--Much has been made of the Nets' new, revamped offense: In the last 10 games, the Nets averaged 109.2 points and shot .486 (393-808). So why were they only 5-5 in those games?
In the 10 games, their defense has been dreadful. Opponents averaged 110.0 points while shooting .466 (397-of-852), including .419 accuracy (80-of-191) on 3-pointers. "Right now, we're not very good defensively," understated coach Lawrence Frank.
--The Nets' 110-104 loss to Phoenix Saturday was their final game against a Western Conference opponent this season and left them at 8-22 against the West. That's the Nets' worst record against the West since the lockout-shortened season of 1998-99. Their previous seasons: 2006-07 (10-20); 2005-06 (16-14); 2004-05 (11-19); 2003-04 (13-15); 2002-03 (15-13); 2001-02 (17-11); 2000-01 (10-18); 1999-00 (10-18).
QUOTE TO NOTE: "We got a tough road ahead, a tough schedule. If we play offense like we did, we have a chance. And if we play defense like we did, I don't know." -- C Josh Boone on the Nets' fading playoff hopes -- three back in the loss column with eight to play.
