NetsDaily - Game 66 - Brooklyn Nets vs. Charlotte Bobcats, 7:30 PMThe most comprehensive source for news about the Brooklyn Nets.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50989/nd-fav.png2014-03-20T01:16:12-04:00http://www.netsdaily.com/rss/stream/52894572014-03-20T01:16:12-04:002014-03-20T01:16:12-04:00NetsDaily Video: Brooklyn tops Charlotte, 104-99
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.netsdaily.com/">Brooklyn Nets</a> won their 10th straight game at home, beating the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/charlotte-bobcats">Bobcats</a> 104-99. Dexter Henry and Tom Lorenzo were on hand, and look ahead as the Nets look to make up ground in the standings.</p>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/3/20/5528640/netsdaily-video-brooklyn-nets-win-10-straight-at-homeTom Lorenzo2014-03-19T21:55:11-04:002014-03-19T21:55:11-04:00Nets win 10th straight at home with 104-99 victory
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<p>Wednesday night, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.netsdaily.com/">Nets</a> welcomed the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/charlotte-bobcats">Charlotte Bobcats</a> to Brooklyn. The Nets were winners of nine straight at home, and stand just 2.5 games ahead of the Bobcats in the Eastern Conference standings. With the season dwindling down and the seedings so close, every game -- especially conference games, are crucial to the teams' fate going forward.</p>
<p><span>Kevin Garnett</span> missed his 10th straight game due to back spasms.</p>
<p>Behind a big 25 point outburst from Deron Williams, the Nets went on to win 104-99 over the Charlotte Bobcats. Brooklyn has now won 10 straight at home, and looked to solidify a higher seed, avoiding the much dreaded seventh seed.</p>
<p>Anytime your up against <span>Al Jefferson</span>, you know your in for a tough night down low. <span>Mason Plumlee</span>, whose filled in Kevin Garnett's shoes very nicely, had the duty of covering Jefferson in this one. Jefferson finished the quarter with 10 points and four rebounds. Plumlee had nine points of his own, sticking with Jefferson the entire way.</p>
<p>Although, it seemed to be an evenly matched quarter, the Nets owned a 26-21 lead after one.</p>
<p>Four minutes into the second quarter, the Nets had a 38-25 lead. The bench was serving it's dues, and <span>Shaun Livingston</span> was heating up with 11 points.</p>
<p>The hot start from the Nets forced <span>Steve Clifford</span> to call an early timeout. Following the timeout, Charlotte came firing back into this game with a 17-3 run, finding their first lead of the game with four minutes remaining in the half.</p>
<p>But, behind the late offensive sparks from <span>Joe Johnson</span> and <span>Deron Williams</span>, the Nets finished the half on a 11-3 run, leading the Bobcats 54-46. Deron Williams and Shaun Livingston led all scorers at the half with 11 points each. For the Bobcats, <span>Chris Douglas-Roberts</span> and Al Jefferson scored 10 points apiece. The Nets held Jefferson scoreless in the second quarter.</p>
<p><i>Quick first half stats: The Nets forced only three steals, while their bench only combined for 11 points. Defensive intensity and contributions from the bench have played crucial roles in the Nets recent success.</i></p>
<p>Heading into the second half with an eight point lead, the Nets had a legitimate chance to pull away in the third quarter. They failed to do so, as the Bobcats were outplaying Brooklyn through the early stages of the second half, riding the back of Al Jefferson who was leading all scorers with 18 points and 10 rebounds.</p>
<p>Although the Nets were struggling to execute on the offensive end, Charlotte got into early foul trouble, which enabled the Nets to get easy points and finish the quarter on a good note. Despite being outscored 24-21, the Nets had the upper hand heading into the fourth quarter with a 75-70 advantage.</p>
<p><i>The Nets' identity of late has been the scrappy defense -- grabbing steals and forcing turnovers. Through the first three quarters, they had just four steals and forced 10 turnovers.</i></p>
<p>Six Nets players were in double-figures to start the fourth quarter. The Bobcats had just two players in double-figures. Still, Charlotte was fighting their way back, as they tied the game at 79-79 with eight minutes remaining in the game. Just moments after the Bobcats tied it up, they committed their fifth team foul, giving the Nets access to the foul line for the last eight minutes of the game.</p>
<p>Deron Williams started to emerge as the true leader he is -- scoring seven straight points for Brooklyn, putting them up 89-85. Williams also nabbed an important steal in the process, resulting in his sixteenth straight game with a steal, a career best for him.</p>
<p><span>Paul Pierce</span> who was quiet all game, came up clutch yet again. With a little over two minutes remaining, Paul Pierce hit a huge three pointer, putting Brooklyn up five. Prior to that three, Pierce had just three points on 1-3 shooting. The score was 97-92 in favor of Brooklyn, grabbing the momentum and the crowd's attention.</p>
<p>It looked to be that way, anyway, as <span>Gary Neal</span> answered right back with a three of his own, cutting the Bobcats' deficit down to just two with 1:18 remaining in the game.</p>
<p>After going 1-2 on a pair of free throws, the Nets owned a three point lead with under a minute remaining. The Nets came up with a huge defensive stop, which then led to a clutch Deron Williams jump shot to put the Nets up 100-95 with 38 seconds remaining.</p>
<p>After another defensive stand, the Nets were on their way to another key victory. They sealed the deal with their free throws down the stretch, and went on to win: 104-99.</p>
<p>Deron Williams certainly played like the franchise player he is, leading all scorers with 25 points and eight assists, while Joe Johnson chipped in 20, along with Shaun Livingston contributing 17 points. <span>Marcus Thornton</span> and <span>Andray Blatche</span> combined for 24 points, the only points from the bench.</p>
<p>The Nets have now won 10 straight at home, improving their record to 17-2 at home since December 26th. With the season winding down, this game helps solidify the Nets chances of staying out of the much dreaded seventh seed. The final objective for Brooklyn: capture the division-leading <a href="https://www.raptorshq.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Raptors</a>.</p>
<p>The Nets will welcome the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.celticsblog.com/">Boston Celtics</a> to Brooklyn this Friday, as the Nets look for some vengeance after a disappointing 91-84 loss in Boston on March 7th.</p>
<p>For more on the Bobcats, check them out at <a href="http://www.rufusonfire.com/">Rufus on Fire</a></p>
<ul>
<li> <a href="http://www.nba.com/games/20140319/CHABKN/gameinfo.html?ls=slt">Bobcats at Nets Boxscore </a>- NBA.com</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/3/19/5527370/game-thread-brooklyn-nets-vs-charlotte-bobcats-7-30-pm">Game Thread: Brooklyn Nets vs. Charlotte Bobcats, 7:30 PM</a> - NetsDaily</li>
<li> <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nets-win-10th-straight-home-022733583--nba.html" target="_blank">Nets win 10th straight at home, top Bobcats 104-99</a> - Jeffrey Bernstein - AP</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/3/19/5526642/2nd-half-game-thread-bobcats-at-nets">2nd Half Game Thread: Bobcats at Nets </a>- NetsDaily</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nba.com/video/games/nets/2014/03/19/0021301010-cha-bkn-recap.nba" target="_blank">Williams Helps Nets Hold Off Bobcats (Video) - Highlights </a>- NBA.com</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nba.com/video/games/nets/2014/03/19/0021301010-cha-bkn-play1.nba">D-Will Around the Defense (Video) </a>- NBA.com</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nba.com/video/games/nets/2014/03/19/0021301010-cha-bkn-play2.nba">Livingston to Plumlee (Video) </a>- NBA.com</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nba.com/video/games/nets/2014/03/19/0021301010-cha-bkn-play4.nba" target="_blank">Plumlee's Reverse Jam (Video)</a> - NBA.com</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nba.com/video/games/nets/2014/03/19/0021301010-cha-bkn-play3.nba" target="_blank">And-One Turnaround (Video) </a>- NBA.com</li>
<li> <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.soundcloud.com%2Fbrooklynnets%2Fplay-of-the-game-nets-vs&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.netsdaily.com%2F2014%2F3%2F19%2F5526664%2Fnets-bobcats-recap" target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">Play of the Game: Nets vs. Bobcats (Audio) </a>- Brooklyn Nets Podcast</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/20/sports/basketball/with-williams-in-form-nets-hold-off-bobcats.html?ref=sports" target="_blank">With Williams in Form, Nets Hold Off Bobcats</a> - Andrew Keh - New York Times</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://nypost.com/2014/03/19/deron-williams-propels-nets-past-pesky-bobcats/">Deron Williams propels Nets past pesky Bobcats </a>- Tim Bontemps - New York Post</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/nets/jason-kidd-says-good-health-and-time-together-helping-nets-1.7445904?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter">Jason Kidd says good health and time together helping Nets </a>- John Jeansonne - Newsday</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/nets/nets-edge-bobcats-fourth-quarter-roll-10th-straight-home-win-article-1.1727477">Nets edge Bobcats in tense fourth quarter, roll to 10th straight home win </a>- Mitch Abramson - NY Daily News</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.northjersey.com/sports/deron-williams-leads-nets-past-bobcats-104-99-1.745782">Deron Williams leads Nets past Bobcats, 104-99 </a>- Andy Vasquez - The Record</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/nets/blog/williams-stars-both-ends-nets-beat-bobcats">Williams Stars on Both Ends as Nets Beat Bobcats </a>- Lenn Robbins - The Official Site of the Brooklyn Nets</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/brooklyn-nets/post/_/id/17029/williams-took-control-of-game-vs-bobcats">Deron Williams 'took control of game' for Booklyn Nets vs. Bobcats </a>- Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York</li>
<li> <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/brooklyn-nets/post/_/id/17022/rapid-reaction-nets-104-bobcats-98" target="_blank">Rapid Reaction: Nets 104, Bobcats 98 </a>- Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York</li>
<li>
<a target="_blank" href="http://thebrooklyngame.com/brooklyn-nets-104-charlotte-bobcats-99-deron-williams-isolation/">Nets 104, Bobcats 99: When is an isolation a good play? </a>- Devin Kharpertian - The Brooklyn Game</li>
<li> <a href="http://thebrooklyngame.com/surviving-scratches-nets-104-bobcats-99-game-grades/" target="_blank">Surviving Scratches: Nets 104, Bobcats 99 (GAME GRADES) </a>- The Brooklyn Game</li>
<li> <a href="http://snynets.com/nets/final-score-nets-104-bobcats-99/" target="_blank">Final Score: Nets 104 Bobcats 99 </a>- Brian Erni - SNY Nets</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.metro.us/newyork/sports/nba/2014/03/19/nets-beat-bobcats-behind-another-big-game-deron-williams/" target="_blank">Nets beat Bobcats behind another big game from Deron Williams</a> - Larry Fleisher - Metro NY</li>
<li>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/03/19/4778655/charlotte-bobcats-drop-1st-game.html">Turnovers, fouls doom Charlotte Bobcats in 104-99 loss to Brooklyn Nets </a>- Rick Bonnell Charlotte Observer</li>
<li>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.rufusonfire.com/2014/3/20/5528096/bobcats-drop-close-game-to-nets-104-99">Bobcats drop close game to Nets, lose 104-99 </a>- Rufus on Fire</li>
</ul>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/3/19/5526664/nets-bobcats-recapAnthony Puccio2014-03-19T20:34:45-04:002014-03-19T20:34:45-04:002nd Half Game Thread: Bobcats at Nets
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<p>The <a href="https://www.netsdaily.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Nets</a> lead the Bobcats at the half 54-46</p>
<p><span>Shaun Livingston</span> & <span>Deron Williams</span> lead all scorers with 11 points each.</p>
<p>For more on the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/charlotte-bobcats" class="sbn-auto-link">Charlotte Bobcats</a>, check them out at <a href="http://www.rufusonfire.com/">Rufus on Fire</a></p>
<ul>
<li>
<a href="http://www.nba.com/games/20140319/CHABKN/gameinfo.html?ls=slt">Bobcats at Nets Boxscore </a>- NBA.com</li>
<li>
<a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/3/19/5527370/game-thread-brooklyn-nets-vs-charlotte-bobcats-7-30-pm">Game Thread: Brooklyn Nets vs. Charlotte Bobcats, 7:30 PM </a>- NetsDaily</li>
</ul>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/3/19/5526642/2nd-half-game-thread-bobcats-at-netsAnthony Puccio2014-03-19T19:00:02-04:002014-03-19T19:00:02-04:00Game Thread: Nets vs. Bobcats, 7:30 PM
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<p><strong>TV:</strong> YES<br><strong>Radio:</strong> WFAN</p>
<p>Catch up on the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/charlotte-bobcats" class="sbn-auto-link">Bobcats</a> at <a href="http://www.rufusonfire.com/">Rufus on Fire</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Reminder:</strong> Please familiarize yourself with the <a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/community-guidelines"><strong>NetsDaily Community Guidelines</strong></a>.</p>
<table class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" align="center" border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="5"><tbody> <tr><th colspan="3" align="center" bgcolor="silver">Game 66</th></tr> <tr> <td width="240"><center> <a target="_blank" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/497983/cha_current.gif"><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/497983/cha_current_medium.gif" class="photo" alt="Cha_current_medium"></a> <br id="1395266100448"> </center></td> <th align="center" width="20">@</th> <td width="240"><center><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1534589/bkn_2nd.gif"></center></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="240"><center>33-35<br>14-20 on the road</center></td> <th align="center" width="20"></th> <td width="240"><center>34-31<br>21-11 at home</center></td> </tr> <tr><td colspan="3" align="center" bgcolor="silver"><strong>March 19, 2014</strong></td></tr> <tr><td colspan="3" align="center"><strong>Barclays Center</strong></td></tr> <tr><td colspan="3" align="center"><strong>7:30 p.m. ET</strong></td></tr> <tr><td colspan="3" align="center"><strong>TV: YES Radio: WFAN</strong></td></tr> <tr><th colspan="3" align="center" bgcolor="silver"><strong>Probable Starters</strong></th></tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><p><span>Kemba Walker</span></p></td> <th align="center" width="20">PG</th> <td width="240"><span>Deron Williams</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><span>Gerald Henderson</span></td> <th align="center" width="20">SG</th> <td width="240"><span>Shaun Livingston</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><span>Michael Kidd-Gilchrist</span></td> <th align="center" width="20">SF</th> <td width="240"><span>Joe Johnson</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><span>Josh McRoberts</span></td> <th align="center" width="20">PF</th> <td width="240"><span>Paul Pierce</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"><span>Al Jefferson</span></td> <th align="center" width="20">C</th> <td width="240"><span>Mason Plumlee</span></td> </tr> <tr><th colspan="3" align="center" bgcolor="silver"><strong>Previous Meeting</strong></th></tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240">Nov. 20, 2013</td> <td colspan="2"> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2013/11/20/5127936/nets-bobcats">Bobcats 95, Nets 91</a><a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2013/12/31/5262046/nets-spurs-final-score-recap-2013" target="_blank"></a> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240">Feb. 12, 2014</td> <td colspan="2"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/2/12/5406344/nets-bobcats-final-score-recap-2014">Nets 105, Bobcats 89</a></td> </tr> <tr><th colspan="3" align="center" bgcolor="silver"><strong><a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/teamstats/">2013-14 Advanced Stats</a></strong></th></tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240">92.9 (21)<br> </td> <th align="center" width="20">Pace</th> <td width="240">91.7 (26)</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240">102.4 (25)<br> </td> <th align="center" width="20">ORtg</th> <td width="240">105.6 (19)</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240">103.9 (6)<br> </td> <th align="center" width="20">DRtg</th> <td width="240">106.9 (15)</td> </tr> </tbody></table>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/3/19/5527370/game-thread-brooklyn-nets-vs-charlotte-bobcats-7-30-pmTom Lorenzo2014-03-19T09:25:38-04:002014-03-19T09:25:38-04:00Pierce: Nets not concerned about playoff seeding
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<figcaption>Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sport</figcaption>
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.netsdaily.com/">Brooklyn Nets</a> are currently 5th in the Eastern Conference playoff race, just two games behind the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blogabull.com/">Bulls</a> at 4th and 2.5 games behind the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.raptorshq.com/">Raptors</a> for 3rd and the Atlantic Division lead. But, as far as <span>Paul Pierce</span> is concerned, the Nets are not thinking all that much about playoff positioning, <a href="http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/nets/paul-pierce-says-it-doesn-t-matter-where-nets-play-in-playoffs-1.7433411?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter" target="_blank">according to Rod Boone of <i>Newsday</i></a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"We haven't really said where we want to be," Pierce said Tuesday. "We want to obviously win the division, but we know that even if we do start on the road, we are more than a capable team that can get the job done on the road. We've had some great wins in some of the toughest buildings in the league, when you talk about going into Oklahoma City, when you talk about going into Miami.</p>
<p>"So, I know what we are capable of even if we have to go on the road for the playoffs."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The Nets are currently riding a 9-game win streak at home and are 21-11 at Barclays Center on the season. As for their road record, well, they are 13-20 away from home.</p>
<p>Pierce and Boone spoke about the importance of having <span>Kevin Garnett</span> back for the stretch run, as Pierce referred to him as the team's "defensive anchor."</p>
<p>Of course, with Garnett out, <span>Mason Plumlee</span> has stepped in and played beyond expectations, which allows the Nets another weapon if and when Garnett returns from back spasms.</p>
<p>Brooklyn takes on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/charlotte-bobcats">Charlotte Bobcats</a> on Wednesday night, a team that is 2.5 games behind the Nets in the playoff race.</p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/nets/paul-pierce-says-it-doesn-t-matter-where-nets-play-in-playoffs-1.7433411?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter">Paul Pierce says it doesn't matter where Nets play in playoffs </a>- Rod Boone - Newsday</span></li>
</ul>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/3/19/5525456/paul-pierce-nets-eastern-conference-playoff-seedingTom Lorenzo2014-03-19T09:00:15-04:002014-03-19T09:00:15-04:00The Nets & Bobcats battle for playoff positioning
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<figcaption>Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>After a rough loss in Washington on Saturday, the <a href="https://www.netsdaily.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Nets</a> were looking to bounce back. They were able to do so and <a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/3/17/5518686/nets-suns-recap-final-score-2014">beat </a>ninth seeded (in the Western Conference) Phoenix at home on Monday. The Nets are 34-31 and in fifth place in the Eastern Conference. They've gotten a great amount of help over the past couple of days, <a href="http://www.blogabull.com/2014/3/17/5520704/bulls-vs-thunder-final-score">with </a>Chicago, <a href="http://www.raptorshq.com/2014/3/18/5524416/raptors-rapid-recap-code-red-hawks-beat-raptors-118-113">Toronto </a>AND Washington all <a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2014/3/19/5524770/wizards-vs-kings-score-final-john-wall-collapse">losing </a>their last games.</p>
<p>Making their second and final trip to Brooklyn this season will be the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/charlotte-bobcats" class="sbn-auto-link">Charlotte Bobcats</a>. The Bobcats are having their best season in years and are in position to make the playoffs. They're in the seventh position in the Eastern Conference with a one game lead over Atlanta and 5.5 game lead over resurgent New York.</p>
<p>The season series between these teams is tied at one with their fourth and final meeting taking place on March 26 in Charlotte. Ben Swanson over at Rufus on Fire took <a href="http://www.rufusonfire.com/2014/3/17/5516950/next-two-weeks-change-eastern-conference-standings-bobcats-wizards-nets">note </a>of the playoff teams' upcoming schedule and wrote:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The Nets and <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Wizards</a> each have eight games in the same time the Bobcats have seven, so the extra rest could be advantageous. Brooklyn's schedule looks to be a bit easier with games against Boston, New Orleans, Cleveland and Minnesota. But the Wizards have a tough stretch of games in the next couple weeks with a four-game West coast trip and home games against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d3d6a; font-weight: bold;">Suns</a> and <a href="https://www.indycornrows.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pacers</a>.</p>
<p>With the Bobcats trying to play leapfrog, they can't really afford to struggle as they did today against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brewhoop.com/" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d3d6a; font-weight: bold;">Bucks</a> if they want to catch someone sleeping and hunt down a better seed for the playoffs. As shocking as it might be, they probably won't win out the rest of the season. And neither will the other teams. But Charlotte will need consistent effort to finish the season strong with the best chance to catch up.</p>
</blockquote>
<h3>The season so far</h3>
<p>What's up with these playoff contenders? The numbers will help paint the picture:</p>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Metric</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Brooklyn</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Charlotte</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Record</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">34-31</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">33-35</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Pace</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">94</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">95.15</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Offensive Efficiency</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">103.4</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">100.1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Defensive Efficiency</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">103.9</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">101.3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Offensive Rebounding percentage</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">21.7</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">21.1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Turnover rate</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">15.4</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">13.1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Assist rate</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">16.7</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">16.8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Rebound rate</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">47.1</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">48.9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Free throw rate</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">31.4</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">30.1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Effective Field Goal percentage</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">50.7</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">47.8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="213">
<p>Opponent Effective Field Goal percentage</p>
</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">50.5</td>
<td valign="top" width="213">49.2</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<p>We won't be seeing <span>Kevin Garnett</span> until next week at the earliest. Garnett has been ruled out of action the rest of this week and will be <a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/3/17/5519820/kevin-garnett-injury-update-back-spasms">reevaluated </a>on Saturday. Along with Garnett, <span>Andrei Kirilenko</span> is dealing with another injury. He bruised his left toe and <a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/3/18/5522452/injury-update-andrei-kirilenko-has-a-bruised-left-big-toe">sat out</a> practice on Tuesday. His status for this game is unknown. There are no major injuries on Charlotte.</p>
<p><span>Deron Williams</span> bounced back from a poor game against the Wizards and played excellently against Phoenix. He made 11 of his 13 attempts (including three from downtown) and thoroughly outplayed Phoenix's backcourt duo of <span>Goran Dragic</span> and Eric Bledsoe. Williams left the first Charlotte game early due to injury and struggled in Game Two, but he figures to be much better this time around.</p>
<p>The Joe Johnson - <span>Michael Kidd-Gilchrist</span> matchup figures to be intriguing. Kidd-Gilchrist hasn't made a big improvement offensively, but he's been very helpful on defense. The former number two pick uses his length and quickness to disrupt opponents and has helped the Cats to a Top Ten ranking in defensive efficiency (they're four points better per 100 possessions with him on the court). As for Johnson, he will look to use his size advantage in the post against MKG. Johnson has been playing well over his last five games (Miami being the only clunker) as he's been averaging 15 points a night on 50 percent shooting from the field across that time period.</p>
<p>Both teams feature rookie big men that have been progressing nicely as the season has gone on. With Garnett out, <span>Mason Plumlee</span> has stepped into the starting lineup and has been playing well despite his foul troubles. When Brook Lopez returns next season, there'll be <a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/3/18/5520790/mason-plumlee-jason-kidds-system-brook-lopez-trade">discussion </a>(for what it's worth, I think it's foolish discussion but whatever) as to whether or not they should move him, but the Nets will have a nice group of big guys in Lopez, Garnett, Plumlee and Andray Blatche. On the other side, <span>Cody Zeller</span> doesn't get that many minutes but has been making positive strides. He's shooting 47 percent in 17 minutes a night in the second half after only 38 percent in the first half. As is the case with every player, <i>how </i>you <a href="http://www.rufusonfire.com/2014/3/11/5481968/charlotte-bobcats-cody-zeller-improving">utilize </a>them is critical and it sounds as if the Cats have been doing a good job in that regard.</p>
<p>One constant theme for the Nets that's been discussed over the past couple of months has been their lack of size. With Lopez and Garnett out of action, they've had trouble on the glass and against the top big men in the league. With that in mind, <span>Al Jefferson</span> figures to cause Brooklyn a lot of trouble. The big fella is averaging 21.3 points and 10.4 rebounds a night in 34.3 minutes a night. Jefferson was <a href="http://www.rufusonfire.com/2014/3/18/5522138/power-ranking-round-up-and-rufus-links-al-jefferson-named-easts">named </a>Player of the Week for his stretch of play from March 10 to March 17. He's made his living this season close to the basket and has converted on 61 percent of his 574 attempts inside of eight feet. I thought he got to the free throw line more often, but five FTAs a night isn't bad. He missed the November matchup and was outplayed by the Nets' crew of big men in February, so look for him to be aggressive early.</p>
<h3>Player to watch: <span>Kemba Walker</span>
</h3>
<p>Walker has been having another decent season for Charlotte. In 35.7 minutes a game, the third year player is averaging 17.8 points and 5.8 assists with only 2.4 turnovers. One positive trend that has continued for Walker has been his three point shooting. He isn't great at it, but he's shooting a respectable 34.5 percent from three point range this season. Coming into the season, Walker had developed a reputation for being one of the league's <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/10/15/4780364/kemba-walker-video-breakdown-charlotte-bobcats-2013">better</a> pull up jump shooters. However, he's only shooting 36.9 percent on his pull up jumpers this year, which places him in the middle of the league rankings. To be fair to Walker, he has dealt with injuries this season so that could be the cause for some of his struggles.</p>
<p><span>Shaun Livingston</span> figures to have the assignment of slowing down Walker. Like MKG for Charlotte, Livingston uses his length and quickness to disrupt opponents. There's been <a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2014/3/18/5521822/shaun-livingston-sets-career-highs-against-suns">discussion </a>that Livingston's career high in minutes and games played (he'll pass that by next week) might slow him down, but that doesn't figure to affect Livingston in this contest. Walker likes to drive to the basket (six times a game) and is reasonably successful at it (four points a night along with four free throws a game), so look for Livingston and the Nets will look to play off him and keep him on the perimeter. Walker is a decent jump shooter, but isn't an automatic from that area.</p>
<h3>From the Vault</h3>
<p>We're about a month removed from the All Star Game, but it never hurts to watch Glen Rice put on a show.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/qx0k6d3irXU" height="315" width="420"></iframe> <br id="1395203352290"></p>
<p>More reading: <a href="http://www.rufusonfire.com/">Rufus on Fire</a></p>
<ul>
<li><span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/gamenotes/nets.pdf">Brooklyn Nets Game Notes </a>- NBA.com</span></li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/gamenotes/bobcats.pdf">Charlotte Bobcats Game Notes</a> - NBA.com</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://sports.yahoo.com/news/bobcats-nets-preview-184548456--nba.html">Bobcats-Nets Preview </a>- Taylor Bechtold - Yahoo Sports</li>
<li> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/nets/paul-pierce-says-it-doesn-t-matter-where-nets-play-in-playoffs-1.7433411?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter">Paul Pierce says it doesn't matter where Nets play in playoffs </a>- Rod Boone - Newsday</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.northjersey.com/sports/basketball/nets-find-ways-to-remain-afloat-1.745479?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=t.co" target="_blank">Nets find ways to stay afloat - Basketball </a>- Andy Vasquez - NorthJersey.com</li>
<li> <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/brooklyn-nets/post/_/id/17011/starting-five-can-nets-win-atlantic-crown" target="_blank">Starting Five: Can Nets win Atlantic crown?</a> - Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York</li>
<li>
<a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/brooklyn-nets/post/_/id/17013/w2w4-nets-vs-bobcats-3">W2W4: Nets vs. Bobcats </a>- Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York</li>
<li> <a href="http://www.rufusonfire.com/2014/3/19/5521782/charlotte-bobcats-at-brooklyn-nets-game-preview" target="_blank">Charlotte Bobcats at Brooklyn Nets game preview </a>- Rufus on Fire</li>
</ul>
https://www.netsdaily.com/2014/3/19/5520840/nets-bobcats-game-preview-playoffsBrian Fleurantin