Nets: Lose Third Straight as Deron Williams Comments Linger

Battle of the boroughs officially lost its zest as the Brooklyn Nets failed to keep pace another night. Hype isn’t meant to last forever, just look at the last Air Jordan release, but the Nets started this season on a mission. Playoff bound so far-and I put an emphasis on so far this season. The mission required the Nets to dethrone the New York Knicks in the hearts of New Yorkers. Again the Nets didn’t look up to the task or interested in their own agenda. Shooting 45% from the field isn’t a sign of a losing effort but only nine attempts from the free throw line is. The Nets refused to drive the basketball which questions if Deron Williams was right about the direction of the offense. Williams recently cited the lack of a “system” as the biggest issue with his ability to run Avery Johnson’s offense. A few pick-and-roll plays here or there may have been useful to throw a Knicks team off balance, looking to capitalize after a loss to the Houston Rockets. Instead, the Nets were predictable throughout the entire contest leaving no room for imagination. Consistent ball movement and periodic one-on-one attempts, wasn’t a match for swarming defenders. The Knicks contested every jump shot especially in the second half. The lack of creativity on the offensive end was blatant when Nets reserve Keith Bogans attempted three-pointers on two consecutive possessions. Before the misses, Bogans was 3-3 from long range-and shooting 27% this season. Tyson Chandler deserves a portion of the credit as well. Chandler challenged every possession at the rim and played terrific defense on Brook Lopez. Lopez finished the night with 16 points on 8-18 from the field. I wonder if Williams would also blame his turnover to assist ratio on the stagnant offense Avery Johnson prescribes. Williams finished the night with 10 assists and 5 turnovers. Williams has a point but effort is also a factor you can’t overlook. The Knicks were able to outrebound the Nets, which is a rare occasion this season. Reggie Evans dominated the boards in previous meetings, but Chandler led all players with 12 rebounds. The Knicks turned the ball over eight times. Two of those came under 2-minutes in the fourth quarter when the game was sealed. Kris Humphries, Gerald Wallace, and Evans were not able to contain Carmelo Anthony at any point during the game. Anthony finished the night with 31 points shooting 12 for 22, and going 4-8 from deep. J.R. Smith contributed 19 points off the bench adding 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Chandler went 7-11 from the field and finished with 16 points. For the Nets Joe Johnson finished with 17 points while Williams added 16. Three straight losses and the Nets are in a predicament where they must find themselves again. I believe the Nets can turn it around but the Nets aren’t showing much faith in themselves. Or maybe it is just the coach. Follow Me On Twitter