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The Nets, like a handful of Eastern Conference teams, have little-to-no chance of grabbing a playoff berth; but unlike most teams in that predicament, they had yet another off-the-court issue as forward Sean Williams was arrested Monday and arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct and felony criminal mischief.  But despite that, New Jersey had a game to play Monday evening against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center.

The loss of Devin Harris (shoulder issues) and Williams obviously affected the Nets’ game as they were overwhelmed in just about meaningful stat (51-31 in rebounds and 27-22 in assists).  the end result, as you’ve probably figured out was Denver routing New Jersey 121-96 in a laugher.

Denver went on a 17-2 run early in the first quarter to lead by 14; however, New Jersey made a run of their own as Keyon Dolling drained a 3-pointer, capping a 12-2 Nets spurt to cut their deficit to 30-26.  But the Nuggets would rebound nicely to up their advantage to nine. 

Leading at halftime, the Nuggets increased their cushion to 14 in the third quarter despite the Nets’ Vince Carter’s best efforts as he scored 17 points in the period and helped New Jersey stay to within 83-72 going into the fourth quarter.  But Denver poured it on in the final period as they had a 38-point quarter as they coasted in the final 12 minutes.

Denver had 6 players in double-digits, led by Nene Hilario and J.R. Smith with 19 points each – with Hilario grabbing 8 rebounds with a steal and a block while Smith making six 3-pointers, grabbing 4 rebounds and dishing out 4 assists; Dahntay Jones and Carmelo Anthony added 15 each – with Jones grabbing 2 rebounds, dishing out 2 assists with a steal while Anthony grabbed 4 rebounds, dished out 3 assists along with a steal and a block.  Chauncey Billups secured a double-double as he scored 14 with 10 assists.

New Jersey had only two players in double-digits, led by Carter with 32 points (including five 3-pointers), 4 rebounds, 3 assists and a block while Dooling added 17 with 3 rebounds, 6 assists with a steal.  Denver (43-25) plays again on Wednesday when they travel to Tennessee to take on the Memphis Grizzlies while New Jersey (28-39) returns to resume their cross-town rivalry with the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden – also on Wednesday night.