Nets forward Trenton Hassell stifled Nuggets superstar Carmelo Anthony, who scored only 15 points before sitting out the fourth quarter. Anthony struggled with foul trouble all game, picking up three in the first half and his fourth and fifth in the third. He shot 4-of-9 against Hassell and 5-for-11 overall. Hassell countered with season-high totals of 11 points and seven rebounds -- six offensive.
In three games since Hassell replaced Bobby Simmons (abdominal strain) as the starting small forward, the Nets are undefeated and have turned in a few of their best defensive games. The first indication of the defensive surge came during the fourth quarter of the January 31st game against Philadelphia, in which Simmons' injury occured.
The Sixers missed their final 18 shots and hit only 2-of-22 in the period. They finished the game with 83 points and a shooting percentage of .346. During the next three games, Nets opponents shot .365, .424 and .356, totaling .374 for the four-game stretch. None scored 90 points, which marks the first time New Jersey has kept consecutive opponents under the plateau.
"I don't think it's just me -- we're just coming together," Hassell said, humbly. "I think everyone that plays is giving a better effort on defense, because coach has been stressing it. I don't think it's just me, I just happen to be in there. I think overall everyone is taking the challenge. That's what it is."
http://www.nba.com/nets/news/Game_Story_090207.html
Trenton Hassell for DPOY!
