The Nets two-game trip highlighted some of their strengths, but also showed many of their weaknesses, and the one that’s got to eat at coach Avery Johnson the most is the defense.

Kobe Bryant’s eyes are probably lighting up, knowing he won’t be guarded much tomorrow. The last three stars the Nets played have had a field day against them.

Last Sunday, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen combined to shoot 11-for-16 against the Nets. On Tuesday, Josh Smith was 14-for-16 on Thursday, Dirk Nowitzki was 8-for-10.

Anyone want to predict Bryant’s line tomorrow, coming off a Lakers’ loss last night?

From the moment Johnson came to New Jersey, from his first practice of training camp, he stressed defense. The Nets probably worked on their transition defense in every