i Jianlian contributed an impressive 17 points in the Nets' win over the Wizards in its season opener in Washington. That's twice the 8.6 points per game he averaged during his rookie season in Milwaukee.
Power forward Yi had came to New Jersey with Bobby Simmons in a June trade. A sprained ankle kept him from being able to train for six days at camp. Yi has been praised for his ability to run the floor with teammates, considered unusual in a 7-footer. He has been compared with Dirk Nowitski for his combination of defensive wingspan, agility and ability to get to the basket in a single dribble.
One reason for Yi's improved performance was the sharp feeds he got from point guard Vince Carter. Yi's field-goal percentage was 63.6, better than his past-season average of 42.1. He also made 2 of 2 3-point attempts.
Carter scored 21 points to lead his rebuilding Nets while the Wizards came in without Gilbert Arenas. Jarvis Hayes added 14 points.
Six Wizards scored in double-figures, led by Jamison and DeShawn Stevenson with 14 apiece.
Carter made a 16-foot fadeaway jumper over Caron Butler to put the visitors ahead 90-82 with a minute left and effectively settle a back-and-forth game.
10/30/2008 4:34 AM
AP Sports
New Jersey Nets forward Yi Jianlian, of China, dunks against the Washington Wizards during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008, in Washington. The Nets won 95-85.
(AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)
i Jianlian contributed an impressive 17 points in the Nets' win over the Wizards in its season opener in Washington. That's twice the 8.6 points per game he averaged during his rookie season in Milwaukee.
