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If the New Jersey Nets are going to finally snap their six game losing streak, they have found the right team to do it against in the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night. Not only have the Wolves lost 10 in a row, but they are tied with the Nets for the second worst record away from home at 5-33.
To go along with their own six game losing streak, the Nets have dropped 10 of their last 11 and have not won at the Prudential Center since their impressive 88-79 victory over the Boston Celtics on March 14.
Last time out New Jersey fell to LeBron James and the Miami Heat 108-94. Playing without leading rebounder Kris Humphries, the Nets were dominated on the glass 50-30. Deron Williams led the way for New Jersey, scoring 18 points and handing out 12 assists. Travis Outlaw had 17 points off the bench while Brook Lopez added 16.
Humphries is out again, as is rookie Damion James while Anthony Morrow will be a game-time decision after missing shoot around due to knee tendinitis.
Minnesota is fresh off a 106-89 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. Michael Beasley paced the Wolves with 20 points, Luke Ridnour had 17 and Nikola Pekovic added 14. Minnesota has not won on the road since March 2 against the Pistons.
Thankfully for the Nets, the Wolves will be without rebounding superstar Kevin Love due to a strained groin.
The Timberwolves beat the Nets earlier this season 103-88, though they were led by Love's 23 points and 10 rebounds. New Jersey has dropped four straight and 10 of 14 in the series.
The Nets will be right back at it on Wednesday night on the road against the Detroit Pistons.
Nets 107, Timberwolves 105: Deron Williams Helps New Jersey Double Last Season's Win Total
It may not seem like a significant number for a team playing out the string, but the 24th win for the New Jersey Nets was a big one. With their 107-105 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Nets have now doubled their win total from last season's near-historic futility.
If you didn't get a chance to see the game, you're not alone. Due to a conflict with the New York Yankees on the YES Network, there was no (legal) way for local fans to watch the Nets down the Wolves.
Brook Lopez and Deron Williams played the roles of stars that their fans and team have come to expect from them. Lopez had a game-high 30 points -- his first such effort since March 5 in London -- to go along with 12 rebounds. Williams tied his career high with an amazing 21 assists, but it was his scoring that saved the day. The point guard finished with 18 points, including a game-winning jumper with just over one second remaining in the game.
Williams' career night might be the last Nets fans see of him for the rest of the season. Instead of traveling with the team after the game, Williams will stay behind to see a hand specialist.
Michael Beasley missed a potential game-winner of his own at the buzzer but led the Wolves with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Former Knick Anthony Randolph also chipped in 20 off the bench and grabbed 10 rebounds.
New Jersey was without the services of Kris Humphries, Damion James and Anthony Morrow while Minnesota didn't have their walking double-double Kevin Love.
The victory was the first for the Nets over the Wolves in five attempts.
Avery Johnson's crew won't have much time to savor their 24th victory as they have to jump on a plane to Detroit where the Pistons will be waiting on Wednesday night.
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Apr 05 10:02p by Ryan Jones