October 4th, 2010
Morrow Finds Rims Friendlier Than Thought
After Thursday’s “Open House” public practice at the Prudential Center, Nets guard Anthony Morrow tweeted that he thought the rims were tight. Advised by teammate Devin Harris that they just took a little getting used to, Morrow refocused at Sunday’s shootaround, for which the team traveled to the Rock rather than remain, as per usual, at the PNY Center.
By the time that evening’s game started, Morrow had found his touch. He opened the scoring for the Nets by wetting a three from the left wing, off a ball reversal from Harris, who swung to Travis Outlaw, who passed on to an open Morrow. The third-year guard swished another three shots from deep, finishing the game 4-of-6 (4-of-8 overall) and tying Derrick Favors for a team-high 14 points in the 108-70 victory, also recording a team-high four steals.
“I had a little more time to shoot on (the rims),” said Morrow, after Monday’s practice at the PNY Center. “They’re a little different from the rims here; the rims in here are a little more soft and friendlier. It was a good atmosphere. I feel good in that gym. The fans really came out and enjoyed it, and I was glad we could get an early preseason win. Let’s try and go get another one tomorrow.”
The Nets play the Sixers at the Roanoke Civic Center in Roanoke, Va. tomorrow at 7 p.m., their first NBA contest of the preseason. Coach Avery Johnson said that the Nets would roll out the same starting lineup, because it will be important to see how the team responds to a higher talent level than Maccabi Haifa (one player taller than 6-foot-8) was able to provide.
Though he’s gotten the starting nod so far, Morrow is being pushed by Terrence Williams at shooting guard, and knows he needs to assert himself defensively to hang on to his spot. Morrow’s seemingly strong on-court chemistry with Harris, who assisted two early-third-quarter threes, works in his favor. Conversely, Morrow’s ridiculously accurate shot creates room for Harris to penetrate.
“It’s great, man,” Morrow said. “I definitely think it’s a little of both. Him being so quick, he can get into the paint anytime he wants to. Guys can’t draw off me, but when they do, he’ll find me every time, him and (backup point guard Jordan Farmar). It’s good having those guys.”
Troy Battles Through Contact
Forward Troy Murphy, who had been out all week with a strained groin, participated in full contact practice for the first time, making it through 80 percent of the morning session. After suffering the injury three weeks ago while running (he slipped on a field as he planted for a cut), Murphy has been limited to straight-ahead running, which has helped him stay in shape.
Avery Johnson said that “in a perfect, perfect, perfect world,” Murphy would be a gametime decision Thursday against the Celtics, though he probably won’t play, before getting about 18 minutes in Saturday’s preseason home finale against the Sixers. Murphy said that after nine years in the league, he’s aware it’s a marathon and the most important thing is he’s fully recovered by the time he begins playing games.
When Murphy does return to the lineup, it’ll be playing for a former teammate – Johnson’s final NBA stop was in Golden State during the 2003-04 season, Murphy’s third in the league.
“It’s pretty cool,” Murphy said. “It doesn’t seem like it was that long ago that I was playing with him, but when you think about it, it was. He was (already) a coach on the floor, really knew where guys should be. You knew he was going to be a coach.
Footloose (We Think)
Devin Harris was on the sideline in warmups after tweaking his right foot during Sunday’s game. Avery Johnson described the injury as “a little bruised foot” with some light swelling, adding that an X-ray was negative and Harris should play tomorrow.
As for the point guard himself, Harris poked his head around Troy Murphy mid-interview to announce:
“I’m playing tomorrow. I’m going to the pool.”
And thus he departed.
--Posted by Ben Couch at 3:10 p.m.
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