Nets at Hawks
THE STORY: The ultra-condensed, lockout-induced schedule put
together by the NBA brass drew some grousing throughout the league
before the season started. One team that has no such complaints is the
Atlanta Hawks, who have a first-week schedule that looks like it was
drawn up by team management. Atlanta has opened the season with a pair
of blowout victories over lightweights New Jersey and Washington, and
goes for a third straight win when they host the Nets in a return
engagement on Friday. Atlanta won by 36 points in New Jersey on Tuesday
and followed that up with a comfortable 18-point win over the Wizards 24
hours later. “They’ve got so much energy,” Washington point guard John
Wall said. “All they did was attack, attack, attack.” The Nets, who have
lost two straight, need to end a disturbing habit of digging themselves
huge early deficits.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, YES (New Jersey), SportSouth (Atlanta)
ABOUT THE NETS: (1-2): Maybe winning the season opener after
trailing by 21 was the worst thing to happen to New Jersey. The Nets
have been behind by 20 points in the second quarter of all three games,
including Thursday’s 94-78 loss at Orlando. The loss of center Brook
Lopez to a broken foot is already showing. Rookie reserve guard MarShon
Brooks scored a team-high 17 points for the second straight game. No
other player had scored more than 11 points in the two games.
ABOUT THE HAWKS (2-0): Fast starts and great balance have allowed
Atlanta to blitz its first two opponents. The bench provided 55 points
in the season opener, and all five starters scored in double figures in
Wednesday’s victory over Washington. Rebounding has also been a strength
for the Hawks, who have grabbed an average of 14 more boards per game.
The most encouraging sign has been the play of former No. 2 overall pick
Marvin Williams, who’s averaging 15.5 points and 8.5 rebounds.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1.
Atlanta was involved in trade talks for Orlando Magic center Dwight
Howard earlier this month, according to ESPN.com. The Magic reportedly
are seeking multiple, establish veterans in any deal.
2. Nets
coach Avery Johnson moved recently acquired Mehmet Okur and Sundiata
Gaines into the starting lineup Thursday in place of Johan Petro and
Anthony Morrow.