New Jersey Nets: Game 1 Breakdown

New Jersey Nets 90, Washington Wizards 84

While the Washington Wizards are nowhere near a top team in the NBA, it is always good to start off the season with a win.

The goal for the Nets this season will be to keep Deron Williams in a Net jersey as they move into Brooklyn. In order to do that, they must make a splash on a star player, or make the playoffs and contend. 

Making the playoffs requires the Nets to win games, plain and simple. They must also beat teams like the Wizards and not throw away games against poor teams.

They did not throw last night's game away, as they won their season opener for the second straight season.

Deron Williams

The most important player on the soon-to-be Brooklyn Nets is obviously Deron Williams. He is considered the best point guard in the league by many.

In the season opener against the Wizards, he did not disappoint. At one point, the Nets were down by 20 points and the start of the season looked like it was going to be rough. Then Williams re-entered the game, and the Nets went on a run that got them back in the game and ultimately allowed them to win.

Williams is a physical guard and last night showed that, as he was physical with setting picks and moving around the court. At one point, it looked like Williams got into a scuffle with one-time potential Net John Wall.

Deron's leadership will help the Nets be successful this season.

Game 1 Stats:

Points: 23 points

Assists: 9 assists

Rebounds: 8 rebounds

Backcourt Scoring

The Nets got off to a slow start last night and struggled shooting the ball out of the gate. Nets shooting guard Anthony Morrow, who is one of the best pure shooters in the league, struggled. He did, however, end with 16 points and hit a shot late in the game that put it out of reach.

The scoring turned around and was rejuvenated by Williams and Sundiata Gaines. Gaines added a spark off the bench, with seven points and four assists. 

Rookie MarShon Brooks is a scorer and contributed six points in just eight minutes. There were times at which he did look like a rookie, as he took some shots when he could have passed the ball to an open teammate instead. 

Damion James' hustle and 14 rebounds helped the Nets. His first season was shortened by injuries. He has potential and if he can stay healthy this season, he can prove to everyone what he is capable of. 

The Big Men

The loss of Brook Lopez is obviously devastating to the Nets for many reasons. He is one of the best centers in the league and is still so young. 

Once Lopez went down, the Nets acquired Mehmet Okur from the Jazz. The impact he will have on the Nets is unknown.

Okur was quiet last night stats-wise. However, when on the court, he was able to do the dirty work for the Nets. He set picks all over and played good defense. It is obvious his offensive role is undetermined, but he could become a productive player on this team.

Kris Humphries picked up where he left off last season, proving that the reality TV thing did not hurt him. He had 21 points and 16 rebounds. If he continues to play like he did in this game, he will be recognized as a top power forward and not just Kim Kardashian's ex-husband.

The biggest surprise of the night was Johan Petro. When the Nets started getting back in the game, Williams continued to feed Johan Petro the ball for mid-range jump shots. And Petro continued to nail them.

Petro seemed to be a huge liability last season every time he was on the court and was ineffective. He could have a big role with the Nets this season if he continues to play like he did in this game.

Defense

The Nets' defense was good last night, as they held the Wizards to just 84 points. While the Wizards are not an offensive juggernaut, holding any NBA team to just 84 points is impressive.

Nets' Next 3 Games

The Nets take on the Atlanta Hawks at home. The Hawks are a solid team, but the Nets were able to handle them last season. 

Then they go on the road to face the Magic in Orlando. This game will be interesting because of the whole Dwight Howard saga.

Then the Nets face the Hawks again on the road.

It would be nice if the Nets could win two out of the three games; however, that will be difficult, as the Hawks and Magic are both good teams. Realistically, if the Nets walk away with one win in these three games, they will be .500 on the season—which is not bad. It is possible that the Nets will split the two games with the Hawks.

The game with Orlando will be interesting because Dwight Howard has seemed distracted and unmotivated in the preseason and season opener.