Nets at Hornets Recap: Stinging the Hornets

After a heartbreaking loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday, the Nets took a trip to New Orleans to take on the Hornets. They came out firing early and that was enough to help them beat the soon-to-be Pelicans 101-97. This win came in part by a huge, breakout performance by Deron Williams who has been playing like vintage D-Will since the all-star break. For Brook Lopez, this game was a fun one due to the fact that he would be matched up against his twin brother Robin Lopez.

In what was potentially the best half of basketball the Nets have played so far this season they absolutely took control of the game from the opening tip. Almost everyone was shooting the ball well including Deron Williams, who had a game-high 20 points at halftime. Every player that saw playing time in the first two quarters scored at least once. That is... except for Reggie Evans who proceeds to show why he does not deserve to be a starter on this team. The Nets went into halftime holding a 57-41 lead. They, at one point, held a 22 point lead. They shot an astounding 62.2% from the floor and also a very un-Nets-like 75% from three point territory.

When the third quarter rolled along, it was thought that this game would be different from the rest in that the Nets would maybe show some life for 48 minutes instead of 36. But of course, it was no different. That one-time 22 point lead eventually evaporated to a two point lead. The effort on the court was clear. That was not the issue. Shots just stopped falling and defense became mediocre. The offense struggled big time when Deron Williams left the game after getting his hand stepped on. He went on an 0-6 streak before stepping up and leading the Nets to victory. He would score the final 11 points of the game for the Nets and played a huge role with the usual clutch scorer, Joe Johnson, sitting for the third straight game.

Deron Williams led all scorers with 33 points while also dishing out eight assists. Brook Lopez had himself a game, filling the stat sheet with a line of 20 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and four blocks. Keith Bogans, being the consistent shooter he's been all season, came off the bench to score 12 points while grabbing three rebounds and dishing three assists.

Final Score: 101-97 Nets
Most Disappointing Stat of the Game: One minute of PT for Mirza Teletovic
Promising Stat of the Game: Nets shot 60% from three point.
Scariest Moment of the Game: Ryan Anderson cutting the Nets lead to 2 late in the fourth. 
Best Moment of the Game: Deron Williams putting up 14 points in first quarter.

Follow @NetsTakeOver