Where's Brooklyn at? Nets a no-show in loss to Sacramento, 107-86

It wasn't a must-win game, but it was about as close as it gets seven games into the season. With the Nets looking for their first road win of the season, the Sacramento Kings (1-5) seemed to be just what the doctor ordered -- well, if the doctor had some sort of terrible, terrible sense of humor.

This needed to be a statement game for Deron Williams, who hasn't played up to his superstar status early on. Unfortunately, he didn't play up to his expectations, and the young Kings team flat-out embarrassed the Nets, who are now 0-4 on the road this season, losing in Sacramento, 107-86.

Brooklyn is now 2-5 on the season and 0-4 on the road.

Early in this one the Nets struggled to match the Kings energy. Sacramento was all over the court, getting the ball out on the break, finding lanes, winning the battle of the baseline. It got to the point, coupled with poor play by Andray Blatche and some defensive struggles from Brook Lopez, that we saw Mason Plumlee enter the game midway through the first quarter. That's a "we need to match your athleticism and energy" move on behalf of Jason Kidd. This led to a 4-point first quarter deficit, with the Nets shooting 39.4 percent from the floor.

DeMarcus Cousins was dominant on the offensive side of the ball, getting hot early and scoring 10 points in the first quarter. He was essentially having his way with the Nets bigs. Later, the Kings leaned heavily on their guards, who were fantastic in this one, which allowed Cousins to adjust after picking up four early fouls.

Brooklyn played about as ugly of a first half as you could imagine. They couldn't get anything going on offense, failing to get even shots at the rim to fall in, and the defense was no better -- Sacramento pulled out to an 18-point lead midway through the second quarter. The Nets made a late run, pulling to within 12 at halftime, but really there was nothing positive to point to in the first half.

How bad was it?

Nets have made 13 field goals in 24 minutes.

— devin kharpertian (@uuords) November 14, 2013

Yep.

Nets caught a bit of a break in the third quarter when Cousins picked up his fourth foul, with about nine minutes to play in the third, and had to head to the bench. Or, so you would think. With Cousins on the bench the Kings built the lead back up to 21 points. Absolutely nothing going for the Nets on either side of the ball.

After three, the Nets trailed 80-59 and all that was left was for the two teams to wait out the clock. Sacramento ran the Nets out of the building early, finishing them off, 107-86.

Marcus Thornton was great, hitting 10-of-18 shots and scoring 24 points in 33 minutes. Greivis Vasquez finished with 17 points and 12 assists.

Brooklyn shot 39 percent form the floor, turned the ball over 15 times and only forced six Sacramento turnovers. Another early ugly loss for the Nets. This time to the team that entered the night as the worst defensive team in the league.

What can I say, really?

For more on the Kings, see: Sactown Royalty