Slipping

Inconsistency has plagued the Nets all season, and they suffered from it again in a 93-83 loss to Detroit at the Meadowlands, dropping them a game under .500. The loss snapped a two-game winning streak and might show the Nets where they stand among the East's elite teams. No shame should be felt in losing to Detroit, but the Pistons, even without Larry Brown, remain a team to beat in a conference full of contenders.

Detroit is tough enough to beat without allowing the ten three pointers the Nets surrendered on Wednesday. Besides, Richard Hamilton continued his blistering start to the season with 30 points. When people write off the Nets' chances at competing in the East, they point to their lack of a center. But Gothamist has been more troubled by their outside play of late, especially their defense. Detroit's backcourt added 20 points from Chauncey Billups and 17 from Tayshaun Prince. If the Nets can't stop opposing teams' guards, they won't have to worry about any frontcourt problems.