Nets at Mavericks Recap: Deron Williams' Homecoming

Following a blowout win in Detroit, the Nets traveled to Dallas for game two of their long eight-game road trip. This would be Deron Williams' first game in Dallas since turning them down and signing with the Nets this past off-season. In what was a battle from the word go, the Nets won 113-96.

The first half for the Nets was played the way they've been playing all season: inconsistent. In a first quarter that featured slow offense and non-existing defense, the Nets allowed the Mavericks to put up 32 points on over 60% shooting. The interior defense was horrific as it seemed like Dallas was getting any shot they wanted down low. The second quarter was all Nets, as they out-scored Dallas 29-19. This was in large-part thanks to the play of Brook Lopez and Andray Blatche. They got time on the court together early in the game, which is something people have been calling for all season. They exposed Dallas' defense and scored with ease. Lopez entered the half with 18 points and six rebounds, and Blatche put up 14 points.

The third quarter started looking like it would be another typical Nets third quarter. They were trading baskets with Dallas for half the quarter. But Brook Lopez and Deron Williams began to take over. The Nets out-scored Dallas 34-26 in that third quarter because of the outstanding play by Deron and Brook. Lopez finished the third quarter with 32 points and eight rebounds. Lopez seems to like playing in Dallas. Just a year ago in one of his five games played, he put up 38 points against the Mavs in Dallas and added to that tonight. The stellar play continued into the fourth quarter where Deron went off for 13 in the quarter alone. The Nets blew Dallas out of the water in the fourth, out-scoring them 28-19.

Brook Lopez was tonight's player of the game putting up 38 points and grabbing 11 rebounds while also blocking two shots. Deron Williams added 31 points and six assists. Reggie Evans recorded his NBA-leading sixth 20+ rebound game with 22 boards. This win gave the Nets 40 wins on the season for the first time since the 2006-07 season, which also happens to be the last time they made the playoffs.

Final Score: 113-96 Nets
Most Disappointing Stat of The Game: 9 points from Joe Johnson
Most Promising Stat of the Game: 69 combined points from Deron and Brook.
Scariest Moment of the Game: Dallas taking a double digit lead in the first.
Best Moment of the Game: Brook Lopez tough and-one

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