March Madness

Just got back from the CAA, and witnessing live the most impressive dismantling of an NBA team by the Nets since the NBA Finals years of 2001 and 2002.

Really, the Nets right now are even greater than the sum of their parts, doing things we didn't think they were capable of, like blocking shots, rebounding the ball, and playing defense with desire. Even Vince Carter appears to be locked in defensively (but what's he doing taking 11 - 3's?).

Offensively, the Nets move the ball, and then have so many options. Krstic is confident that he can get to the right spots and get a basket, with Kidd delivering whenever necessary. RJ is confident with his jumper, and still runs the break like a madman and gets rewarded for it. Kidd is picking his spots, preferring to rebound and run the team, while Jason Collins throws in an occasional basket and some defense.

Which brings us to Carter, who's making the right plays again (but still isn't shooting lights out). He makes his 2 or 3 highlight reel plays nightly, and we're happy when we see effort on defense.

The bench is looking confident as well - with Cliff Robinson leading the resurgance by knocking down open shots. Who do you guard when Cliff if on the floor in place of Collins? I wouldn't want to make that choice.

Can the Nets take this role into the playoffs? Pity any first round opponent right now (although, if it's the Wizards, look out).

As for the home crowd, well, they didn't exactly jump out of their seats, but they were enthusiastic, at elast until the lead got to 40 and the crowd started heading for the exits.

It's madness, really - 9 straight wins in March, and after starting the month 1 - 3, they're now 10 and 3 with 2 more to play. Incredible.

Revenge!

Think the newly sexy Big 4 Nets want revenge on the Timberwolves, who beat them in one of their worst games of the season?

Better yet, think the Nets want revenge on all those that doubted them, now that they're in another long winning streak?

Revenge for Netsfans for all the slop this season produced in between all the brilliant play?

Surely Lawrence Frank wants revenge for all the doubters, period. The man has the car finely tuned on it's way to the big race.

Lastly, Joe wants revenge on the NBA for making the damned season too long.

Minnesota, Detroit, Phoenix, Memphis, Atlanta, Miami. All in the next 11 days. Can the Nets go 5 - 2 over that stretch? If so, which teams will they lose to? Minnesota, Phoenix, Memphis and Miami are all home games...

Take A Seat

About time someone stood up.

On the bench, that is.

First, knowing full well that without some bench help the starters will be gassed by April 1, L. Frank inserts Zoran Planinic, who hasn't seen daylight since November, and he's brilliant in a short, energetic stretch. Just go out and play.

Then, Lamond Murray and Cliff Robinson go off in game two. And Murray again tonight, albeit the only real positive game contribution in a night full of uglies.

Best surprise of all - with a bit of camoflague, the bench boys can even get by on the defensive end. Go figure. Apparently, all it took was the movement of Marc Jackson and Linton Johnson to New Orleans/OK City.

So what does it all mean? Well, unless the Nets hope to be the Gonzaga of the ball, they're still short up front (and Jason Collins is hopeless offensively because of injury) and reliant on outside jump shooters and slashers to win ball games.

Expect another off-season bench correction, but for now, enjoy it. Until it's time for everyone to take a seat again.

After all, L. Frank is who he is...