Big Three, Small Results

            After the loss to Boston Friday night Richard Jefferson magically transformed from small forward to soothsayer. Taking no solstice in the effort against Boston, RJ proclaimed “we’re not a good real offensive team…truth be told,” followed up by explaining the Nets should not be considered one of the better teams until they reach at least 10 games over .500. The Nets took it to heart, literally, validating his first theory on Monday night, thus dropping below .500 moving again.
            Off a 9-point 4^th quarter barrage on Friday, the Nets shot a dismal 4-19 in the first quarter, quickly falling behind by double digits at home, yet again, en route to a 99-73 loss to Portland. Jason Kidd, Vince Carter, and Jefferson, the All-Star trio expected to carry the team most nights, and pick each other up, posted a putrid 7-33 shooting night for only 29 points. Portland’s bench, led by such household names as Jarrett Jack and James Jones, outscored the Nets starters.
            More disconcerting than the numbers was the effort, or lack thereof. Outside of a 10-2 spurt by the Nets backups in the 2^nd quarter, Portland outworked, outhustled, and outplayed the Nets all night. Led by Joel Pryzbilla, the Blazers dominated the glass, seemed to grab every loose ball, and contested rebound. The Nets were slow rotating on defense all night, back to old habits from earlier this season not contesting shooters. Portland took advantage burying 60% from beyond the arc.
            Unlike the Boston game, where New Jersey fought through its offensive struggles, the Nets threw the towel in against Portland. Frank tried a small lineup to start the 4^th quarter to apply a full court press and try to force turnovers. Ineffective puts it kindly. Even after the starters returned the team had zero energy in the fourth quarter, allowing the lead to balloon to 26 points. Instead of forcing turnovers, the Nets turned it over. Miscommunication led to embarrassing passes landing in the first row.
            Maybe its one of those nights you forget about and move on. Coach Frank shouldered the blame for the lack of preparation. His offense looked lost against Portland’s zone, in an endless loop of drives and kick outs, failing to penetrate the zone.
            No secret, the Nets will not win many games with Malik Allen leading the team with 17 points. Teams play to stop the Nets transition game, which Portland did. When Carter struggles, or they do not get him the ball in good position, and the running game is shutdown, the Nets need to have other options on offense. The pick and roll with Boone, Williams, and Allen, looks effective at times, but they do not use it often enough. After early success, Jefferson’s priorities have shifted to looking for a foul on every drive, rather than scoring.
            Before a six-game West Coast trip, the Nets need a win against the lowly Knicks, who have now posted two straight wins, and beat the Nets in both previous meetings this season, including the infamous Jason Kidd migraine fiasco. The Nets need to come out of the gate hard, look to run on every opportunity, get Carter the ball on the blocks and let him operate the offense, and play tough defense. Its one thing for a young, upstart team to outwork you, but the Knicks are another story. 

Other Notes:

Portland can play. We all know about the tremendous winning streak, now 18 of the last 20, but its not a fluke. They have great chemistry, young athletes that can shoot, and a born leader in Brandon Roy. Roy deservedly gets the most publicity, but LaMarcus Aldridge (20 points, 7 boards) will become a monster on the blocks. He already shows an ability to score from inside and outside, and will only get better. Portland will be a perennial title contender within a year or two, as this core group develops.