Balancing act

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The Ballad of Raft and Crispy
"The rookie Richard Jefferson shall lead them at times" - Mike Crispino, scribbling in stanzas for Ian Eagle at the play-by-play table, gets biblical to describe Jefferson's impact (see Play of the Game), but flubs line with weak "at times" add-on.
"Bob Fosse of the New Jersey Nets. The choreographer!" - Color commentator Bill Raftery takes Jason Kidd to Broadway with this metaphor, and Mike Crispino to school.
- Champagne

November 3, 2001 - Nets 95, Charlotte 85
Flipper
One night after being depth-charged by Detroit, the Nets stealthily submarined the visiting Hornets. With aggression and speed the sleek-flanked Nets patched their leaks and proved they could make a turnaround in a hurry. Four nights' hunting in five days done, the Nets paint skull number three on their hull.

Elden Campbell Rams the Pequod ...cracking the Nets for 26 points and 10 rebounds. Todd MacCulloch and Aaron Williams spent a miserable night at sea, clinging to the coffin they'd carved for themselves. MacCulloch: 5 points, 4 rebounds in 28 minutes. Williams: 4 points, 3 rebounds in 20. The Nets' weak rib was at the 5 spot tonight, as usual.
Hooked - In the first quarter, Kerry Kittles fed Kenyon Martin with a beautifully cast oop-toss and with a soft pass that led to a slam. Symbiotically landed nearly identical numbers: 16 points, 2 assists and 8 rebounds for Kenyon; add one assist and you get Kerry's line.
Pilot Fishes - Their low stat numbers can't convey the navigational smarts both Kidd and his backup Derrick Dial provided at the point. We know what Kidd can do, but four games in Dial is looking steady and competent. Has even been getting the B-teamers to increase the leads while letting Cap'n Kidd get his rest.

Play of the Game
Dolphinesque - Richard Jefferson sucked in his own rebound outside the key after missing a fast-break jam, then stunned the Hornets by turning on them, swirling through three defenders and aggressively finishing the job he started, whipping one through the ring. Missed the subsequent foul shot he was awarded, but these were the two gutsiest points of the night. A babyfaced killer on O and D who refuses to concede the interior to lumbering landmen, Jefferson is contributing to the shift in the Nets' culture. Rookie least likely to allow himself to panic and hoist a quavering 17 foot jump shot into the teeth of the opponent; rookie most likely to attack the basket without fear.

Player of the Game
Keith Van Horn - Thank goodness Ol' Sulky did not spout, one night after a bad performance against the Pistons. Instead, his teammates caught him, gleaming wide open on the perimeter. Led Nets in points and rebounds (29 and 9). Sunk 5 of 8 from the three-point line. A little less ferocious than his opening night performance against the Pacers, but a little more productive.
- Champagne

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