The New Jersey Nets have now lost three straight, and five of their last six after stumbling against the Cleveland Cavaliers, 105-100, at home on Monday night. Neither team led by more than six points during a fourth quarter that featured six lead changed and five ties. Deron Williams turned down what would have been a game-tying 3-pointer with 13 seconds to go, instead attempting to feed the ball in down low. Omri Casspi got the steal to solidify the New Jersey loss as Kyrie Erving sunk two free throws on the other end.
Gerald Wallace played well in his second appearance with New Jersey since being traded from the Portland Trail Blazers, putting up 27 points and 12 rebounds in the loss. Williams led New Jersey with 28 points and eight assists, including 17 points in the second quarter to keep the Nets within three at halftime after being outscored 30-17 in the first quarter.
Kyrie Irving got the better of Williams on the other end in the fourth quarter, however. The rookie point guard scored 14 in the game's final stanza, including the Cavs' final six points of the game. Tristan Thompson, another rookie, had a career night at the Prudential Center with 27 points and 12 rebounds. His tip-shot put the Nets up for good, 99-97, with 1:10 remaining in the game.
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