Nothin' But Nets
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Brooklyn Nets: 25 greatest individual games in team history

By Phil Watson

CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 4: Deron Williams #8 of the New Jersey Nets takes a foul shot during the game against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena on March 4, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2012 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 4: Deron Williams #8 of the New Jersey Nets takes a foul shot during the game against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena on March 4, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2012 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Brooklyn Nets
UNIONDALE, NY – 1974: Billy Paultz #5 of the New York Nets looks on during a game circa 1974 at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1974 NBAE (Photo by Dick Raphael/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Billy Paultz vs. Dallas Chaparrals, Dec. 17, 1971

The New York Nets were still toiling at Island Garden, waiting for their new home arena in Uniondale to open, and were off to another slow start, taking a 12-18 record into their Dec. 17, 1971, game against the Dallas Chaparrals.

Dallas was likewise struggling, sporting an 11-20 mark and five straight losses when they arrived in West Hempstead.

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The Chaps played a very deliberate style under new coach Tom Nissalke, a contrast to the ABA’s reputation for fast-paced play, but Billy Paultz delivered the key blows to help the Nets slug their way to a 90-83 win.

Paultz scored a game-high 27 points to go with a franchise-record 33 rebounds on the night, getting help from Trooper Washington, who added 19 points, as Rick Barry was held to just 12 points.

Donnie Freeman led Dallas with 19 points.

As it turns out, both teams would turn themselves around. New York went on to its first winning season, going 44-40 and reaching the ABA Finals. Dallas wound up 42-42 and Nissalke was named Coach of the Year.

As for Paultz, the second-year big man averaged 14.5 points and 12.5 rebounds in 34.0 minutes per game, shooting.488/0-for-3/.692 on the year.

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