After “the system” missed a variety of open shots throughout the first three quarters, Williams showed up in the fourth, attacking the rim and scoring back-to-back layups late. Williams attacked the lane on those two plays unlike he had all game. That’s the Deron you want to see — you just want to see it for more than two possessions.
Had an excellent game until the curious final few seconds. Seems like Mo Johnson is dead and gone. Got into the post and hit floaters in the lane. Hit open threes and carried the offense in the second quarter.
Played with such an impressive energy in the first quarter; driving into the lane, getting layups and dunks (including one circus-y and-one), and finding teammates (including a pretty feed to Joe Johnson on the wing). Now if only he could make three-pointers with any consistency — like the one that could’ve given the Nets the lead, and likely, the victory.
Kind of the game you expect Humphries to have with this starting unit — rebounds, cuts to the basket for occasional sneaky shots at the rim, some bobbled passes and lost balls, and enough of a commitment to defense to help cloud the interior. His pick-and-roll defense was very good — better than it had been in recent weeks.
Good to see him at full strength again, though it was clear they weren’t trying to push him. Not a lot of sets run directly for Lopez after the first quarter and sat the end. Also: If only that circus shot counted.
As an aside, it’s impossible for me to see Lopez on the court against the Jazz and not wonder the “what if:” with the proper development with each other, what would a Lopez-Favors frontcourt look like today?
Didn’t change his approach, even with four fouls late.
Had a sublime +/-, but in a flukish way; often got caught in midair needing to do something with the ball without really knowing what his options were.
Had a couple of nice defensive plays, though not spectacular. Missed the buzzer-beater that could have sent this game to overtime, and though I saw some jokes at his expense as a result, at least he got the offensive rebound.
