SB Nation - Courtney Lee

Harris, Yi Healthy, But Lopez Frustrated as Nets Push for 10

Net Income — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:16:09 -0000

The Nets are expected to put the NBA's youngest starting lineup on the floor Saturday when they face the Raptors. In declining order of age, the Nets will open with Devin Harris (27), Courtney Lee (24), Terrence Williams (22), Yi Jianlian (22 and counting) and Brook Lopez (21), with Kris Humphries (25), Josh Boone (25) and Chris Douglas-Roberts (23) likely to see a lot of action as well.

While youth has its advantages, one disadvantage can be frustration. Al Iannazzone reports that Lopez stormed off the court during practice Friday, obviously frustrated with the team's and his own difficulties. As he left the court, the Nets big man was followed by assistant coach Roy Rogers, several players and a Nets’ security person. Lopez never returned. Harris attributed his frustration to opposing teams' double and triple-teaming him. "His catches aren’t as deep as they were earlier in the year. It’s probably both on myself and him - it’s kind of a partnership that way. "We need to make more of a conscious effort that when he has deep position we need to give him the ball regardless of if he has an open shot or not."

Reinforcements Arrive - Al Iannazzone - In the 'Zzone
Harris, Yi back for Nets tomorrow - Fred Kerber - New York Post Nets Blog
Nets' Harris and Yi expected back on Saturday - Tom Canavan - AP
Brook Lopez has had enough. Finally. - Kurt Helin - NBC Sports
Can the New Jersey Nets make it to ten wins? - Kelly Dwyer - Ball Don't Lie

Lee: Nets Backcourt Could Help Lure a Free Agent

Net Income — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:15:31 -0000

Courtney Lee says that the Nets young backcourt could be "a good tool to draw in one of those frree agent players," but he adds that's not the main reason he and Devin Harris should continue improving as individuals and as a team. "Ultimately we just got to take care of the players that's here and continue to grow it," he says. The second year pro once again talked about the highs (Magic) and lows (Nets) he's experienced in his career so far.

Backcourt mate Chris Quinn has a different perspective. He missed the Heat's championship run but was around for their disastrous 15-67 season two years ago, playing in 60 games and averaging 7.8 points and 3.0 assists. So he knows futility and frustration. He's also the answer to a trivia question: who finished second to LeBron James in the Mr. Ohio Basketball voting in 2002?

NBA At 2: Lee's 2-Year Odyssey (with Video) - Alex Raskin - HoopsWorld
Lessons learned on 15-67 Heat team serve Chris Quinn well on downwardly spiraling Nets - Julian Garcia - New York Daily News

Your Philadelphia 76ers Punt Babies, Chew Gum, and Beat the Nets

TheArtistFormerlyKnownAsMichaelBourn — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 01:27:50 -0000

More photos » Matt Slocum - AP

"Hey Jason I thought you didn't play defense! Here let me backhand your junk and see if that helps."

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We won. Discuss what ways you plan on injuring yourself after this mortifying victory while I type up sum'in clevah for the recap.

108-97 and back to 20 games under .500

Updated.

Well, that's disheartening. I'm currently watching Postgame Live with a white guy that isn't Marshall Harris and Donyell Marshall, who always sounds like he's drunk. Eddie just said he thought there may have been a "magic touch" tonight. Yeah, I'm pretty sure beating the Nets is magical. He also just said "package" about 15 times in one sentence. Unless he's R. Kelly, I don't think that's ok.

I'm gonna hit you up with some bullet points because I haven't done it in a while and Donyell's voice is putting me to sleep and/or wishing I was tippin back some.

If you didn't watch tonight's game, congratulations. Watch an episode of Supernanny and it will evoke the same general reaction out of you. Each possession for both teams
Check out the Louis Williams interview (can't find a link), he sounds so frustrated and fed up with the season. After he was told he'd be coming off the bench tonight, he complained about lack of consistency and how the year hasn't gone well. That's news to us on the site, I've been pleasantly surprised with consistency and the team's play. He ended up with an Eddie House 11 points, providing energy and not much else to a team that doesn't need him. Mmkay.
Jrue Holiday is good at basketball. Similar to the stats from the Knicks game, however, I'm not gonna get on my knees for anybody for putting up some decent numbers against the Nets. The Nets. But I can pat Jrue on the head for playing well and there's nothing you can do about it. 19-7-7 on 8 of 11 shooting and just one turnover. Keyon Dooling and Courtney Lee couldn't stay with him, and didn't particularly try. The media asked everybody how impressed they were with Jrue, and got Domonic Brown-like reactions from them, so his likability is another piece of good news to go with his lovely rookie year. On the offensive end, he's really working on his spin move to get by guys in game action. One thing that's hindering him is dribbling into traffic and coughing it up a bit too much, although it didn't happen tonight because the Nets were doing their best impression of Scott Schroeder defense. I don't think it's absurd to think Jrue can be a capable starter on both ends next season, when we will presumably be an actual basketball team. +18 for him on the night.
A key to this game was Andre Iguodala taking the ball to the basket. He didn't shoot any three's tonight and while he claimed it wasn't a conscious decision, I believe someone got to him and told him to play to his strengths. At least that's what I would say. 20 points on 14 shots with 8 dimes and a bunch of orchestrating fast breaks. While Chris-Douglas-Roberts-got-the-best-of-him (enough hyphens CDR?) to the tune of 23 crafty points (have I mentioned he's crafty?), he held Terrence Williams to 4-16 shooting. In this post game interview, he said "I'm just trying to play 82." I can definitely respect it, and feel bad for a player so talented that has to deal with a team this awful, but then I remember he's in the NBA and stop feeling bad. Still hope he gets traded in the offseason with Brand.
Nice game out of Rodney Carney, who hasn't done much of anything this year. 11 points on just 2-3 shooting and 5 rebounds in 14 minutes. His athleticism is really otherworldly, he just hasn't been able to refine his game to the point where he's decent at anything but being the wing on a fast break. I don't think he's back next season.
Another solid game from Samuel Dalembert, who continues to put together his most consistent season of his enigmatic career. 10 points, 9 boards, and 5 controlled blocks and not nearly as many stupid plays this season as he's averaged the rest of his life. He kept Brook Lopez in check, and although I still think the front office will be looking to move him this offseason, Sammy has been one of few great stories in this long, long season. Whatever happens, at least his value has gone up and he seems like he may have matured.
The Nets are 7-61. If they don't get a top 3 pick, Kiki Vandeweghe will single-handedly murder the lotteryballpickerguydude. As long as we get in there, I'll be down like a clown Charlie Brown.
Modie Jeeks got in the game despite not ever being up 30. I can therefore assume that everything Eddie Jordan has said is a lie. He got a point.
The Sixers shot 56% from the field compared to 41% for New Jersey and STILL only won by 11. Maybe if Francisco Elson got some PT, things would be different. I'm his biggest fan.
Josh Boone's ugliness continues to amaze me. But it's okay because prettyboy Kris Humphries makes up for it, second only to Joe Mauer of Minnesota-born aff-letes.
First round of March Madness action starts tomorrow at noon. Last chance to sign up! Password still ricko. I'm literally DVRing the entire day of college basketball tomorrow because I'll be in NYC interviewing for things that are much less important than the day 1 of the tournament. Damn you future mike!

I hate winning. Knicks on Friday, gotta get that loss loss loss, that future loss loss loss, give it to me.

NetsDaily is a quality place

Nets Stuck on Seven Wins as Sixers Awake From Slumber

NetsDaily — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 01:25:06 -0000

More photos » Matt Slocum - AP

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If Fred Carter wants to keep his title of the best player on the worst team in NBA history, he didn't get any help from the current version of the Sixers. Philly completed a season sweep by ending their five-game losing streak and trouncing the Nets at the Wachovia Center on Wednesday. The Sixers took control with a 9-0 run late in the first quarter and added to their lead throughout the night. The Nets shot just 41 percent from the field and allowed Philly to shoot 56 percent. Chris Douglas-Roberts had his best game in months, scoring 23 points on 9-15 shooting, but Brook Lopez (2-9), Courtney Lee (1-8) and Terrence Williams (4-16) all struggled. The Sixers were led by Andre Iguodala (20 points and eight assists) and Jrue Holiday (19 points, seven rebounds and seven assists).

Boxscore - NBA.com
First Half Highlights (Video) - NBA.com
76ers beat Nets to snap losing streak at 5 - AP
Lackluster Nets Flop in Philly - Al Iannazzone - The Nets Insider
Sixers get break from misery by beating Nets - Al Iannazzone - The Record
Infamy closer for Nets - Julian Garcia - New York Daily News
Nets' Trenton Hassell understands why Terrence Williams is taking his job - Dave D'Alessandro - Star-Ledger
Post-Game Plus (Video) - Jessica Taff - YES Network
From the Booth (Video) - Chris Carrino & Mike Fratello - YES Network
Kiki Vandeweghe Press Conference (Video) - YES Network
Chris Douglas-Roberts (Video) - YES Network
Getting Inside - New Jersey Nets - Sports Xchange
Sixers rioll past the Nets - Tom Moore - Bucks County Courier Times
Young to miss at least a week - Tom Moore - Bucks County Courier Times
Holiday taking his best shot - Tom Moore - Bucks County Courier Times
Sixers run past lowly Nets - Kate Fagan - Philadelphia Inquirer
Sixers' Kapono making most of playing time - Bob Cooney - Philadelphia Inquirer
Some find that 9-73 mark of futility hard to comprehend - Phil Jasner - Philadelphia Daily News
Think the Sixers are struggling? Imagine being the Nets - John Smallwood - Philadelphia Daily News
Sixers give aid to an old team with win - Dennis Deitch - Norristown Times Herald
Sixers take season series over Nets - Andy Jasner - NBA.com
76ers Punt Babies, Chew Gum, and Beat the Nets - TheArtistFormerlyKnownAsMichaelBourn - Liberty Ballers

Hawks Crush Nets for the Third Time

NetsDaily — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 01:52:55 -0000

More photos » Bill Kostroun - AP

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The Nets picked up loss No. 60 Tuesday at the Izod Center, falling to the Hawks by 20-plus points for the third time this season. This one was interesting for most of the first half, but a 19-5 Hawks run to end the second quarter turned a two-point lead into a 16-point cushion, and the Nets never threatened in the second half. Jamal Crawford caught fire and finished with 25 points on 11-18 shooting. On the other end, the Nets shot just 39 percent as a team. Brook Lopez led them with 21 points, Josh Boone grabbed a career-high 20 rebounds, and Terrence Williams finished with 15 points, six rebounds and four assists. Atlanta completed the season sweep, winning the three games by an average of 25.7 points.

Meanwhile, the Nets are starting to admit just how important avoiding that NBA futility mark. "I want to get three wins more than anything," Courtney Lee said. "We don’t talk about it, but I think it’s on everybody’s mind. You can see there’s a sense of urgency about it, because it comes up a lot. And it’s going to come up a lot more if we don’t get some wins soon."

"It's on our minds," said Keyon Dooling. "It's gotten so bad, one of our goals is to not be the worst team in the history of the game. That's hard to associate with 'goal,' but we don't want to go down in history as the worst team ever."

Boxscore - NBA.com
Game Highlights (Video) - NBA.com
Crawford's big 2nd quarter leads Hawks over Nets - Tom Canavan - AP
'Get to 10' victories remains Nets' rallying cry as they lose again - Dave D'Alessandro - Star-Ledger
Seven wins, 60 Defeats, 1 Wakeup Call - Dave D'Alessandro - Star-Ledger
Hawks push Nets closer to record with easy win - Bob Considine - NBA.com
Post-Game Plus (Video) - Jessica Taff - YES Network
Kiki Vandeweghe Press Conference (Video) - YES Network
Josh Boone Interview (Video) - YES Network
Brook Lopez Interview (Video) - YES Network
Nets Make NCAA Picks (Video) - YES Network
60 and counting for Nets - Al Iannazzone - The Nets Insider
The biggest losers - Julian Garcia - New York Daily News
Nets stay on 'worst' track - Fred Kerber - New York Post
Nets Lose Again and Fall to 7-60 - Howard Beck - New York Times
Boone's 20 Boards Not Enough Against Hawks - Ben Couch - New Jersey Nets
Crawford carries Hawks past Nets - Gregory Hrinya - The Examiner
ATL-NJN Game Review: Punching Bags - Human Highlight Blog - Peachtree Hoops
5 reasons Nets may not deserve to be the worst team in NBA history - Star-Ledger

Devin Harris: Wall "Still Learning How To Be a Point Guard"

Net Income — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:35:44 -0000

More photos » Bill Kostroun - AP

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Devin Harris has seen John Wall play a bit--"they've been on a lot". He calls the Kentucky guard a "very talented player" who he'd welcome on the Nets, then adds in a serious tone, "he's still learning how to be a point guard." In the same HoopsWorld interview, Harris reiterates his love for his old coach, Avery Johnson. "I love Avery," said Harris, his face brightening at the prospect of him as Nets coach. "Always have. If we can reunite, that'd be great, be glad to have him."

Harris also said he likes what he sees out of "our core group", now that everyone is healthy, citing Brook Lopez and Courtney Lee in particular. "But this is a season we'll never forget."

NBA At 2: Harris Would Welcome Wall (With Video) - Bill Ingram - HoopsWorld

Scola and Rockets Send Nets Home With Another Loss

NetsDaily — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 03:56:12 -0000

More photos » Steve Campbell - AP

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The Nets still have time to avoid finishing with the worst record in NBA history, but they will end the season without a road win against the Western Conference. The 0-15 mark came to fruition amongst a barrage of short Luis Scola jumpers in Houston on Saturday night. The game was close through the first three quarters, but the Rockets pulled away with a 7-0 run in the fourth after Devin Harris missed an opportunity to tie it. Scola led all scorers with a career-high 44 points on 20-25 shooting. The Nets shot 54 percent from the field and 9-15 from 3-point range, but made just 17 of their 26 free throw attempts and were outrebounded by the Rockets 43-31. Courtney Lee led the Nets with 24 points on 10-14 shooting. Brook Lopez added 22 points and 10 rebounds, but turned the ball over seven times. Devin Harris (19 points and seven assists), Jarvis Hayes (16 points, 4-5 from 3-point range) and Terrence Williams (14 points and four assists) also had strong offensive games.

Boxscore - NBA.com
Game Highlights (Video) - NBA.com
Scola carries Rockets past Nets - Chris Duncan - AP
Scola scores 44 as Rockets win second straight - Jonathan Feigen - Houston Chronicle
Scola shines as NBA's Rockets rip woeful Nets - AFP
Luis Scola Interview (Video) - NBA.com
Rockets, Scola dump Nets, 116-108 - Al Iannazzone - The Record
Rockets Show Nets What Hard Work Is - Al Iannazzone - The Nets Insider
Kiki Vandeweghe Interview (Video) - YES Network
Brook Lopez Interview (Video) - YES Network
From the Booth (Video) - Marv Albert & Mike Fratello - YES Network
Nets can't hold off Rockets as Scola scores 44 points - Julian Garcia - New York Daily News
For Hill, grass is greener at Houston - Julian Garcia - New York Daily News
Postgame report: Rockets 116, Nets 108 - Jonathan Feigen - Houston Chronicle
Scola with a "Dream" of a game - Jonathan Feigen - Houston Chronicle
Rockets Defeat Nets116-108, and Luis Scola shows off - Only_A_Lad - The Dream Shake

Chris Quinn's Focus Is on Team, Not Losing

Net Income — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 00:55:05 -0000

More photos » John Bazemore - AP

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Chris Quinn has been getting less time on the court. Devin Harris and Keyon Dooling are healthy and Terrence Williams is proving he can play the point. He also knows about losing. He played for the Heat when they won 15 games. Quinn talks to Fan House about the team, the organization and losing. Quinn likes his teammates. He calls them a "fun group to be around" because they try to "find positives any way we can." But he subtly notes not everyone is on board, saying "for the most part we have a good group of guys" and "the majority of the team has the same attitude" about staying professional. He reserves special praise for Harris, Brook Lopez and Courtney Lee.

As for the organization, Quinn compares the Nets to the Heat. "Miami was a first-class organization and it's the same way here." So much so, he wants to come back. "I would love to be a part of the solution around here."

Following the Nets: From the Bottom Up - Rob Peterson - Fan House

Late Run Isn't Enough as Nets Fall to Thunder

NetsDaily — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 03:34:36 -0000

More photos » ALONZO ADAMS - AP

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The Nets have just 17 games left to get those three wins they need to avoid making history. Friday's loss in Oklahoma City was another one of those games where a big run from the Nets' opponent basically decided the game. The Thunder took control with an 18-2 run in the first quarter and the Nets didn't threaten until late in the fourth. They went on a 18-7 run to cut the Thunder lead down to four with 1:32 left in the game, but they came up empty on their next two trips down the floor and Oklahoma City closed them out at the free throw line.

The Thunder shot 52 percent from the field and were led by Kevin Durant's 32 points and Jeff Green's 27. Devin Harris led five Nets in double-figures with 19 points, adding eight assists. Jarvis Hayes caught fire late and finished with 16 points, Keyon Dooling added 15 points and seven assists, and Terrence Williams finished with 14 points and six rebounds. Courtney Lee, suffering from a sprained thumb on his shooting hand, shot 2-for-9 and finished with six points.

Boxscore - NBA.com
Game Highlights (Video) - NBA.com
No style points awarded in Thunder's win over Nets - Randy Renner - NBA.com
Durant sets franchise mark for 30-point games - AP
Nets are swept down the plains in Oklahoma City - Al Iannazzone - The Record
Jeff Green leads OKC past New Jersey - Darnell Mayberry - Daily Oklahoman
Thunder notebook: Close call against Nets; Kyle Weaver will get opportunity with James Harden out - Mike Baldwin - Daily Oklahoman
Thunder barometer: Where they stand - Darnell Mayberry - Daily Oklahoman
James Harden to miss up to four weeks - Darnell Mayberry - Daily Oklahoman
Thunder cling to two point win over Nets - J.G. Marking - Daily Thunder
Oklahoma City Thunder not your typical team - J.A. Adande - ESPN
From the Booth (Video) - Marv Albert & Mike Fratello - YES Network
Kiki Vandeweghe Press Conference (Video) - YES Network
Devin Harris Interview (Video) - YES Network
Nets' Comeback Falls Short Again - Al Iannazzone - The Nets Insider
Despite fighting back, Nets earn another defeat - Julian Garcia - New York Daily News
NBA Courtside Blog - Nets at Thunder - Susan Bible - HoopsWorld
Assist of the Night - Russell Westbrook (Video) - NBA.com

Nets Lose 18-point Lead, Fall in Dallas

NetsDaily — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:05:17 -0000

More photos » Tony Gutierrez - AP

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The Dallas Mavericks extended their winning streak to 13 games on Wednesday, but not before the Nets gave them a scare. Behind Devin Harris and Brook Lopez, the Nets jumped out to an 11-1 lead and led by as many as 18 in the second quarter. The Mavs closed to within eight by halftime, took the lead midway through the third, and were up eight heading into the fourth. But the Nets didn't fold. They closed to within a bucket in the final minutes, but couldn't convert on their two opportunities to tie it or take the lead, and Dallas came away with a nine-point win.

Both teams had six players in double-figures, but the difference in the game was at the foul line, were the Mavs outscored the Nets 24-13. Devin Harris led the Nets with 21 points and seven assists, but turned the ball over six times. Terrence Williams continued his strong play, finishing with 18 points, 13 rebounds and three assists. But Brook Lopez shot just 5-16 from the field and Courtney Lee also struggled after a hot start. The Nets held Dirk Nowitzki to just 12 points on 3-16 shooting, but Jason Kidd was the key against his old team, finishing with 20 points (hitting five threes), nine assists and four steals.

Boxscore - NBA.com
Game Highlights (Video) - NBA.com
Mavericks beat Nets for 13th straight victory - AP
Mavs take control after slow start, win 13th straight game - Dave Ivey - NBA.com
Mavericks hold off Nets, extend win streak to 13 - Eddie Sefko - Dallas Morning News
Beaubois' energy helps Mavericks win 13th straight - Jean-Jacques Taylor -- Dallas Morning News
Following the Nets: Taking Ownership - Rob Peterson - FanHouse
Nets Can't Trap Mavs, 96-87 - zdgmans - Mavs Moneyball
Nets start fast, finish slow against Dallas in 96-87 loss - Al Iannazzone - The Record
Cuban Likes Kidd - Al Iannazzone - In the 'Zzone
Back-breaking loss before Brooklyn groundbreaking - Al Iannazzone - The Nets Insider
Kiki Vandeweghe Interview (Video) - YES Network
Brook Lopez Interview (Video) - YES Network
Devin Harris Interview (Video) - YES Network
New Jersey Jets can't hold off Jason Kidd, Dallas Mavericks to fall to 7-57 - Julian Garcia - New York Daily News
Mavericks' Cuban comes clean about his tough decision - Jennifer Floyd Engel - McClatchy Newspapers
Cuban considered blowing up Mavs - Tim MacMahon - ESPN Dallas