The Nets' 'Big Three' could hardly get any offense going. Devin Harris, in his third game back from his shoulder injury, finished with 10 points on 27% shooting. Vince Carter could only muster 9 points and Brook Lopez put up just 6 field goal attempts in the loss. Lopez, however, did grab 10 rebounds.
The Milwaukee offense proved to be too much for New Jersey tonight. Former Net Richard Jefferson led the way with 29 points and 10 rebounds in only 29 minutes. Jefferson was unflappable, going 8-of-12 from the field, including 4 makes from downtown, and 9-of-10 from the foul line. Charlie Villanueva was close behind with 20 points of his own.
The Bucks were able to move the ball much more efficiently than the Nets; evidenced by the disparity in assists. Milwaukee amassed 27 assists in the contest, compared to New Jersey's 15. Adding to his already standout year, Ramon Sessions had a game-high 8 dishes. New Jersey was also careless with the ball, allowing the Bucks to steal the rock 12 times.
In addition to their bevy of other problems, New Jersey played poor defense in the paint, giving up open dunks to Villanueva and Joe Alexander in the 1st half.
This game marks New Jersey's final game in March; a month in which the team went 4-12 in midst of a playoff push. They will play again on Wednesday when they welcome in the diminished Detroit Pistons.
The look says it all, as Vince Carter and Devin Harris watch their team fall 107-78 to Milwaukee. (AP Photo)
--Not many positives to pull from this game, if any. The only one I will feature is Chris Douglas-Roberts' 14 points to lead the Nets. Once again, I like his game a great deal. He is reminiscent of John Salmons or Richard Hamilton. But, the majority of CDR's minutes came in the 2nd half when the game was well out of hand. I don't know if his performance can be fairly gauged when he flourished at a time when the Bucks were not playing 100% on defense.
Regardless, hang your hats on this one, Nets fans. CDR is a guy who can penetrate and spot up effectively. This is your 2-guard of the future.
As for the loss overall, don't pin this one on some questionable calls against the Nets and the unparalleled Milwaukee momentum that followed. Blame the loss on everybody having a dismal shooting night at the same time. Carter is better than 3-of-11. Lopez is better than what he displayed. Harris is obviously better, being the best point guard in the Eastern Conference.
Honestly, I believe the Nets have lost their golden opportunity at the postseason with the month of March. They'll have to back in and hope Chicago and Charlotte, two hot, talented teams, fall apart while winning the majority of their upcoming games.
In the closing weeks of the season, New Jersey plays against Orlando and Boston. Fortunately, the other 6 remaining contests are winnable. Game include the Knicks, Bulls, Charlotte, Philadelphia and two against the Pistons. Look for this team to get back on track and finish strong. While the playoffs are the ultimate goal, appearing promising at the end of the season is more realistic and accessible.
--In another NBA note: Dwight Howard has become the youngest player to reach 5,000 career rebounds, surpassing Wilt Chamberlain, who did it at 25 years and 128 days. Howard, 23 years and 112 days, smited the record by over two years.
Dwight Howard has easily cemented himself as a top 5 NBA player with this season. He has also made himself the most dominant low-post big man, overtaking Duncan, O'Neal, and Yao.
--Finally, listen to this story I told on 'Over the Ropes' this past Saturday night.
Yeah...
--Max Caster
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