Jefferson Carries Nets Over Undermanned Cavaliers 100-79

Richard Jefferson had 36 points, as the New Jersey Nets took advantage of an undermanned Cleveland Cavaliers team and just beat them into submission 100-79. Please do not take my use of the phrase “took advantage” in a negative way, New Jersey did what they should do in pro sports. There is no room for sympathy, as Leo Durocher said long ago “Nice Guys Finish Last.” And it’s still true today. Cleveland was without their leader LeBron James for the third straight game, and the Cavaliers have missed all three games. James damaged his left index finger last Wednesday night, in a loss to the Detroit Pistons. Cleveland said that it was only a sprain, but he was at the Q Arena on the bench Tuesday, and the finger was still in a splint, and heavily bandaged. It does not appear that he will be back sooner rather than later.

Cavaliers took the first?quarter 22-19, but were down by 4 points at the half 57-53. New Jersey look like they were re-energized when they emerged?back on to the floor outscoring Cleveland 53-36 in the second half. New Jersey shot 51.5% from the floor, and 53.3% from outside the arc. Cleveland meanwhile had trouble putting in shots as they shot a less than stellar?34.6% from the field, although they did shoot slightly better from three point range 38.1%.

Jefferson had a game high 36 points as he was once again the New Jersey go to guy. He went 11-18 from the floor and 15-16 from the line. Vinsanity looks like he is feeling better every game as Carter scored 19 points, a game high 7 assists, 3 rebounds and 1 steal. And veterans Malik Allen, and Eddie Gill scored 10 points each while J-Kidd score 7 points, a team high 10 rebounds, and 6 assists.

Cleveland coach Mike Brown is right now without many key players, LBJ, fellow starter Larry Hughes, Donyell Marshall, and Cedric Simmons are all inactive and injured. So the Cavaliers?bench boss is trying to become creative in putting together a starting five. In their last game he?had Devin Brown in the lineup, Monday night it was Shannon Brown, who was actually a lot more successful. Brown led the team with 20 points, shooting 8-16 from the floor, and 4-7 treys. Brown also had 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and a steal. Daniel Gibson scored 17 points, 6 rebounds 4 assists, and Drew Gooden scored 14 points, but had an usually low 5 rebounds, although he had 3 steals, and 3 blocked shots. Cleveland having now lost four games in a row is back to below .500 at?9-10 while New Jersey is now 9-9.??