Joe reacting to another "non-call" just before the lights went out.

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Rest Stop
Champagne spent the day with family Netsfan. In between the general chaos that pervades Netsfan Central, he mentioned something about it "being the longest wait in between games of his life." Ah, the life of a single, successful Chicagoan.
- Joe

November 25, 2001 - Warriors 101, Nets 85
Out Go The Lights
Champagne and Joe, camped in front of the television viewing the second Nets game in a 24 hour period, were watching the Nets have their lights turned out in the third quarter by the Warriors when the power went out at Joe's house. All we could think to say was, "Someone did us a favor". Yes, the Nets, road weary and lacking any sort of response when the Warriors got physical, threw the knockout punch and were nearly run out of the building in the third quarter and went down meekly. This game was physical all right, but the refs, who apparently wanted to get home just as badly as the Nets did, just let 'em play. Only foul shots were taken by both teams all game as the Nets were out rebounded and outshot by the suddenly fearsome Golden State front line, led by Antawn Jamison, Danny Fortson and Erick Dampier. Warriors also had 6 players in double figures in the rout.

The Nets actually led this game by five at the half, but it all came apart quicker than Britney's bustier as the Nets got pushed around and rejected inside. At the same time their outside shooting became colder than a Chicago winter, and the avalanche of Golden State big men crushed the Nets hopes for a road trip ending win. The Nets finish the trip at 2 -3, and at 9 - 5 overall are still in first place in the Atlantic Division. Last year's first West Coast swing ended at 1 - 4, but clearly this year's team returns in much better shape than last years. The Nets now have their second two game losing streak of the season, with Chicago headed into the Continental Arena on Tuesday in what hopes to be a miracle cure

Random Thoughts
Telephone, Telegraph, Van Horn - Just about every shot Van Horn attempted was blocked or defensed by the Warriors - can't he simply avoid the defender and put up the shot without telegraphing what's coming? For such an offensive player, he sure needs to be schooled in the intricacies of shooting around defenders. Had another bad game all around, with plenty of Sideshow, Jet Puff and Van Stumble action. So much for putting it together and becoming more consistent.

Welcome Home Jason - Hometown boy returns as a Net, with a good track record in Oakland. But, what a difference a half makes: first half, 15 points, some great defense, and a five point lead, not to mention a "shushing" of the Warrior bench after a particularly fine play. Second half, one point, spotty defense and a blowout.

Free Chalupas For All - While fumbling in the dark waiting for the power to come back on, Joe stole Vanilla Thunder's portable battery-operated radio so he could catch the rest of the carnage. Easier said than done. First, Joe couldn't find the damned thing in the dark. Then, the batteries were dead, forcing Joe to dig through the house for new "C" batteries. When the radio was finally tuned and in working order, Joe suffers the final insult of the night - free chalupas for all, for the Warriors breaking the 100 point barrier. Shades of last season.

Are You Receiving Me? - Not that there were a lot of calls in the game, but the Nets didn't get ONE call to go their way the entire evening. You dapon't expect calls when you're on the road, but a few calls over the last two games would have been nice¼

"Are You Kidd'n?" Play of the Game - Kidd, from well behind the three point arc, hits a l-o-o-o-n-g three with 30 seconds left in the first half to give the Nets a five point edge.

What Joe Liked
1) Gimmie More Martin- In a game where no one played particularly well, Martin was a standout despite 5 turnovers.
2) Reggie Slater Lives - Gets his first significant minutes of the season, after the Nets were pushed around in the third. Didn't do anything spectacular (and remember, I missed a chunk of the fourth) but I'd like to see more of him, when his veteran presence can at least ease my "all rookies, all the time" second team anxieties.

What Joe Didn't Like
1) More Bricks than a Public Office Building - Another horrific shooting night (40%) - all those tired arms and legs add up to serious bricking¼
2) H&R Block - Warriors blocked 10 Nets shots, not to mention rerouted most anything that came inside in the second half.
3) West Coast Road Trips - This one always falls around Thanksgiving, making Joe's scheduling a nightmare as he attempts to cover these games. No one is happier for the Nets to come back home than Joe.

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