The Nets called two plays tonight.  High pick and roll with a center.  Post up for wing guy.  Oh wait, there were three plays – they ran a wonderful misdirection play in the fourth to get a wide open shot for Joe Johnson from three.  Other than that, it was pretty much the other two options.  It wasn’t that effective for the Nets, though.  Joe had a short stretch where he was effective, usually against Babbitt or Dante Cunningham.  Thad Young had a slightly longer stretch where he was effective, usually against Babbitt and Pondexter.  Otherwise, it was a lot of empty possessions.

On the other side, the Pelicans played good team basketball and had two stretches, including one really ugly 10-possession disaster, where they just couldn’t get out of their own way and were making unforced mistake after mistake.

The game was a blow-out if not for those lengthy brain farts.

Observations

• Pondexter had his career high with 25 points.  This team just continues to have guys come through and help carry them.  He was an effective defender on Joe Johnson, ran the floor, and knocked down his open looks.  Only two forays to the hoop that were probably not the best for Pondexter tonight.
• The Corpse of Deron Williams had two really nice crossovers early in the game that generated wide open shots Williams couldn’t finish.  That’s really the best I could say for him.  $23 million a year.
• Tyreke was clearly pacing himself like he was against the Raptors.  Reportedly he’s not been feeling well and he settled for a lot of bad shots tonight after not being able to drive.  He did still find a bunch of guys for open looks, so can’t kill him too hard.
• In 48 minutes, Asik and Ajinca produced 22 points on 12 shots, 17 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 3 blocks, 7 turnovers and 9 fouls.  A mix of good and bad, but definitely more good than bad.
•  Ajinca continues to get more acclimated to NBA speed, but he’s still a horrible foul magnet.  You can’t expect to get more than 20 minutes out of him in a game.  If Ajinca and Asik could both be brought back next year for a combined 10-12M, I’d be good with it.  And we could refer to them as Omexis.  Omex for short.
• Babbitt’s shooting numbers are getting sick. 51% from three for the season.  Guy is a wreck defensively, but he competes and since he’s back to shooting freely again, he’s become more valuable on that end of the court.  In some respects, I think having no Anderson, Davis or Holiday helps him.  In the back of his mind, he’s thinking “I need to shoot to help this team win.” not “there are dudes out here who are supposed to get these shots, are they open? Should I pass? Oh crap, I’m guarded now.”
• 26 assists on 38 made baskets for the Pelicans.  Sharin’ it!
• Of course, 20 turnovers.  This is the true effect of not having Davis, Holiday and Anderson.  Holiday make fewer mistakes, and Davis and Anderson are finishers who almost never turn the ball over.
• Omer Asik gets three Screen Awards for excellent picks that freed shooters.  At one point he set such a good screen, Gordon sauntered over to the top of the arc, caught a pass, set his feet, scratched his nose, read War & Peace, and then drilled the shot before Markel Brown could get out to him.  And Brown was trying hard too.

Next game is Friday against the Heat again!  Lets see if the crazy train will roll on!

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