Nets Notch First in NBA Preseason @ STJ

Led by Terrence Williams’ 23-point game-high performance, the New Jersey Nets (1-6) defeated the Philadelphia 76ers (5-3) 110-88 at Carnesecca Arena in Queens, NY on Friday.

Coming off a loss to the Knicks on Wednesday, the Nets notched its first win of the preseason without guard Devin Harris (strained right groin) in front of a crowd of 3,284 at the St. John’s University campus.

“The whole thing was to front the post, give me help if I get caught,” said Williams. “And, good thing we had good pressure on the ball, they didn’t get the ball into the post.”

Yi Jianlian (22 points), the Nets’ 7-foot big man, became the team’s secondary scorer, aiding in the completion of an effective high-low game with Williams. Jianlian created points in the paint and at the line, adding insults to injury as the Nets continued to keep the 76ers at a damaging double-digit deficit throughout the second half. The team did not lead by anything less than 14 points following halftime.

After a missed lay-up by Williams, guard Courtney Lee (13 points) got the board and nailed the second-chance opportunity at the rack, extending the Nets advantage to 20 points, 67-47, by the 4:48 mark of the third quarter. However, the Nets did not see its largest lead until the 7:46 mark of the fourth when the score was 94-68 following a pair at the charity stripe by Rafer Alston.

The 76ers then went on a 10-2 run in the final phase that brought the Philadelphia team within 18 points, 96-78, with 5:21 on the clock. The late surge was capped by a three-pointer by Rodney Carney, who had a team-high 13 points in the loss. Moments later, a three-pointer by 76ers 7-foot big man Jason Smith (12 points) would bring the score within 17 points, 98-81. But, that would be the closest margin the Philadelphia squad would see for the rest of the game.

Continued effort from Chris Douglas-Roberts (15 points), just as in the first half, put the Nets up by 24 points, 110-86, with 1:10 remaining in regulation.

The Nets kept consistent pressure on the ball handlers making it difficult for the 76ers to get off enough effective easy buckets in the middle to stop the bleeding in the second half. The 76ers’ inability to convert down low and the team’s lack of attack from the wings to the interior, limited its scoring opportunities.

The 76ers went 21-of-44 from the paint, as opposed to the Nets’ 23-of-35. And, the Philadelphia squad received 21 less opportunities at the line (10-of-19) than New Jersey (30-of-40).

St. John’s hosted the preseason event at the home court of the Red Storm basketball team. And, the fans and teams seemed to appreciate the lively atmosphere.

“It was great, it was phenomenal,” said Nets head coach Lawrence Frank about playing at St. John’s. “I thought the environment was super. There was a lot of juice in the building, a lot of energy. I remember coming to, it was then Alumni Hall. I used to have a neighbor who used to go to all the St. John’s games. So, it was great to be back here, it was great to see Norm Roberts, who I think does a great job and is a great, great gentleman. I think our guys really enjoyed themselves.”

The NYC venue for the Nets/76ers preseason game would seem an odd location to choose, given both team’s current hometowns. However, the New Jersey Nets, who wore the home white Friday night, will possibly call New York home in two more years. The Barclays Arena, set to be located in Brooklyn, NY, is proposed to be the future home of the Nets and construction is projected to be completed by 2011.

“I thought it was wonderful,” Nets General Manager Kiki Vandeweghe told RedStormReport.com of playing at St. John’s. “The crowd was very good, the venue is great, it’s a wonderful campus, tremendous workout facility they have here. It’s really top notch.”

“It’s great to come out into the different areas in and around New York and New Jersey,” Vandeweghe continued. “We like to get out and, obviously, St. John’s is one of the best universities around. It’s really a pleasure for us to be here.”

In addition to the Nets’ scheduled move, a key player on the New Jersey squad has New York ties. Alston, a former Cardozo High School player under head coach Ron Naclerio, felt it was “special” to play at St. John’s in his hometown of Queens, NY.

“You get to play in front of your family and friends, the people that have watched you throughout your travels through basketball,” said Alston. “They still see me out there at the age I am now still plugging away and still playing. But, each time I come back home or to The Garden (Madison Square Garden) or to Queens, it feels like the first time.”

Go to RedStormReport.com for all the late breaking NYC basketball news and updates.

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