Matchup:

• Philadelphia 76ers vs. New Jersey Nets

Score:

• 83 - 85, 76ers Lose

Summary of The Game:

• Man was I right on the sloppy game.  The Nets came out strong behind a career day from rookie Brook Lopez.  The Sixers took control in the 3rd quarter with a 14-0 run, and then followed that up with a stretch of 18 missed shots in the 4th quarter.  18 STRAIGHT 4TH QUATER MISSES.  Sixers are by no means good enough to pull out a win shooting like that in crunch time.  Nets D came up big in the final two minutes, and Lou Will and both the Andre’s had chances to tie the game.

Keys of The Game:

• Devin Harris and Vince Carter came into the game averaging a combined 43 ppg, the highest combined average of any NBA backcourt combo.  The Sixers did a good job of handling the two, limiting them to 24 total points as Carter turned his ankle in the 3rd quarter and did not return.
• The Sixers staff clearly has a better handle on the health of the Sixers frontcourt than I, as Dalember ended up playing 15 minutes and Brands roll actually decreased as he posted only 5 points and 9 boards in 18 minutes.  Not only were the bigmen ineffective offensively, but allowed Brook Lopez to absolutely go off.
• Did I mention 18 straight missed shots to end the game?

SOB of The Game:

• Brook Lopez - A career line of 24 points, 17 boards, and four blocks in 38 minutes.  Although Dalember and Brand were in there, they clearly weren’t 100% and allowed the rookie to dominate.

Full Box Score: