the injured forward to rush back. Looking nothing like a team still fighting for its life in the Eastern Conference, the Nets were humiliated by the Orlando Magic, 105-81, last night before a jeering crowd of 16,101 at Continental Airlines Arena. "A thoroughly embarrassing performance," coach Lawrence Frank said of the 24-point loss. "We were thoroughly outcoached and outplayed. I have a hard time trying to explain, starting with me and our players' performance." The Nets, who remain 10th in the conference, two spots out of a playoff spot, can only hope the blowout was not a preview of a four-game trip that begins Tuesday night in San Antonio. </div> Source
