Deron Williams on song as New Jersey Nets down Cleveland Cavaliers 99-96 - NBA Recap
New Jersey Nets are having a mixed season so far.
At times they have looked extraordinary, but on other instances they have displayed pretty average performances. The problem seems not to be with their roster, which is a talented one, but it is just about the consistency which they need to work on.
They now look headed in the right direction after collecting their second consecutive win in two nights by edging past Cleveland Cavaliers 99-96 in an absorbing encounter.
Nets were clinical and completely dominated the first half of the game- ending first and second frame with a 10 point lead. They pushed the momentum in the third frame and never, at any instance, allowed the Cavs a route to comeback in the game.
The closest Cavaliers got in the frame was 61-70 just 30 odd seconds before the clock ran out. However Kris Humphries knocked a mid range jumper just before the buzzer to ensure Nets entered the deciding quarter maintaining a double-digit lead, 72-61.
Nets continued the good work in the last frame and were cruising to a win, ahead by 92-79, with less than 3 minutes remaining. After that they got a bit complacent and allowed the Cavs to carve a 17-7 run that brought Cleveland close, but not close enough,
and the Nets still managed to finish on top.
Keeping in mind, they were playing without centre Mehmet Okur and rookie MarShon Brooks, who were both out because of injuries; it is a massive win for the team.
Even Kris Humphries availability was in doubt before the game as he was suffering from back spasms, but he was included in the final line-up at the last hour.
"We didn't know if Kris would be available, but he came out and battled through it," Nets Deron Williams said. "He's a warrior. It's definitely a good win without those guys and Kris being sick."
Coach Avery Johnson was thrilled with the professional display of his team throughout the 48 minutes. Admiring the fighting spirit of Humphries, he added
"Our guys played hard and they came out with a lot of focus, We set the tone for this game in the first quarter. Kris is a hard-hat guy. He's earned a day off (Saturday). We got him hydrated the best we could, and he gave us all he had."
Deron Williams led the Nets with 27 points and 10 assists while Anthony Morrow had 22 points on 8 for 18 from the floor. Humphries had a double-double with 18 points and 11 boards.
Cleveland Cavaliers rookie, Kyrie Irving was superb and led the team with a game high 32 points and 6 boards whereas Antawn Jamison added 20 including 2-for-3 from the long range.
The win will definitely give New Jersey confidence to go onto bigger and better things in the future.
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