NEW YORK -- When the Brooklyn Nets decided to take on Joe Johnson's $19.7 million a year contract this past summer, the New York franchise expected great things in return for such massive investment.
Friday night at the Barclays Center, against the stubborn Detroit Pistons, the 6-foot-7, 240-pound shooting guard delivered two things --- a little bit of greatness and a whole lot of salvation.
With the first overtime clock melting slowly and the host Nets facing imminent defeat, Johnson drilled a floater that knotted the score at 100-100 and forged another five-minute extension. In the ensuing second overtime session, Johnson calmly sank a step-back jumper right in the face of a leaping Piston, Tayshaum Prince, to give the Nets a 107-105 decision.
The 31-year old Johnson played all but seven minutes of the two-overtime marathon. He made 12-of-22 field goals and finished with a game-high 27 points. Johnson, a former Atlanta Hawk, missed five of seven threes but converted two of thee free throws.
But Johnson didn't vanquish Detroit by himself. Gerald Wallace had 25 points and ten rebounds, point guard Deron Williams added 17 and six assists while Andre' Blatche turned in 16.
The 13-9 Nets, who have been in a funk lately, travel to Chicago Saturday night and play the Bulls at the United Center.
Sinking further down the cellar with a 7-18 slate, the Detroit Pistons were led by 21-year Brandon Knight's 21 points, five assists and five rebounds. Rodney Stuckey added 19 points and Greg Monroe contributed 17. (Reynaldo Seno)
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