New Jersey Nets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Gerald Wallace Shines in Losing Effort

With Dwight Howard out of the mix for the New Jersey Nets, the team went along with all of their other plans, and one of those plans involved trading for Gerald Wallace. After only two games as a Net, Wallace looks motivated to play for his new team.

In a losing effort, Wallace put up 27 points and pulled down 12 boards against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Along with Deron Williams' 28-point effort, the Nets were put in position to win the game, but it was a mistake by Williams late that proved costly.

Wallace shot well from the floor (8-of-14) and knocked down 10 of 11 free throws. He logged an exhausting 40 minutes.

It might only be one game, but Wallace looked as good as he has all season long, and this was easily his best game of the year. Good timing for the veteran small forward and his new team.

A change of scenery could do wonders for the 29-year-old.

With Wallace in the lineup, the Nets will have another threat to go along with D-Will in their starting five. It also gives New Jersey greater depth, with the ability to bring Gerald Green off the bench.

As we all know, if New Jersey can surround Williams with winning pieces, there's a better chance he'll stay. It's going to be important for this team to gel and put together some wins to improve their outlook for next season.

That's a lot of pressure to put on Wallace, but he's certainly off to a good start.