Tonight, the New Jersey Nets defeated the Sacramento Kings, 111-99, and extended their win streak to 3 for the first time this season. New Jersey displayed far more energy and passion for the game of basketball than Sacramento did throughout the game, and especially in the third quarter. The Kings’ stadium was pretty empty and the Kings definitely did not make any more fans tonight.
For the second night in a row, Gerald Wallace brought a ton of energy and effort. Wow, what a breath of fresh air! Anthony Morrow was also a difference maker. Even though his shot has been off in recent games, it sure was on tonight. Deron Williams distributed the ball very well and Kris Humphries dominated the boards.
For the Kings, SG Tyreke Evans showed his athleticism and led the Kings with 23 points. He was the only reliable Kings player tonight. DeMarcus Cousins should have absolutely torched the Nets on the inside because he was going against Johan Petro and Jordan Williams. He didn’t though, probably because he was too tired after competing with C Al Jefferson of the Utah Jazz last night. Mainly because of Cousins’ lethargic play, the Nets got an amazing amount of easy baskets inside even though they are a very undersized team. I mean, Johan (pronounce the J, please) Petro had 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. All three of these stats might be season highs for the Frenchman. The Kings are really young, but tonight it didn’t exactly seem like they have a promising future. They played no defense at all whatsoever. Nights like these show why Nets GM Billy King’s strategy is to clear salary cap space in order to pursue superstar free agents, rather than develop many young, high-ceiling players.
Ex-Nets not-so-greats Travis Outlaw and Terrence Williams were in the house tonight. Williams brought energy and Outlaw missed shots. I certainly did not wish they were playing for New Jersey tonight. For Nets fans, they provided comic relief.
Player Grades
Deron Williams: A. 6-17, 19 PTS, 15 AST, 6 REBS, 2 ST, 5 TO
Deron Williams was such a big part of the win. He distributed the ball very well and sped up the tempo of the game, to the Nets’ advantage. The Nets were extremely undersized tonight, but they had Deron Williams’ creativity. I wish he got 4 more rebounds and finished with a triple double.
MarShon Brooks: F. 2-6, 4 PTS, 2 AST, 2 REBS, 2 TO
This is the second night in a row that we have given MarShon an F. As TV personality Adam Schein would say, color me very concerned. MarShon has been very unreliable for a while now and no longer seems like the starting shooting guard of the future. I do not believe in the “rookie wall,” especially since MarShon played in college for 4 years. MarShon, please turn it around…now.
Gerald Wallace: A+. 8-12, 18 PTS, 6 REBS, 3 AST, 1 TO
Gerald Wallace must love basketball. In a meaningless Nets-Kings game, the 11 year veteran Wallace was extremely active, playing hard on defense and scoring efficiently on offense. For crying out loud, he dove 5 rows into the stands…in garbage time! I really hope he comes back next season. He is such an improvement over our recent small forwards.
Kris Humphries: A-. 6-11, 14 PTS, 12 REBS (5 OFF), 6 TO, 4 FOULS.
Kris Humphries had such a typical Kris Humphries game. He dominated the boards on both sides of the court and clearly won his battle with Jason Thompson. I don’t remember any of his turnovers, but 6 is too many.
Johan Petro: B. 6-9, 12 PTS, 5 REBS (4 OFF), 2 BLK, 5 FOULS.
Oh my god. Petro had his best game of the season tonight. If you did not watch the game you probably will not believe this, but PETRO outplayed DeMarcus Cousins! I couldn’t believe how many dunks and lay-ups he had. He also blocked 2 of DeMarcus Cousins’ shots. Gosh.
Anthony Morrow: A. 6-11 3PT, 24 PTS, 5 REBS.
For the first time in too long, Morrow showed up to a Nets game in a big way. He got a ton of open looks from 3 land and buried most of them. He also contributed 5 rebounds, but I doubt I will ever see him get a double double. He is in the NBA because of his scoring.
The Nets continue their road trip on Tuesday when they face Kobe Bryant and the L.A. Lakers.
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