Just call him D-iop

Devin Harris stole the show, but another component of the Jason Kidd trade also made his presence felt last night for the Nets.

At crunch time of the Nets' 120-106 win over the Bucks, it was DeSagana Diop who helped contain Milwaukee's chief inside threat, Andrew Bogut.

Not only did the Nets get the desired result -- Bogut was hut out in the fourth quater after scoring 22 points earlier -- but Diop also put up respectable scoring numbers.

All told, the 7-foot center scored nine points and grabbed six rebounds while playing 20 minutes, his most significant contribution since arriving from the Mavericks. Though he missed five of six foul shots, Diop was 4-for-6 from the floor.

"I'm able to shoot, the only thing was in Dallas they didn't want me to shoot it," Diop said. I would get the ball and give it to Dirk [Nowitzki]. But when I got here, coach [Lawrence] Frank told me if I'm open, shoot it. I did it tonight."

As content as he was with his offensive output, Diop was happiest about Bogut's disappearing act. Diop played 9 1/2 minutes in fourth quarter, keeping Josh Boone on the bench, and helped stifle Bogut, who had scored 16 of his points before halftime.

"Make them kick the ball outside, that's what I do, too, try to guard the best big man," Diop said.