Scott Burrell had just turned in a 16-point effort, coming off the Nets bench to pump in 5-of-9 shots while hitting several big wing jumpers. But he wanted to talk about his defense. “I’m really proud of my defense. I made them cause someturnovers, got them to travel,” said Burrell, who was all over Steve Smith late when the Hawks’ star managed just two shots – both misses – in the fourth quarter. “Anyone can score in this league. You get open looks, anyone can score.”
Er, Scott? We beg to differ. Presented as evidence to counter that point are game films from any season strung together by the Nets and Knicks over the past decade or so. High shooting percentage and metropolitan area rarely have collided in the same paragraph.
Yesterday, Burrell had every right to be proud of his defense. So did all the Nets. Atlanta shot just .295 and made 23 field goals, both figures all-time lows for Nets opponents. Still, his offense was big.
“Scottie Burrell was huge,” coach John Calipari said of the free agent who signed five days ago and still played 30 minutes yesterday.
“On the offensive end, on the defensive end. We need guys to make 15-footers. You can’t miss all those in this league and win. We need it especially because they’re going to double team Keith [Van Horn]. Scott stepped in there and did that. Plus, he’s strong. He stepped in and played 30 minutes.”
Burrell is still working himself into shape. The 6-7 forward, who earned a ring with the Bulls last season, admits he’s working on shedding 10 pounds. And running up and down without repeated trips to the oxygen tank.
“I just didn’t want to hurt myself. I haven’t played five-on-five since June,” he said, again showing his favoritism to defense.