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Nets' third quarter struggles continue in loss
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Chris Douglas-Roberts drives to the hoop for a lay-up in the Nets' 122-94 loss.
For the second straight game, the New Jersey Nets delivered a woeful performance following halftime. This time, the defense was the culprit.
The Nets yielded 44 third-quarter points to the Denver Nuggets and proceeded to lose, 122-94. New Jersey led at halftime, 51-50, but that lead was short-lived. Denver embarked on a 9-0 run and never looked back.
This marks the second straight game that the Nets led at halftime but lost their composure in the third quarter. New Jersey scored seven points in the third in a loss to Charlotte and gave up 44 tonight in the loss to Denver. For some perspective, the NBA record for most points allowed in the third quarter is 57. Golden State provided that performance in a win against Sacramento on March 4, 1989.
While the Nets' second-half performance was not historically bad, it deflated an arena that sat on a halftime lead.
Despite playing without five regulars that includes all-star Devin Harris, the Nets showed promise in the first half. Chris Douglas-Roberts carried the team offensively and finished the game with a team-high 19 points. Eduardo Najera also gave the Nets a boost filling in for the injured Yi Jianlian. Najera scored 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds.
The Nets' shooting plagued them in the third quarter while Denver got hot. Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups, and even Kenyon Martin drained numerous three-pointers that prompted Lawrence Frank to run out to the foul line immediately after calling timeout.
Rookie Ty Lawson scored a game-high 23 points while Anthony added 22. Martin did most of his damage in the first quarter and finished with 18 points.
The Nets have little to be excited about heading into Philadelphia on Friday night. The team is 0-5, matching its worst start in team history. They shot 38 percent from the field and surrendered a 53 percent total to Denver. The Nuggets also shot 10-of-18 on three-point field goals, while the Nets made 2-of-15.
Frank must find other capable scorers besides Douglas-Roberts. In Harris' absence, there have not been many guys willing to take shots. Brook Lopez has not delivered a performance like he did opening night against Minnesota, and in order for the Nets to compete, he needs to be a force.
After Philadelphia, the Nets return home to face the undefeated Boston Celtics on Saturday at The Izod Center.
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