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.