Frank’s 225 victories are the most in franchise history, and he had a career .500 record before this disastrous, injury-plagued season. He also was the longest-tenured coach in the Eastern Conference, but his steady work couldn’t repair a trade-depleted roster featuring eight players who already have missed multiple games with injuries.
“He wasn’t dealt a royal flush,’’ said Rafer Alston, who joined New Jersey in the June trade sending star scorer Vince Carter to Orlando and gutting the Nets’ payroll. “It’s almost like he had a pair of 2’s, and he tried to fight.’’
Falling behind by 27 points in the first half despite clearly playing hard for Barrise, the Nets matched the starts of the 1988-89 Miami Heat and 1998-99 Los Angeles Clippers. The Nets must beat the Dallas Mavericks in New Jersey Wednesday night to avoid sole possession of an embarrassing NBA record.
Kobe Bryant scored 30 points and Pau Gasol had 20 points and nine rebounds for the Lakers, who cruised to their 12th win in 14 games.
Brook Lopez had 26 points and 12 rebounds for New Jersey, which went scoreless for nearly 4 1/2 minutes in the first quarter while falling behind, 27-10.
“That’s probably as little talent as I’ve seen anybody put on the floor in the long time with everybody hurt,’’ Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy said when asked about Frank’s firing. “Yet they were able to fight and stay competitive. The guy’s done a great job there.’’
Frank is the second NBA coach fired this season, following his predecessor in New Jersey, Byron Scott, who lost his job in New Orleans.
Timberwolves 106, Nuggets 100 - Ryan Gomes scored 27 points, the most by a Timberwolves player this season, and visiting Minnesota snapped a 15-game losing streak by beating Denver.
Corey Brewer and Jonny Flynn each scored 16 points in helping Minnesota rally from 17 points down in the first half and register its first win since a season-opening victory against New Jersey.
