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Brooks, Nets drop Bobcats

Jan 23, 2012 - 4:41 AM Newark, NJ (Sports Network) - MarShon Brooks tallied a game-high 20 points with six rebounds as New Jersey handled Charlotte, 97-87, on Sunday evening.

Deron Williams totaled 19 points and 10 assists for the Nets, who have won two of three. Anthony Morrow also had 19 points and Jordan Farmar contributed 13 to the victory.

"We're making strides," Williams said. "Our schedule has probably been one of the toughest in the NBA."

Kemba Walker poured in 16 points, six boards and four assists for the Bobcats, losers of four straight.

Gerald Henderson had 15 points, and Derrick Brown and Bismack Biyombo scored 11 each in the setback.

"This is part of a learning process for us," Henderson said. "Collectively, we just need to learn how to score more points. That is part of my job, and I need more assists. I'm getting better on offense, especially with my jump shot, but I need to do more. My attitude is I just want to win."

Already ahead by seven after one quarter, the Nets extended that edge to 12 less than five minutes in on a Williams fadeaway jumper for a 40-28 game.

Charlotte closed within seven roughly three minutes later on a reverse layup by Walker plus a foul shot, but Brooks hit an easy deuce and the hosts finished the half on a 13-4 run to go up 58-42 at the break.

Brooks hit two baskets near the start of the third quarter and New Jersey found itself ahead 62-44. Though a Henderson make got the Bobcats back to 64-57, Farmar hit a trey and both Williams and Morrow hit easy buckets to push the advantage up to 71-57.

It was 75-61 after three and the Nets cruised home. Their lead grew to as much as 19 points, at 88-69 with 7:14 left, after Brooks connected on a jumper.

Walker scored 11 points in the opening period, but Williams countered with 11 of his own as New Jersey assumed a 28-21 lead after 12 minutes.

Game Notes

Charlotte won three of four meetings a season ago...The Nets beat the Bobcats at home for the first time since December 4, 2009, snapping a three-game losing streak...Kris Humphries posted a game-high 10 rebounds for New Jersey, who won the battle of the boards by a 47-34 margin.