First Impressions

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Devin Harris took the old saying to new levels, nailing his first six shots after debuting for Nets at the 2:30 mark of the first quarter Thursday night. By time his first run ended – 16 points, 2 assists, and 9 minutes later – New Jersey had busted off a 22-5 run en route to a season-high 68 point half and a 13 point lead. Harris slowed down in the second half, but 21 points in 21 minutes after sitting out for exactly one month is a nice debut. Parlaying the season-high points in the first half to a season game-high in a 120-106 win over Milwaukee makes it that much sweeter.

From the sounds of it, Nets fans may carry him straight to Canton if he keeps this up, saluting his first game in Jersey by chanting DEVIN-HARRIS-clap-clap Yankee Stadium style in the closing minutes of the fourth. Ironically, the same night Dallas lost to San Antonio with Jason Kidd watching the deciding second from the bench of all places, Harris looked in-sync with his new teammates, evidenced by his highlight reel, underhanded alley-oop to Vince Carter in transition.

Observers gushed over his speed, Ian Eagle already dubbing Harris “The Blur”. I prefer Roadrunner from the old Looney Tunes cartoons. He ran the break, pushed the tempo, exhibited a killer crossover dribble, extended the defense out, picking up closer to half court rather than laying back, similar to teammate Darrell Armstrong. Harris was not perfect though, Mo Williams took it to him a few times on his way to a solid 24 points, his shooting slumped in the second half, and he picked up a technical foul late in the game, but let’s not knit pick.

Lest we forget, it takes a team effort to post 120 points. Jefferson and Carter continued their solid play in the post-Kidd era with 19 points apiece on an efficient 14-27 combined shooting. However, Jefferson again struggled defensively against a big time offensive threat, as Michael Redd carried the Bucks back into the game in the second half, finishing with 33 points. With the game still in doubt, Boki Nochbar, rapidly losing playing time since the Kidd trade, stepped up to reel off 13 4^th quarter points – his only points of the night – to finish off Milwaukee. A big stretch for Boki, who has struggled through inconsistent play all season, and now seems lost in Frank’s evolving rotation. Clutch scoring with the game on the line will surely win some brownie points.

Overshadowed at the point by Harris, Marcus Williams posted another solid game with 11 points, 8 assists, and 5 caroms. Despite a rough shooting night, Marcus continued to control the offense, effectively run half-court sets, while picking his spots for transition. His biggest improvement is in decision-making, evidenced by the goose egg in the turnover column.

Frank has a good problem, finding time for everyone. Expect Harris to start within the week, if for other reason than they have to justify the Kidd deal. With Antoine Wright out of the picture, Williams solid play puts him as the first guard off the bench and should find himself 20 minutes a night. Expect Frank to use Williams and Harris together at times with RJ or VC on the bench, and each running the point with the stars on the court – Marcus has played his way into the picture.

Thursday was heaven on earth at the Izod Center. Sunday everything crashes back to reality with the defending champs invading the building ahead of a brutal road trip that features a visit to San Antonio, New Orleans, and the big match with Dallas and, what’s his name again. Oh yeah, Memphis fits in there, the must win of all must wins. Nobody should expect a five or six game winning streak, but the Nets need to beat some good teams or Thursday means nothing.