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Avery: "We're Playing To Very End''

By Net Income Updated
March 31, 2012; Sacramento, CA, USA; New Jersey Nets head coach Avery Johnson directs his team against the Sacramento Kings in the second quarter at the Power Balance Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-US PRESSWIRE
March 31, 2012; Sacramento, CA, USA; New Jersey Nets head coach Avery Johnson directs his team against the Sacramento Kings in the second quarter at the Power Balance Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-US PRESSWIRE

In a conference call with beat writers Monday, Avery Johnson put down any talk of tanking. "It's a great feeling'' to have won three in a row, he said, adding, the Nets are "playing to the very end.'' And true to his positive tone, Johnson said, "With all of the negatives and the injuries, there have been some real positives this season, and that's what I'm looking at."

Among the more recent positives: Deron Williams' 35 assists last two games. With Gerald Wallace in lineup, Williams has more freedom to facilitate. "Now he doesn’t have to be a one man band," said Johnson.

Johnson also had two injury updates, both also positive. Shelden Williams is at the "eye doctor" Monday afternoon and if things go right with a planned procedure, he could rejoin the team in Los Angeles. Johnson did admit it was "a long shot". Also, Damion James is out of his walking boot and ready to move on to his next level of rehabilitation. James, who is out for the season, had surgery to replace a screw in his foot January 24.

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