Joe Netsfan Game x Game 18 - Nets 100, Cavs 79

It's cold in Cleveland without the warmth of LeBron

Nets 100, Cavs 79
Game 18 File
The struggling Nets catch a big break on the road by facing the LeBron-less Cavs, and it's a second half rout. Starting slowing but picking it up during an impressive third quarter, the Nets put away the Cavs behind a strong performance from Richard Jefferson to square themselves back at .500 again.
• Box Score

Nets Record: 9 - 9
Home Record: 4 - 6
Away Record: 5 - 3
Division Record: 2 - 3
Conf. Record: 6 - 6
Other Game Reviews

Nets High Men:
• Points: Richard Jefferson, 36.
• Assists: Vince Carter, 7.
• Rebounds: Jason Kidd, 10.
• Steals: Gill, Collins and Carter each had 1.
• Turnovers: Jason Kidd, 5.
• Blocks: Malik Allen, 2.
• FG Percentage: Malik Allen, 71.4% (5 - 7). Jamaal Magloire was 3 - 4.

Nets Team Stats:
• FG Percentage: 51.5%
• FT Percentage: 68.6%
• Rebounds: 49
• Rebound Differential: +8
• Turnovers: 10
• Opposing Team's Turnovers: 13
• Bench points: 21
• Bench points Differential:+3
• Steals: 3
• Blocks: 5
• Points in the Paint: 24
• Double-Doubles: 0
• Triple-Doubles: 0

The Kidd Effect:
• Nets Players in Double Digit Scoring: 4
• Nets Fast Break Points: 13
• Kidd's FG Percentage: 37.5% (3 - 8).
• Scoring Differential Kidd in the game: +16
• Scoring Differential Kidd out: +5 (Gill)
• Double-Doubles this Season: 8
• Triple Doubles this Season: 4
• Career Triple Doubles:91

Nets Media
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Cavs Media:
Cleveland Plain Dealer | Cavs

Game 18: Nets 100, Cavs 79 – December 4, 2007
Cold Case
If only it were this easy all the time. With LeBron James in a suit because of an injured finger, the Nets quickly figured out whodunit, and buried the dazed Cav bodies with a second half back-of-the-shovel whack to get themselves back to .500. Now, maybe the Nets can get something rolling and keep themselves from entering the meat locker at home, with a game against the Knicks tomorrow night.

Of course, nothing is ever completely easy in Netsland, and this one was no exception. They spent the first half playing spectacularly down to their competition, and the result was a four point Net lead at the half. They nearly made a star out of someone named Shannon Brown, and as late as midway through the second the Cavs had a seven point lead. But continued extra effort from Richard Jefferson, Vince Carter and Jason Kidd pushed the Nets over the Cavs corpse and into the black.

And in the second half, it was all Nets. A huge third quarter in which the Nets finally established their territory was lead by Carter and Jefferson, and within five minutes the Nets had the lead up to double digits after a quarter opening 9 - 0 run. It was so bad for Cleveland that even Jason Collins got into the act by making two free throws (and he had a season-high 7 points in the game) and it was a fifteen point game after three. Send in the cleaning crew, said Richard Jefferson, as he cleaned up with a game-high 36 points.

Another good road win, but let's not make too much of beating a Cavs team without LeBron. The Nets still have a long, long way to go before we consider them healed, but getting back to .500 is a start.

On Ice
Flesh Wound – Even when they're handed a gift, the Nets sure take their time making sure they can get the W. Tonight, the Cavs hung in for more than a half despite the abesence of LeBron, as the Nets yet again refused to make it easy on themselves. Always willing to play down to the competition, at least for the first time in a long,long time, they could have some garbage time. It didn't exactly inspire confidence (this was like mugging the old lady walking down the block), but Netsfans certainly will take the win.
RJ, CSI – One fellow who can't be accused of not giving his best effort this season has been Richard Jefferson, who had another brilliant game, this time exploiting the absence of LeBron. RJ was everywhere, and with help from Carter, once again he was able to get to the line (he was 13 - 15) and his game-high 36 points (23 after the half, 13 in that pivotal third quarter) were a big reason the Nets were able to leave Cleveland with a win.
Back From The Dead – Was that really Jamaal Magloire we saw on the court tonight? OK, it wasn't pretty, but it was by far his best effort of the season, especially after collecting six DNP-CD's in a row. He was big on the boards (he had 7 in 21 minutes, part of the Nets' big 49 - 41 rebounding advantage) and he even showed an inkling of an offensive game we haven't yet seen from him. Good news, but he's got to keep up the performances and stay in the rotation, because the Nets really need him as a spark off the bench.
Signs Of Life – The Nets actually shot better than 50% from the field (51.5%, to be exact), they grabbed 12 offensive rebounds (Sean Williams had 4) and they got glue performances from Malik Allen (10 points, 7 boards and a +25) and Jason Collins (he scored a season high 7 points, made 3 of 4 free throws, and had 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, 1 steal and only 1 turnover - that's some impressive line for him), and they were able to rest Jason Kidd for the entire fourth quarter. Maybe the Nets can build on this performance?

Chilled And Thrilled
Always feels good to get into the win column, and with Richard Jefferson, Vince Carter and Jason Kidd doing most of the chilling on the LeBron-less Cavs, it's important that the Nets jump on a weak team when it's down on its luck. No, it wasn't pretty, but at least the Nets understand that these are games they have to win if they want to make up any ground in the East. Now, back home to face the hated Knicks, and what hopefully will be another exercise in slaying the New Yorkers.