Spurs 106, Nets 96: Deron Williams Can't Stop Nets Losing Streak

The debut of Deron Williams wasn't enough for the New Jersey Nets, as they fell on the road to the San Antonio Spurs, 106-96 on Friday night.  The Nets have now dropped four in a row.

Anthony Morrow led the way for New Jersey with 25 points off the bench, including three of five from beyond the arc.  Williams started his Nets career with a double-double of 14 points and 12 assists, though he shot just five for 13 from the field.

Williams knows that the new-look Nets are going to take some time to gel.

"We're still getting accustomed to each other," the point guard said after the game.

Manu Ginobili scored a game-high 26 points for San Antonio, while George Hill added19 and Tim Duncan and DeJuan Blair each had 17 to help the Spurs improve their league-best record to 48-10.

The Nets hung with the Spurs in the first two quarters, even pulling ahead at halftime 54-53 thanks to a 9-0 run.  However, San Antonio put the game away with a 35-18 third quarter in which the Nets played a lot like they did before they added Williams.

New Jersey has now dropped 16 of their last 17 against San Antonio.

There isn't much time for the Nets to think about the loss, as they are right back in action Saturday against the Houston Rockets.

New Jersey Nets At San Antonio Spurs: The Deron Williams Era Begins

The New Jersey Nets will kick off the Deron Williams era Friday night on the road against the NBA-leading San Antonio Spurs.  The Nets will hope their new point guard will be able to put the brakes on a three game losing streak.

How important is this game?  Owner Mikhail Prokhorov is making a surprise trip to Texas in order to watch his team play for the first time on the road. 

Before the All-Star break -- and the trade for Williams from the Utah Jazz -- the Nets lost to the Boston Celtics 94-80.  Brook Lopez led the way in defeat with 18 points, while the since-departed Devin Harris added 16 and Anthony Morrow had 14.

The Spurs have won seven of their last 10, including an impressive 102-85 victory over the Nets on Feb. 14.  At 47-10, San Antonio easily owns the NBA's best record and is a nearly-perfect 26-2 at home and hasn't lost at the AT&T Center in nearly three months.

Along with Williams, the Nets are expected to debut a brand new starting lineup with the exception of Lopez against the Spurs.  Sasha Vujacic and Damion James should start at shooting guard and small forward, respectively, while Morrow and Travis Outlaw will come off the bench.  Also, Kris Humphries returns to the starting lineup in place of Derrick Favors.

The Nets have lost 15 of 16 to the Spurs.