Slam Dunk Central

Even though it is premature to say who got the better end of the trade between the Dallas Mavericks and New Jersey Nets, at least for one night, the Nets looked like the thieves in the transaction.  Devin Harris and three other Nets scored at least 20 points each in leading New Jersey to the 124-117 win over the Indiana Pacers Wednesday night at IZOD Center.

New Jersey shot 54.4% from the floor; however, with Indiana trailing late in the first half 68-52, the Pacers got back into the game with a 14-point run that bridged the end of the second and the beginning of the third quarter.  The Nets wasted a 16-point advantage and needed a 21-11 run to end the third quarter; they would not relinquish the lead from that point forward. 

New Jersey had 4 players scoring at least 20 points, led by Josh Boone with 26 points, 6 rebounds, an assist and 2 blocks while Vince Carter and Devin Harris scored 22 each - with Carter grabbing 14 rebounds, dishing out 4 assists along with a steal while Harris drained 3 treys, grabbed 3 rebounds, dished out a career-high 15 assists along with 2 steals.  Richard Jefferson added 20 with  3 rebounds and 7 assists while Bostjan Nachbar chipped in with 18 along with four 3-pointers, 6 rebounds and a block.

Indiana (29-43) was led by Mike Dunleavy with 33 points, including 5 treys, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, a steal and a block while Danny Granger scored 19 with 5 rebounds, 2 assists, a steal and 2 blocks; from off the bench, Ike Diogu added 16 with 7 rebounds and 2 assists in a losing cause.  New Jersey (31-41) travels to Indianapolis for the rematch against the Pacers on Friday.

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