Now That’s More Like It

1-11 from the field, down 15-4 to Cleveland, facing another double-digit deficit not even half way through the first quarter, out came the Izod Center boo birds, and sighs of “here we go again”. Then something happened, the Nets came out of the timeout with an 8-0 run, Vince Carter played like a superstar, and Josh Boone and Sean Williams, finally teamed together, helped spark the Net run as they took control of the game. And for a change they maintained the momentum for four quarters. Carter answered each Cavs run with a basket to stop the momentum, while the defense kept Cleveland at bay. It all adds up to a Net win, in what is easily their best overall performance since the opening weeks of the season.

Here are the three keys:

1. VC traded in long-range jumpers for aggressive one on one moves toward the basket. Carter controlled the game, rather than settling. His aggressive approach, led to a better shooting night and more effective 30 point performance for him, and opened up countless easy baskets for his teammates, as the defense focused on Carter. Unlike past games when opponents turned two or three consecutive baskets into double-digit leads, VC answered the bell each time the Cavs made move. This is the $62 million man the Nets paid for.
2. Boone and Williams brought energy to the court and had a major impact on both ends. Boone followed up a 14-rebound effort against the Clippers, with 15 points, while Williams chipped in with 9 of his own. More important, the young guns ran the floor with Kidd, and allowed the Nets to capitalize in transition for the first time in weeks. Boone and Williams also hit the boards harder than their frontcourt mates, to help the Nets out rebound Cleveland by ten.
3. The Nets resorted to a match-up zone for parts of the game, which led to more aggressive defense, more steals, and less open shots. Not only did NJ force Cleveland turnovers, it led to 18 fastbreak points, the most since opening night. They pressured the Cavs for four quarters, with some trap and quality individual defense, a far cry from the lackluster performances during the losing streak. Another benefit, no easy second chance point, as the Nets controlled the defensive boards.

For one night, everything is great. Now the Nets MUST beat a struggling Knicks team that received 0 points from Eddy Curry last night. But winning streaks have to start somewhere.

Quick Notes:
Expect Marcus Williams to play by the end of next week, but do not hold your breath on Nenad Kristic. Still rehabbing, mid to late January sounds more likely for Kristic.

Keep an eye on Coach Frank’s starting lineups the next few games. Last night might mark a changing of the guard, with Boone and Williams emerging as the primary frontcourt players. Allen and Collins did start, but vanished to the bench after the first substitution for good. Will Frank finally make the paradigm shift? If not now, after Boone’s recent play, and the duo’s performance last night, then will he ever?