Nets Beat Bobcats, End 9-Game Skid
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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Richard Jefferson and the Nets finally struck the right balance to end a nine game losing streak.
Jefferson scored 23 points and Eric Williams had a season-high 22 to help the Nets to a 99-86 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats last night.
“We’ve been close a couple of times,” Jefferson said. “This was the first time in a while that our defense and our offense were equal. Guys hit shots and made stops.”
The Nets, playing their first home game following an 0-4 Western trip, had four players in double figures. Alonzo Mourning scored 18 points with 11 rebounds, and Jason Collins scored 10.
The 99 points were the most the Nets have scored in regulation this season. It was their first victory since a 64-60 win over Portland on November 9.
Emeka Okafor led Charlotte with 26 points and 12 rebounds, the rookie’s fifth consecutive double-double. Jason Hart added 15 for the Bobcats, who dropped to 0-6 on the road.
The Nets led 50-46 at the half, and extended the lead with a solid third quarter in which they outscored the Bobcats 22-14. New Jersey opened a 12-point lead when Travis Best stole the ball from Okafor for a give-and-go breakaway with Jefferson. Best scored on the return feed with 3:10 remaining to give New Jersey a 66-54 advantage.
Nets coach Lawrence Frank said he will meet with Jason Kidd tomorrow to discuss the point guard’s progress in his comeback from left knee surgery. Kidd could rejoin the team for practice as soon as Friday.
