Nets Are Scorching

To quote the immortal Alec Baldwin from one of my favorite movies, State and Maine, “Well, that happened.”

What else can you say? The New Jersey Nets 2009-10 season started off with a bang – a comfortable, double-digit lead. The big man in the middle absolutely dominating. The new rookie off the bench having a stellar debut. The game ended with a punch in the gut. And I only say gut because I’m trying to be kind to the actual part of my anatomy that was crushed by the last second offensive rebound and putback by Damien Wilkins (natch when the Nets were going with their “small” lineup of Harris-Lee-TWill-CDR-Lopez) giving the depleted Minnesota Timberwolves the 95-93 victory at the Target Center in Minnesota tonight.

These are the kinds of games that give recappers nightmares. As I’m watching through three quarters, the postgame reaction is basically writing itself. If you can just forget the closing minutes and go back to when the Nets led by 19 points in the second half, you’ll remember an absolutely incredible performance from Brook Lopez. All eyes have been on Lopez since the summer when the Nets traded Vince Carter, their number one scoring option. Analyst and fans alike wanted to know if Lopez could grow from his 13 and 8 rookie season and become a go-to guy on the offensive end, while still playing solid defense. If tonight’s game was any indication, Brook Lopez should start getting his plane ticket to Dallas ready for the NBA All-Star game.  Lopez had 16 points, 8 rebounds, 4 blocks and 3 assists … at the end of the first half. He finished with 27, 15, 5 and 4 respectively. Brook was scoring from all over the court, 18-20 foot jumpers, post moves, high-post pick and rolls with Devin Harris. For three quarters, the Wolves had no answer for Lopez, and YES commentator Ian Eagle even joked at one point that it looked like a scrimmage out there for him.

The other major plotline was the debut of Terrence Williams. TWill did everything you could ask of him in his 31 minutes. He was forced into action early when Chris Douglas-Roberts got into foul trouble in the first quarter, and Williams never looked back. He scored 15 points, showing off his jumper, and his aggressive moves streaking towards the rim. During a two minute stretch in the first quarter, he got into a two-man game with Lopez, who was settled at the high post to run a couple of give-and-go sets, producing four quick points for Williams. He also showcased some of his versatility, grabbing 10 rebounds. On the whole, he looked comfortable and poised out there, being aggressive on defense, and only making a handful of careless turnovers on overly-fancy passes that concerned me during the preseason.

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The Minnesota Timberwolves (1-0) defeated the Nets (0-1) 95-93 in Minnesota last night on a heartbreaking last second shot by Damien Wilkins.

• Well, we knew this team would take its lumps this season, but the Nets lead throughout this game by as many as 19 points, but were outscored 31-15 in the 4th quarter and just seemed lost and lethargic on the offensive end when it matter most.
• Brook Lopez was dominant for three quarters before falling apart with the rest of his team in fourth. Still, he finished with 27 points, 15 rebounds, 5 blocks and 4 assists.
• Yi Jianlian finished with 17 points and 12 rebounds, but committed a lane violated with 1:47 left on a Brook Lopez free throw which costs the Nets a point.
• The Nets held the Wolves to 37 percent shooting but turned the ball over 22 times.
• Terrence Williams had a spectacular debut, scoring 15 points and 10 rebounds, but was sitting in the game’s waning moments until the final play.
• The much talked about “Wildcat” rotation of Devin Harris-Courtney Lee-Chris Douglas-Roberts-Terrence Williams-Brook Lopez did not see a lot of time on the court, but was on the floor for the final play, where the small lineup was beat on an offensive rebound and a putback.
• Jarvis Hayes left the game in the first quarter with a hamstring injury.

It is finally here.  Opening day.  I am so excited for this game, I can barely control myself today, I just keep looking at my clock, waiting for it to be 8:00.

• This will be your open thread.  I am kind of merging open threads and the previews I used to do last year, so don’t hesitate to discuss the game in the comments section.
• For those who entered the NetsAreScorching Regular Season Pick ‘Em Contest, don’t worry, I didn’t forget.  I got the entries all lined up, and you will be getting the first set of standings on Sunday.

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Nets Starting Lineup

1. PG – Devin Harris
2. SG – Courtney Lee
3. SF – Chris Douglas-Roberts
4. PF – Yi Jianlian
5. C – Brook Lopez

Timberwolves Starting Lineup

1. PG – Jonny Flynn
2. SG – Corey Brewer
3. SF – Damien Wilkins
4. PF – Ryan Gomes
5. C – Al Jefferson

Their Mismatches

Jonny Flynn vs. Devin Harris - Before all of you go crazy, let me explain.  I know this is a stretch, but I didn’t have a mismatch, and I needed something to write here.  Jonny Flynn loves getting into the lane, and Devin (who may still be banged up) hasn’t been a great defender here since arriving in Jersey.  If Flynn gets into the lane, that will lead to open 3 point shots and Brook Lopez picking up fouls.

Our Mismatches

Chris Douglas-Roberts vs. Damien Wilkins – I already mentioned it in the scout posted earlier, but Damien Wilkins is the T-Wolves version of Jarvis Hayes.  A good veteran shooter who can hit the open 3 and play ok defense.  When CDR is playing against 3s like Wilkins I am all for him starting there.  CDR will be able to take Wilkins to the hole and shoot over him tonight.  CDR can take a big step forward tonight with a big performance.

Matchup Of The Night

Brook Lopez vs. Al Jefferson – This is going to be a fun match-up to keep your eyes on tonight.  This actually could be an all-star match-up in a few years.  Jefferson is terrific offensively, and he uses his athletic ability to get around bigger men and scoop up rebounds.  Brook uses his size and polished post game to score, and his size is what allows him to get rebounds.  I wouldn’t be surprised to see both guys put up a double-double tonight.

Keys To Victory

Keeping Their PGs Out Of The Lane - Minnesota has three quick PGs that will probably end up getting time.  None of them are great shooters, but they are all quick guards who just want to attack the basket and get in the lane.  If that happens this could lead to 3 point kick outs, fouls for Brook and Yi, and easy baskets for Al Jefferson.  What Devin and Rafer need to do tonight is just play off of their PGs, giving them the shot while preventing them from getting into the lane.

Defending The 3 - The T-Wolves don’t have a lot of great shooters, but they have guys who can hit open threes.  We have showed all preseason that we can’t really defend the 3, so don’t be surprised if they hit 5-10 on us.  Their biggest threat from 3?  Last year’s Final Four MOP Wayne Ellington.

Get Brook His Touches - For this team to be successful, Brook needs to get a good amount of touches.  This game especially, Al Jefferson is a great offensive talent, but he struggles defending bigger centers in the post.  If the Nets are able to take advantage of this, this could go a long way in getting a win tonight.

Make Their Starters Work/Get Starters In Foul Trouble – The Timberwolves aren’t the deepest team in the NBA, and with the injury to Kevin Love, one of their bench pieces now has to start.  If the Nets can get Al Jefferson or Ryan Gomes tired or in foul trouble, it is a big time advantage for them because there is a huge drop-off in talent coming off the bench.

Prediction

Current Record: 0-0

I like the Nets in this one.  I feel like the Nets are better at every position (including Yi), and they are deeper than the Wolves too.  Plus, Kevin Love isn’t playing.  I think the Nets are going to win going away (10 points or more).

While Sebastian and I pride ourselves on trying to give you Nets fans as much statistical information as possible before every game, we’re never shy about deferring to people who know their teams the best. So before “momentous” games and home games, we’re going to try and tap a fellow member of the NBA blogsphere for a short little question and answers session to give you guys some more insight about that night’s matchup.

First up is Patrick Hodgdon, from the fantastic Minnesota T’Wolves TrueHoop blog, Howlin’ T-Wolf. We also answered some questions for his site earlier today:

NAS: A lot of NBA fans who don’t follow the Wolves heard a lot about your team, via Ricky Rubio news this summer. Despite that, how do you feel the team has come together during the preseason?

Hodgdon: Well, the Wolves had a tough preseason to say the least but it can be mostly linked to injuries. Losing your second best player in Kevin Love and having your best player in Al Jefferson sidelined as well doesn’t particularly help a team that is trying to integrate 10 new players (almost 11 since Corey Brewer is returning but was out all last year) and implement new head Coach Kurt Rambis’ half Pat Riley uptempo showtime, half Phil Jackson triangle offense. Anyone that has ever tried to run the triangle knows its very tough especially at the beginning (I had the opportunity to have one of my coaches growing up who had played for Tex Winter teach us the triangle so I know first hand it’s really tough) and that you need a lot of time to learn your teammates tendencies in order to keep the all-important spacing the triangle demands. So when your two best players are on the sidelines early there are plenty of growing pains left for the Wolves to go through. That being said the Wolves did come together and win their last two preseason games in which both Corey Brewer looked like a legit lottery pick for the first time this year, coming off knee surgery, and Jonny Flynn looked like a legit point guard. Their last preseason game was their 3rd in 4 nights and they won it in the second half mostly off their energy, which is a good sign for a team that is going to have to win a LOT of games off their energy if you know what I mean.

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Game 1 @ Minnesota (0-0)

Projected Starting Lineup

1. Jonny Flynn | 6’0″ | 185 lbs | No Regular Season Stats

Jonny Flynn is a small (height wise) PG, but his strength prevents him from being abused in the post.  A quick guard you need to keep out of the paint, which is his strength.  Good scorer and passer when he gets in the paint.  Doesn’t factor much on the boards, no need to worry about him  getting rebounds.

2.  Corey Brewer | 6’9″ | 188 lbs. | No Regular Season Stats

Kid built in from the CDR mold.  A lottery pick who has struggled during his first couple years in the league.  Starting to look like he gets it, having a strong showing this preseason.  Strong defender.  Held opponents 4.8 percent below usual production last year.  Not an offensive force, poor shooter, and he doesn’t usually finish when getting in the lane.  We could probably match CDR on Brewer.

3.  Damien Wilkins | 6’6″ | 225 lbs. | No Regular Season Stats

Capable 3 point shooter, who struggled from 2 last year.  Average defender.  Minnesota’s version of Jarvis Hayes.  We can’t let him get open looks, but other than that, he shouldn’t be too much of a factor.

4.  Ryan Gomes | 6’7″ | 240 lbs. | No Regular Season Stats

One of those PF/SF hybrids who was supposed to be playing SF this year before the injury to Kevin Love.  Doesn’t really like to go inside as he gets most of his shots from the outside.  He is a good shooter who can hit the 3 when he is open.  A weaker defender.

5.  Al Jefferson | 6’10″ | 265 lbs. | No Regular Season Stats

Al Jefferson turned into a terrific scorer and rebounder before getting hurt last year.  It seems that he is starting to learn how to play the position.  Coming off ACL surgery and a quick rehab, so that may lead him to be hesitant.   Poor instincts on the defensive end, he doesn’t really help well.  He can sometimes get bodied by bigger centers.

Bench

G.  Ramon Sessions | 6’3″ | 190 lbs. | No Regular Season Stats

A terrific true point off the bench.  Had the 12th best assist rate in the NBA last year.  Like Flynn he is best when he gets into the lane, and when he does he can either dish or score.  Not the best outside shooter, so give him room and let him shoot.

G.  Wayne Ellington | 6’4″ | 200 lbs. | No Regular Season Stats

A terrific shooter.  Can’t leave him, or help off him on penetration.

F/C.  Ryan Hollins | 7’0″ | 230 lbs. | No Regular Season Stats

Got some playoff minutes and performed well last year.  A shot-blocker who is the Timberwolves defensive big man.  Limited strength and size allows him to be thrown around.  When the ball goes up, get your body into him and box out, he won’t get the rebound.

G.  Jason Hart | 6’3″ | 180 lbs. | No Regular Season Stats

A third point guard who should only get minutes if Flynn or Sessions is in foul trouble.

F.  Nathan Jawai | 6’10″ | 280 lbs. | No Regular Season Stats

Played in 6 games for Toronto last year getting 3.2 minutes a game…that’s all I got…

F.  Brian Cardinal | 6’8″ | 240 lbs. | No Regular Season Stats

Generic end of the bench white guy.

G/F.  Aleksandar Pavlovic | 6’7″ | 235 lbs. | No Regular Season Stats

Pavlovic had one break-out year a few years ago but he has seen his minutes decrease since.  A good option off of the bench.

C.  Mark Blount | 7’0″ | 250 lbs. | No Regular Season Stats

Journeyman who was with the Heat last year.

C.  Oleksiy Pecherov | 7’0″ | 234 | No Regular Season Stats

Outside shooting big man in the Andrea Bargnani mode.

F/C. Kevin Love | 6’10″ | 260 lbs. | No Regular Season Stats

Out.

Offensive Tendencies:

With quick PGs, they like to penetrate and either kick or finish.  They have a solid shooter in Ellington who will probably stand on the wing while the penetration happens.  Expect Jefferson to get the ball a lot, before his injury, Jefferson had one of the highest usage rates in the NBA, getting the ball on 30% of the Wolves possessions last year.

Defensive Tendencies:

The Wolves are smallish in the frontcourt, so they like to pressure the guards so that they can’t make an easy pass into the post.

Keys To Victory:

Keep the ball out of Jefferson’s hands.  Take advantage of the small frontcourt and attack the glass.  Keep the Wolves quick PGs out of the lane.  Don’t let Ellington get out.  Get the ball to Brook inside.  

Yesterday we scared you guys.  Mark and I each gave you a few concerns we had going into the season, but as Mark told you earlier, today is different.  Today is opening day, the day when everyone is still in playoff contention (In fact we already have a better record than 4 teams – progress!).  Here are a few things I am looking forward to seeing happen (and I expect most of these will) this year:

Terrence Williams Will Be A Top Rookie

You guys probably guessed that I would be talking about T-Will here.  Terrence Williams had his struggles this preseason, but in that last game you saw what he can do when he put everything together.  I mean look at his line – 23 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists, and 4 steals.  That’s fantastic.

We went into the preseason knowing that he could effect the game without scoring, but people were worried about his shooting.  He put those doubts to rest though (in my mind at least).  Terrence shot 42% from 3 (8-19) and and 39% overall (27-68).  Terrence Williams has also started to attack the basket more often, going to the line 22 times total in his last 3 preseason games.  Now I know that this is all in the preseason, but many people were expecting nightmarish shooting numbers from Terrence, and he showed us the opposite. Read more…

Yesterday, you heard about some of our concerns for the upcoming season. But today, is opening day. This is the day where everything feels right for the team you root for. Those looking for insight and critical analysis about the New Jersey Nets from this site – don’t worry. The second the final buzzer sounds tonight in Minnesota, we’ll get back to breaking down the video. But for now – happy thoughts. Call it a moratorium on the mortifying.

I’m legitimately excited about watching the Nets this season – more than I’ve been on an opening day since the Nets fell short of beating the Spurs in the NBA Finals, and attempted to solidify their spot at the top of the East by resigning their franchise point guard, and importing Alonzo Mourning to play center. We all know how that turned out – but again, to quote the new hitting coach for the St. Louis Cardinals, I’m not here to talk about the past.

So why am I so excited about watching 82 games (and maybe more) of a team that is predicted by most around the NBA to win less than 30 games this season? It all starts with offense. Yes, I’m excited about watching a team that just traded Vince Carter, one of the league’s top scorers, because I’m looking forward to checking out this team’s offense.

Stop laughing now.
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Al Iannazzone recounts how yesterday’s final practice before the start of the season got “chippy,” according to Devin Harris.

Dave D’Alessandro asks how young are the Nets really?

If the Nets win tonight, it’s the first time they started back-to-back seasons with road wins since 1991-1992.

Devin Harris understands the he’s going to get praised if the Nets win and will likely shoulder the blame if the Nets lose.

The Nets are gearing up for Minnesota who will be sans Kevin Love, but likely with Al Jefferson, according to Ben Couch.

How do you overcome a perceived lack of talent? Work harder, Brook Lopez says.

Mitch Lawrence, from the Daily News gives a little preview of the Knicks and Nets.

Dave D. goes position by position in his breakdown.

In a breakdown by AP, the Nets are making headlines everywhere but on the basketball court.

Rory of Slippery When Nets asks if you’ve hung your socks by the fire yet.

Johnny Flynn is battling the flu and could miss tonight’s game against the Nets.

Your starting power forward for the Orlando Magic: Ryan Anderson.