Once again, F/C Marc Jackson and backup PG Jeff McInnis were conspicuously absent from the Nets’ rotation.
In a 99-85 win in which the Nets led almost wire to wire, and by as many as 18 at times, McInnis played less than two minutes. Jackson was a DNP-Coach’s Decision.
“Unfortunately, in this game it’s hard to play 12 guys. Marc and Jeff are both very good players, and it’s just a matter of finding different parts that work right,” said Net coach Lawrence Frank. “They are still very much in the mix. They could play [tonight]. Everyone has to be ready. It’s a team, thing.”
McInnis had refuted a report out of Akron that he had told friends he wanted to be traded. Jackson – who’d played between 11-22 minutes in his first 11 games – now has four DNPs and sporadic minutes in the 14 games since. He has complained about his playing time.
“I’ve talked to [McInnis and Jackson]. I’ve met with different guys,” Frank said. “Look, those guys want to play. They’re good players. Right now we’re just looking in a different direction. But as in the case of … Jacque Vaughn and Scott Padgett, they stayed ready, and we expect the same of them. That’s part of the responsibility of being a professional.”
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Vince Carter’s game-high 35 points was his fourth 30-point game this season, but he also had a season-high nine assists.
The Clippers are often the cure for any Net ills. They’re 25-7 all-time against the Clippers in New Jersey, and have won seven straight against them at home.
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F/C Jason Collins played on his sprained right ankle, posting six points and five boards in 28 minutes.
Clipper PG Sam Cassell is the master of the turnaround, and after turning the Nets from the 26-56 bunch he joined midseason in 1996-97 to a 43-39 playoff club in his first full campaign. He has the Clippers 15-9 after last night.