GAMENIGHT

 Atlanta Hawks (22-16) @ Brooklyn Nets (23-16)

Barclays Center 7:30

TV: YES – RADIO: WFAN 660 AM/101.9 FM

The Brooklyn Nets were beaten soundly by the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night 109-95 and looked very sluggish and it may have been that it was the second game of a back to back.  No excuses for the way they played but there was obviously fatigue.

The Nets have a chance to make up for their poor play with another shot at the Hawks tonight in their own building.  The backcourt was completely outplayed and out-hustled by the Hawks and the team shot a horrible 4-26 from 3-point range to go with 42.4 percent from the field overall.  The Hawks pushed the ball every chance they got and beat the Nets for easy layups at least six times.  This has to be a focus tonight in order for the Nets to have a better opportunity to win with Josh Smith back from suspension.

Gerald Wallace came back and played 15 minutes after missing the previous two games with bruised ribs he will probably start in his usual small forward position and put Keith Bogans back on the bench.  Brook Lopez played well in limited minutes and came away with 22 points and nine rebounds but has to be more of a force for the Nets to start a new win streak tonight.

Matchup of the Game:  Jeff Teague vs Deron Williams

Deron Williams was the main culprit for the Hawks backcourt completely outplaying the Nets backcourt as he looked slow and out of it.  Williams shot 5-18 for the game and allowed Jeff Teague to dominant the game and push the tempo.  Williams will have to man up and play a better all around game for the Nets to get back in the win column tonight.

[quote_box]”They were a very, very good team without Josh,” said Carlesimo, who has guided the Nets to a 9-2 record since taking over for the fired Avery Johnson. “You’ve got to think they’re going to be a better team when they add a player of his caliber on Friday.”[/quote_box]

Nets:

NONE

Hawks:

Anthony Morrow (sore lower back) is out

DeShawn Stevenson (right knee) is out