Deron Williams, Morrow pace Nets
Toronto Raptors forward Andrea Bargnani (7) defends against New Jersey Nets forward Kris Humphries during the second half. (Jan. 6, 2012) Credit: AP
TORONTO -- With one long-range shot falling after another, the Nets had some fun for a change.
Deron Williams and Anthony Morrow had 24 points each and Williams added nine assists as the Nets ended their losing streak at six with a 97-85 win over the Raptors Friday night. "It's fun to win," Williams said. "It's fun to be up and not down 20."
DeShawn Stevenson scored 15 points for the Nets, who made a season-high 15 three-pointers in 31 attempts to win for the first time since their opener.
"We needed a win in the worst way," Williams said. "I think everybody realized that tonight and we buckled down defensively."
Nets coach Avery Johnson was happy to see his players enjoying the victory. "We wanted to smile," he said. "For five or so games, we've been having a frown on our face, and we wanted to smile after a game."
Stevenson said Williams was the key factor in creating opportunities for the Nets' outside threats. "When you have two shooters like me and [Morrow], they've got to pick which one,'' he said. "I got open threes, [Morrow] got open threes. That's the way you've got to play.
"That's why I came here," Stevenson added. "[Williams] is an All-Star point guard; he does great things out there. If you put him in a situation where the court is spread, we can get wide-open jumpers all day."
Ex-Raptor Kris Humphries matched a season high with 16 rebounds. All four Nets named Williams (Deron, Jordan, Shelden and Shawne) were on the floor together during the third quarter.
Toronto's Jose Calderon had 19 points but DeMar DeRozan, who made a career-high five three-pointers Wednesday, was held to three points.-- AP
