The Brooklyn Nets gave P.J. Carlesimo a victory in his debut and the Charlotte Bobcats a 17th straight loss, getting 26 points and 11 rebounds from Brook Lopez in a 97-81 rout Friday night.

Interim Coach P.J. Carlesimo of the Brooklyn Nets argues with referee Kevin Cutler
Interim Coach P.J. Carlesimo of the Brooklyn Nets argues with referee Kevin Cutler (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
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A day after firing Avery Johnson, the Nets played as they did last month, when they were 11-4 and Johnson was Eastern Conference coach of the month. They are just 4-10 in December, a slump that cost Johnson his job, but got back over .500 with ease.

Deron Williams added 17 of his 19 points in the first half and Joe Johnson had 16 for the Nets, who led by 29 points and won for just the second time in seven games.

Hakim Warrick scored 13 points and Ramon Sessions had 12 for the Bobcats (7-22), who shot 38 percent and haven't won since tying last season's total with their seventh victory.

 

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved)

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