Trouble sign
Scott turns attention to refs and away from other problems
Posted: Wednesday June 11, 2003 11:11 AM
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Now we know the Nets are in trouble.
Lobbying for help from the refs, as coach Byron Scott attempted to do Tuesday, is a sure sign of a team in distress. It happens every year in the Finals, as the team that's sinking begins to flail and shout out for lifelines.
New Jersey is not down 2-1 heading into Wednesday’s Game 4 because of the refs. The reason the Nets have shot far fewer free throws (58-88) is because they haven’t put the Spurs in a position where they had to foul. In the Finals, there are no pity calls.
Even Jason Kidd admitted as much Tuesday. When asked about the discrepancy in foul shooting, the Nets star said: "We have to be aggressive. It’s not the officiating. We can’t just settle for jump shots."
Don’t blame Scott for trying. He was asked a question, and he answered it the way every NBA coach would. Next time, though, he might want to make sure Kidd gets the memo.
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San Antonio Spurs at New Jersey Nets
Wednesday, 8:30 p.m. ET, ABC
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| Series Snapshot |
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| Game 1 |
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101 |
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89 |
| Game 2 |
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87 |
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85 |
| Game 3 |
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84 |
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79 |
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The past ... In a game that featured the lowest-scoring first half in NBA Finals history, Tony Parker and Tim Duncan combined to lift the Spurs to an 84-79 victory and a 2-1 series lead. Parker had 19 of his 26 points in the second half, and Duncan (21 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists) provided his usual all-around play, as San Antonio survived despite 41.8 percent shooting and 17 turnovers. Fortunately for the Spurs, the Nets shot just 37.0 percent and had 20 turnovers. Frustrated by San Antonio’s zone defense, New Jersey managed just nine points in the second quarter and went to the locker room down 33-30 at the half. For the second time in three games, Kidd (12 points, 11 assists) struggled with his outside shot and was outplayed by Parker.
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Aaron Williams has had his hands full with Tim Duncan. AP |
The present ... One reason the Nets are lobbying the refs is to help get second-year forward Richard Jefferson untracked. Jefferson was AWOL in Game 3 and admits he has been pressing to get to the foul line. With Duncan and David Robinson protecting the rim, and the Spurs packing the middle with a zone defense at times, Jefferson needs to look for his mid-range jumper. The Nets also might use Aaron Williams more, instead of Dikembe Mutombo, in an effort to get another shooter on the floor. The Nets have done a decent job defending Duncan the past two games, but Kenyon Martin has to avoid the silly reach-in fouls that have put him in foul trouble in every game so far. The Spurs need no big changes. As long as they continue to get back on defense, they should be fine.
The future ... Kidd, embarrassed by all the hoopla over Parker, will be out to prove a point. The Nets, meanwhile, know they can’t afford to fall behind 3-1. New Jersey will bring its A game, and with the home crowd roaring, it should be enough to overcome Duncan and even the series.
Marty Burns covers pro basketball for SI.com. Click here to send Marty a question or comment.
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