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RECAP
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BOX SCORE
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GAME FLOW
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -- Trust has become a key ingredient
for the New Jersey Nets. Trust and Keith Van Horn.
Playing in his eighth game after missing the first 32 with a
broken left leg, Van Horn scored a season-high 27 points and
grabbed 12 rebounds Wednesday night as the Nets handed the
Washington Wizards their eighth straight setback, 108-89.
The victory was the second straight for the Nets, who snapped a
four-game losing streak Monday with an 84-78 win over the Atlanta
Hawks.
" I can see a break in the clouds," said Van Horn. "I think
we can build on these two wins and take it a step further. We need
to go on a nice run before the All-Star break, and I think we're
capable of it."
Stephon Marbury added 22 points for New Jersey. Van Horn had 23
of his points in the first 24 minutes.
Nets coach Byron Scott, who has watched his team struggle this
year, was elated that his two stars -- Van Horn and Marbury -- are
both finally contributing.
"Steph is being a point guard and Keith was making good
decisions and made some good shots," Scott said. "Hopefully they
can keep it up.
"The things we did tonight are things we've been talking about
for a month and a half," Scott said. "People are trusting each
other. We're starting to feel a little better about ourselves."
New Jersey appeared to have a comfortable 71-52 lead early in
the third period before Washington made a run. The Wizards
outscored the Nets 18-9 to close the third period with Chris
Whitney hitting a pair of 3-pointers to pull to 86-77. Jahidi
White's rebound to open the fourth quarter cut it to 86-79.
But Stephen Jackson hit back-to-back 3-pointers, Johnny Newman
scored on a drive and Sherman Douglas drove the length of the court
for a layup to make it 96-79 and ice the victory.
"We made a run and hit some big shots," said Richard Hamilton.
"But they had us scrambling out there. Stephon and Keith really
stepped up, and that is what it will take for them to win."
The Nets led 63-48 at the half by outscoring the Wizards 19-6
before the intermission. Leading 44-42, New Jersey began its run
when Marbury hit a technical foul shot and Van Horn followed with a
driving layup. After Mike Smith hit a free throw, Vladimir Stepania
sank three free throws and Van Horn added a 3-pointer.
After Hamilton's basket, Marbury and Van Horn hit 3-pointers and
Marbury added a jumper for a 63-46 edge.
Newman had 16 for the Nets, while Jackson added 15. Hamilton and
Juwan Howard each had 18 points for the Wizards.
Game notes
Kendall Gill missed his fifth straight game for the Nets
with tendinitis in the right knee ... Nets coach Byron Scott said
Gill would accompany the team on its upcoming western trip and
might see action ... Rod Strickland missed his 11th straight game
for the Wizards with tendinitis in the left shoulder ... Prior to
the game the Wizards placed forward Obinna Ekezie on the injured
list with a sprained left ankle and activated guard Laron Profit,
who had been on the injured list with lower back spasms ... Starters Felipe
Lopez and Tyrone Nesby began the game on the bench after having
words with Washington coach Leonard Hamilton following the Wizards'
last game. Michael Smith and Richard Hamilton started in their
places.
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ALSO SEE
NBA Scoreboard
Washington Clubhouse
New Jersey Clubhouse
RECAPS
Philadelphia 99
Chicago 88
Dallas 91
Charlotte 90
New Jersey 108
Washington 89
Minnesota 89
Utah 81
Toronto 98
San Antonio 91
Denver 121
Vancouver 97
Sacramento 111
Boston 106
Phoenix 89
Seattle 80
FROM
ATHLETESDIRECT
Juwan Howard Official Site
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