Deron Williams scored 38 points before fouling out with 3:06 left in the fourth quarter to lead the New Jersey Nets to a 100-92 win over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Monday night. Jeremy Lin was relatively subdued by Williams and the Nets defense, needing 18 field goals attempts to get to 21 points on the night. Unfortunately for New York, Lin was unable to prove that he could go left with much consistency, nor that he could win at the side of Carmelo Anthony.
Melo was back on the court after spending seven games sidelined with a groin injury. He didn't appear limited, playing 37 minutes. He had just 11 points in his re-debut, going 4-for-11 from the field. The hope is that Anthony still needs time to shake off the rust and build chemistry with his new point guard. Until then, questions will persist whether the two players can coexist.
Of course, Williams played a major role in the Nets win too. He hit a career high eight 3-pointers for the game, and scored 18 points in the third quarter to help put New Jersey up 82-64 heading into the final stanza. New York mounted a miniature comeback after Williams fouled out. Down 13, they drew to within six points with 12 seconds left in the game. They ran out of clock, however, giving the Nets their second win in three games.
Kris Humphries was aggressive in the lane on both ends throughout the game, hauling in 14 rebounds to go with his 14 points. MarShon Brooks also added 18 points. For the Knicks, Landry Fields had a double-double with 10 points and 11 boards. Amare Stoudemire pitched in 17 points, as well.
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