Magic 95, Nets 85: Welcome To New Jersey

The New Jersey Nets lost their home opener yesterday to the Orlando Magic 95-85.  Former Net Vince Carter returned to the Garden State and received a standing ovation from the home crowd during introductions before he put up 16 points in the first two quarters.  It was late in the 2nd quarter that Carter sprained his ankle after stepping on Devin Harris’ foot.

With Carter sidelined, New Jersey kept the game within striking distance.  But in the end, the Nets just don’t have enough horses to run with the likes of the Magic yet.

Player of the Game: Courtney Lee

The main piece (other than salary cap space) coming back from the Magic in the VC trade, Lee showed his former team what he can do offensively.  He scored 18 points on 6-17 shooting, including 2-3 from long range.  When the Nets ultimately fire on all cylinders this season, Lee will be almost impossible to stop.  He dropped his 18 points with Brook Lopez struggling with foul trouble most of the game and Harris out of rhythm until late in the game.

If he keeps turning in efforts like the one last night, we might stop mentioning the salary cap every time the trade with the Magic comes up.

Honorable Mention: Yi Jianlian

If the Nets are going to perform better than most experts have predicted, Yi will have to play a prominent role.  Against Orlando, the third year forward was very aggressive taking the ball to the basket, something he showed very little of in his first season in New Jersey.  He was 5-8 from the field for 12 points with 5 rebounds and 2 blocks.  That’s the kind of line Yi is going to have to bring for the Nets to compete for a playoff spot in the East.

Goat of the Game: Chris Douglas-Roberts

You won’t find someone that has been a bigger supporter of CDR, but he has to be better to keep his spot in the starting lineup.  Lawrence Frank gave him 35 minutes on the floor late night — only Lee’s 40 were more — and all Douglas-Roberts could muster was 6 points on 3-7 shooting to go along with 6 rebounds.

With Terrance Williams turning in two solid games, he could quickly find himself taking CDR’s starting spot.

Tags: Chris Douglas-Roberts, Courtney Lee, Game Recap, Orlando Magic, Yi Jianlian