Quick Recap: Orlando Magic 88, New Jersey Nets 72
Nov 13, 2009 2009-2010 Regular Season, Nets vs. Magic, Quick Recap
The New Jersey Nets (0-9) continued their losing streak against the Orlando Magic ( 7-3) 88-72 in Orlando tonight. Overall, the Nets played well defensively, but their lack of a second option (I consider Brook the first, but he struggled tonight) with Devin and Courtney out.
- Rafer Alston led all Nets scorers with 17 points he also had 10 assists and 10 rebounds for his first career triple double.
- Welcome back Chris Douglas-Roberts who had 5 points in 18 minutes after coming back with swine flu. His shot looked fine, but you could tell he was winded out there. I am hoping that he is used a bit tomorrow to help get his legs back so he can be 100% for Tuesday.
- Sean Williams made an appearance tonight, and besides a moving screen he played pretty well. Even taking a charge late in the first half.
- Bobby Simmons chipped in with 15 points with 6 rebounds.
- Trenton Hassell had 13 points in more than 40 minutes of play.
- Dwight Howard led all scorers with 26 points and 12 rebounds.
- I love Brook Lopez’s emotion, but he needs to control it. Late in the first, he was tackled in the lane, didn’t get the call and went ahead and just walloped Dwight, getting his second foul and forcing him out of the game.
Game 9 Preview Vs. Orlando Magic
Nov 13, 2009 2009-2010 Open Thread, 2009-2010 Regular Season, Game Preview, Nets vs. Magic
Just something quick on Wednesday’s game. I thought it was funny how the game ended basically the same way as the first Sixers game ended. Go for the win, misexecute (just made that word up), miss a two to tie the game. Foul the Sixers, have them miss one of two, and not even get a game winning attempt up. The Nets are a young team, but they need to learn from their mistakes the first time, not repeat them over and over. Twice now, the Nets haven’t been able to even get an attempt at a basket in the final seconds. For once though, this one isn’t on Lawrence Frank, he is really scraping from the bottom of the barrel, and they players are just failing to execute right now. I just wish we had Devin to attempt some of these buzzer beaters though.
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Alright, now lets turn our attention to tonight’s game. It’s a shame that Courtney Lee doesn’t get to play against his former team in Orlando, but Rafer Alston does. I know the PER says otherwise, but in my opinion Rafer has done a solid job playing point, and we aren’t losing games because of him (well, maybe besides Wed. night). Tonight though, tonight could be a different story, he could go all shot-happy on us tonight, should be interesting. Oh and CDR is back in uniform tonight, though probably not starting. Late word is that Brandon Bass isn’t active tonight (flu), in addition to Ryan Anderson (ankle) and Rashard Lewis (suspension). It is going to be interesting to see who plays tonight at the 4 for them.
Nets Projected Starting Lineup
- PG – Rafer Alston
- SG – Trenton Hassell
- SF – Bobby Simmons
- PF – Eduardo Najera
- C – Brook Lopez
Magic Projected Starting Lineup
- PG – Jameer Nelson
- SG – Vince Carter
- SF - Mickael Pietrus
- PF – Matt Barnes
- C – Dwight Howard
Their Mismatches
Vince Carter vs. Trenton Hassell - Vince Carter was on his way to a huge game before he got hurt in New Jersey. You know he is going to want to do that again. While Trenton Hassell was a defensive stopper for a long-time in the league, age is starting to catch up with him though. He hasn’t been the best defensively so far this season, but maybe that has to do with the crazy minutes he is logging.
Our Mismatches
Our 4s vs. Matt Barnes – If Matt Barnes does in fact start tonight, we will be in the rare position of our 4s having the advantage. Both Najera and Boone are bigger than Barnes, and they both look to have the advantage on paper against them. Let’s see if they can use it.
Matchup Of The Night
Brook Lopez vs. Dwight Howard - Dwight Howard got the best of Brook last time, pushing him way out of the block and not letting him get any position. Brook has been playing well as of late though. If Brook wants to be mentioned among the NBA’s best big-men, he needs to play well against the best. Right now, Dwight Howard is the best.
Keys To Victory
Defend The Three – This one is easy. The Magic are the best three point team in the league, and we are one of the worst defending the three. Hopefully we can get up for the challenge and close out hard on their shooters.
Get Dwight In Foul Trouble – Dwight Howard is so important for what the Magic do both offensively and defensively. On the offensive end, you always got to know where he is, and that allows the other Magic players to get open looks. On the defensive end, Howard erases a lot of mistakes. If he isn’t on the court, we got a chance.
Box Out - I mentioned it earlier, but three point shots usually come of the rim funny and lend themselves to long bounces. If the Nets don’t box out, they will give this dangerous 3 point shooting team more shots at the basket.
Prediction
Current Prediction Record: 4-4
Man, my gut was almost right on Wed. You would think with all of the stuff I feed it, it would treat me right. Anyway, I don’t need my gut to tell me about this won. Magic win.
Bloggers Talks: Orlando Magic
Nov 13, 2009 Bloggers Talk, Nets vs. Magic
An added treat. Yes, I know tonight is a road game, but we love the Orlando Magic match-up so much, we decided to do another Blogger’s Talk. We’re back with Andrew Melnick from the Magic blog, Howard the Dunk.
NAS: The Magic are off to a solid start despite some early injury woes. What does that say about their depth?
Melnick: It says that the Magic have excellent depth and without, they would be in some trouble. We knew the Magic would have to show off their depth early with the suspension of Rashard Lewis for 10 games, but they have had to play games without Vince Carter (ankle), Ryan Anderson (ankle), Mickael Pietrus (flu-like symptoms) and Anthony Johnson (personal reasons). The entire Magic team and especially Dwight Howard, have had a lot of problems staying out of foul trouble. To be 6-2 after all of that, it shows that the Magic have an incredibly deep team.
NAS: What are your impressions of Jason Williams off the bench at the point so far?
Melnick: Jason Williams has been better than I thought. He’s been very good as the backup to Jameer Nelson. He’s playing a little under 20 minutes per game and has been very effective. He has been solid from the outside shooting the 3-pointer (38%) and has an excellent assist-to-turnover ratio (4.6 to 1). Magic Head Coach Stan Van Gundy likes the way that Williams plays in a close game but he thinks that he gets too fancy in a less-than-tight game.
Williams has led some key runs and has been able to help Orlando extend leads while running with the second unit. He hasn’t shown many signs of rust, which is pretty surprising considering that he did not play in the NBA last season. Overall, I am very happy with Williams’ play so far.
NAS: There’s been a lot of talk about the Magic struggling on the defensive end so far. Any insight as to what’s the issues there?
Melnick: Well, first and foremost, the Magic have not been healthy. They’ve been missing Rashard Lewis, who is an underrated defender at the Power Forward position. Dwight Howard has not been able to defend the paint quite the way he likes because he has not been able to avoid foul trouble.
Magic Head Coach Stan Van Gundy blames their suspect defense on a lack of intensity, effort and intelligence. Van Gundy went so far as to call the Magic the worst defensive team in the league after Sunday night’s blowout loss in Oklahoma City against the Thunder.
At times the Magic play very good defense. In fact, on Tuesday night the Bobcats exploded in the third quarter and scored 30 points to cut what once was a 15-point Magic lead to six. Orlando then held the Bobcats to just 10 points in the game’s final quarter.
Van Gundy pointed out that Celtics finish games and play good defense for 48 minutes – they keep their intensity level up throughout the entire game. The Magic simply do not have enough effort on defense right now. Dwight Howard has been in foul trouble and has grown frustrated too quickly – he is not the same player the won Defensive Player of the Year last season right now. He is not rebounding and blocking shots like he should and at times looks apprehensive on the defensive end. Jameer Nelson has now let an opposing Point Guard have their way with him three games in row (Westbrook, Felton, Mo Williams). These are things that did not happen last season. Luckily, these are all correctable problems.
NAS: How is the return of Rashard Lewis going to affect Orlando’s rotation? How do you think it should affect the rotation?
Melnick: Rashard Lewis will be the starting Power Forward and I think that is absolutely the right move. He was an All-Star at the position; he creates matchup problems and I said earlier, is an underrated defender.
The starting lineup should consist of Jameer Nelson, Vince Carter, Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis and either Matt Barnes and Mickael Pietrus. Right now it looks like Barnes has the edge and I like that move – Pietrus is better suited to come off of the bench. He provides instant scoring and is the perfect player to spark Orlando’s second unit.
Obviously, this is going to mean both Ryan Anderson and Brandon Bass will have reduced roles. Bass has started three games during Anderson’s absence after Anderson started the first six games of the season. Ryan Anderson can present several of the same matchup problems that Lewis creates because of his ability to shoot the 3-pointer. Bass is more of an inside player although he is an excellent shooter from the baseline.
Orlando’s second unit would be Jason Williams, J.J. Redick, Marcin Gortat, Pietrus (or Barnes) and either Bass or Anderson. I’m assuming Van Gundy will play whichever player present the biggest matchup problem for the opponent on that particular night. If that is the case, I would be very happy about it. I think that is exactly how the Magic should handle their rotation once Rashard Lewis returns.
Game 9 Scouting Report
Nov 13, 2009 Nets vs. Magic, Opponent Scouting Reports
Game 9 @ Orlando (6-3)
Projected Starting Lineup
1. Jameer Nelson | 6′0″ | 183 lbs | 29.1 MPG | 13.9 PPG | 5.8 APG | 44.8% FG | 44.8% 3 | 85.7 FT
With Jameer Nelson getting hurt right before the all-star break, everyone seems to forget about him. Not the best shooter, but he is a terrific point guard. Great at getting the ball in shooter’s hands and setting them up. Great running the pick and roll. The Nets must crowd him and not let him see the court. Usually you wouldn’t crowd a poor shooting PG, but he isn’t the quickest guy either, so he won’t blow by you (hopefully. I am looking at you Devin!)
2. Vince Carter | 6′6″ | 198 lbs. | 26.4 MPG | 18 PPG | 2.2 APG | 44% FG | 40.6% 3 | 84.6% FT
This guy looks familiar huh? When he gets it going, he is one of the toughest guys to defend in the league. Loves the pull up jumper, and will take it more often that driving. Another guy you need to crowd and force to drive, because he is less comfortable doing that. Must attack him offensively also. Force him to play D, tire him out, and hopefully his shots will fall short. Was on his way to a very big day in NJ, but got hurt, expect him to finish what he started this time around.
3. Matt Barnes | 6′7″ | 226 lbs. | 30.2 MPG | 9.7 PPG | 6.4 RPG | 39.2% FG | 20 % 3 | 78.3% FT
Aggressive guy who can play defense with the best of them. Little surprised by his lack of minutes in game one. He can hit the three too.
4. Brandon Bass | 6′8″ | 250 lbs. | 23.6 MPG | 9.8 PPG | 3.2 RPG | 53.9% FG | 0% 3 | 85.7% FT
Physical banger inside. High-motor guy who despite being a little undersized can attack the glass. Great offensively in the post, and will outwork you there. Doesn’t really fit in with Orlando’s shooting style, which is why he is better off the bench. Starting because of the injury to Ryan Anderson.
5. Dwight Howard | 6′11″ | 265 lbs. | 31.2 MPG | 18.4 PPG | 10.6 RPG | 64.7% FG | 0% 3 | 62.9% FT
Dwight Howard is on his way to being the most dominant big man in the NBA. Doesn’t have a polished post game, but that doesn’t matter, he can out muscle and out-athletic just about any big man in the league. On the defensive end, he has great help instincts and can block a lot of shots. Poor free-throw shooter, foul him instead of allowing an easy dunk.
Bench
G. J.J. Redick | 6′4″ | 190 lbs. | 30.8 MPG | 12.3 PPG | 2.7 APG | 41.5% FG | 41.9% 3 | 89.3% FT
Knock down shooter. Can’t leave him open, like Ryan Anderson, you need to close out hard on him and make him dribble. He had a couple starts when Vince Carter was hurt and played pretty well in those starts, that could be enough to boost his confidence and turn him into a knock-down shot maker like he was at Duke.
G/F. Mickael Pietrus | 6′6″ | 198 lbs. | 29 MPG | 8.6 PPG | 2.9 RPG | 35.1% FG | 36% 3 | 61% FT
Team’s 6th man last year, now starting. Not a knockdown three point shooter, but he can hit the wide open ones, so you need to close out on him. Will attack the basket more than he shoots, so be careful when closing out. His best attribute is on the defensive end though. He is a great on the ball defender and can force anyone he plays against into a bad shot.
C. Marcin Gortat | 19.8 MPG | 4.9 PPG | 5 RPG | 45.2% FG | o% 3 | 66.7% FT
Dwight Howard’s main backup. A solid player who can start for a number of teams, but he is backing up Dwight. He is a guy who can log serviceable minutes backing up Dwight.
G. Jason Williams | 6′1″ | 180 lbs. | 18.9 MPG | 5.2 PPG | 4.3 APG | 49% FG | 36.4% 3 | 77.8% FT
Experienced backup point who can do just about everything out there. He can get in the lane and create for others and he can knock down the three. Age has slowed him down a bit, and you need to attack him when he is on the defensive end. Force the coaching staff to take him out because of his lack of offense. Had 8 assists against the Nets last game.
F/C. Anthony Johnson | 6′3″ | 195 lbs. | 6.3 MPG | 1 PPG | 1 APG | 50% FG | 0% 3 | 100% FT
Journeyman backup point. With Jayson Williams now in Orlando, he won’t be getting too many minutes.
F. Ryan Anderson | 6′10″ | 240 lbs. | 24.8 MPG | 15 PPG | 5 RPG | 46.4% FG | 43.6% 3 | 75% FT
Out for tonight’s game.
F. Rashard Lewis | 6′10″ | 230 lbs. | No Regular Season Stats
Serving the ninth game of his 10 game suspension.
C. Adonal Foyle | 6′10″ | 270 lbs. | No Regular Season Stats
Out. Injured.
Offensive Tendencies:
This team loves shooting the 3 ball and they make a ton too, last game they shot 29 of them, hitting on more than 50%. Don’t be surprised if this team takes a three on a 3 on 1 fast break. If an open three isn’t there, the second option is getting the ball down low to Dwight Howard. The ball usually gets to him on the low post, and if no double comes, he makes his move to the basket. If the double comes, he is unselfish enough to kick it out and they are one of the best at moving the ball around to get the open three.
Defensive Tendencies:
With shot-eraser Dwight Howard playing behind them, the other Magic players love playing up on the basketball. They go for steals in the passing lane and try to take the ball from the ballhandler. They like to funnel guys attacking the basketball to Dwight and let him block the shot.
Keys To Victory:
Getting Dwight Howard in foul trouble. If he is off the court, it is one less thing to be worried about stopping. Also, close out on the three point shooters. This is a great 3 point shooting team, and if they are open, they will make them. We need to secure the rebounds too, 3 point shots are tough to read off the rim, and if we don’t box-out we will give the Magic numerous three-point shots, and that isn’t something we want.
Injury Update: Lee Out, CDR Maybe
Nov 13, 2009 Chris Douglas-Roberts, Courtney Lee, Injuries
According to the incomparable Al Iannazzone and the Bergen Record, Courtney Lee is expected to sit out tonight and tomorrow’s games in Florida with a strained groin, while Chris Douglas-Roberts should be in uniform tonight, though it’s uncertain how much he will play given his recovery from the H1N1 virus.
Iannazzone on Lee:
Lee is disappointed he can’t play against his old team. He was a fan favorite for all his community work and looking forward to hearing the ovation and helping the Nets try to win a game. But the bigger picture is he needs to get healthy. There’s no need to push it and risk further injury.
Lee said he’s not concerned that his injury is as bad as Harris’ and will keep him out several weeks. He’s pushing for Tuesday now.
And here’s Lawrence Frank talking about his plans for CDR tonight:
“I don’t think you want to put him in a position to fail,” coach Lawrence Frank said. “You never know. You may have foul trouble. But I think right now you have to have very modest expectations because he lost a lot of strength, endurance, conditioning, he hasn’t played in a week. Anything he gives you is a plus.”
I know it’s tough for an 0-8 team to concede anything right now, but if the Nets are really looking to break their losing streak, I’d rather see them closer to full strength on Tuesday when Indiana comes to town. I honestly couldn’t see the Nets pulling out either of these games this weekend before the injury bug hit.
Talking Health and PER
Nov 13, 2009 Analysis, Bobby Simmons, Eduardo Najera, Injuries, Josh Boone, Rafer Alston, Terrence Williams, Trenton Hassell
While the Nets 0-8 start to the season is a pretty definitive indicator as to how the rash of injuries is affecting the team’s performance, there are some advanced statistics out there that really hammer home what happens when a team is forced to either play guys out of position, or give starter’s minutes to players who are career back-ups or in some cases, career-12th-men.
One of the more interesting statistics available on the great statistical site 82games, is PER (Player Efficiency Rating) differential. 82games looks at a player’s PER while playing a specific position, and then also provides PER data for opposing player’s slotted at that same position. In other words, when Brook Lopez is playing center, he currently has a PER of 20.7, while opposing centers have a PER of 13.1 while Brook is on the floor, creating a PER differntial of + 7.6 (which is very good). I like looking at this metric because in addition to giving you an idea of how a guy stacks up at a certain position, it also provides some insight about his defensive abilities against other player’s at that position.
And for those of you who have not bought in to the advance statistics thing for the NBA yet, a quick refresher: PER is the overall rating of a player’s per-48 minute statistical production including scoring, shooting percentages, rebounding, assists, turnovers and other metrics. A PER of 15.0 is considered the mean, with anything above 15 being above average, and below 15 is obviously below average. You’ll find that Sebastian and I throw PER around a lot on this site, so if you never knew what we were talking about, there you go.
So in many cases in the early-part of this Nets season, the PER differential for some players is just alarmingly awful. After the jump, let’s break this down into two groups, players playing out of position and players getting big minutes who in a perfect world, would be riding the bench or inactive. Read the rest of this entry »
Nets on the Net: 11/13/09 Edition
Nov 13, 2009 Brooklyn, Chris Douglas-Roberts, Devin Harris, Nets on the Net
Over at Nets Insider, Al Iannazzone makes note of the fact that even if the Nets were at full-strength, they’d probably still be struggling.
In a must-read edition of View from the Couch, Chris Douglas-Roberts talks about how he dealt with being the NBA’s first player to contract the H1Ni virus (swine flu).
The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle states the obvious that the Knicks and Nets are both brutal.
In a column in the Daily News, Juan Gonzalez looks at how an eminent domain case in New London, CT, is an example why Atlantic Yards opponents are so angry.
Matthew McQueeny, at NJ.com’s fan blog, asks if Devin Harris is too injury-prone.
Look which Net makes an appearance in Ball Don’t Lie’s daily “create-a-caption,” feature.