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Second-Quarter Spurt Sinks Nets Oct. 22, 2008 by Ben Couch - NJNETS.COM |
East Rutherford, NJ — With six players scoring in double figures during Wednesday's preseason game against the
The loss was the Nets' fourth in a row after winning their first two, and marked the third time in four games that New Jersey allowed more than 111 points. Coach Lawrence Frank cited an inability to control the dribble, poor three-point defense and the ongoing problem of communication breaking down or not existing.
"What happens is, finally you get so fed up of getting your butts kicked that you realize without (communication), we’ve got no shot," Frank said. "It’s not just drilling it, but it’s doing it and being committed to it. And you say, 'Enough’s enough let’s go.' "
The Nets were led by Yi Jianlian's 16 points, in yet another strong offensive showing by the second-year forward. Yi shot 7-of-14 from the floor, nailing his first three-pointer of the preseason. Devin Harris (13 points) chipped in a team-high six assists.
Starting again with Josh Boone out, Brook Lopez's performance dipped a bit through three quarters after a strong game against the Knicks on Monday. The rookie center started well, scoring four points, blocking two shots and drawing two fouls by Elton Brand in the first quarter, but had posted only five points and two rebounds by halftime.
But he kept working and chipped in 11 points and four rebounds during a fourth quarter the Nets trailed throughout. Backup guard Maurice Ager (12 points) added nine points and four rebounds in the final period, while Ryan Anderson dropped an 11-point, nine-rebound line in 16 total minutes.
"I think guys are feeling comfortable and we're seeing positive things," said Vince Carter. "Ryan was just phenomenal tonight. I thought he played his butt off. I think Brook is playing great basketball right now. It's going to be a process, and everybody has to understand that. We just have to be patient and stay positive."
A few other Nets made positive contributions: Bobby Simmons scored 11 points on 4-of-8 shooting, and has hit 5-of-11 three-pointers in the Nets' last two games. Frank praised Sean Williams for an energetic 15 minutes, in which he collected two points, four rebounds and a block.
But with seven Philadelphia players scoring in double figures -- four with 14 or more points, led by Louis Williams and Marreese Speights, who had 18 apiece -- it's clear the Nets need to improve defensively to succeed.
"It’s obvious and we don’t need anyone to tell us," Frank said. "We know how much work we have to do."
