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New Jersey Nets fans sit with paper bags over their heads during their NBA basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks - Source: Reuters -
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The New Jersey Nets lost to the visiting Dallas Mavericks 117-101 on Thursday to set a record for the worst start to an NBA season at 0-18.
The Nets sank to the occasion with a resounding thud, outscored 49-22 in the second quarter to trail 77-50 after finishing the first quarter tied 28-28 with the Mavericks, who improved to 14-5.
The 1988-89 Miami Heat and 1998-99 Los Angeles Clippers had previously shared the dubious mark with the Nets at 0-17.
The Mavericks dealt the Nets the record-setting defeat with an awesome offensive performance in the second quarter in which they shot 89.5 percent from the field on 17-of-19 shooting.
Although many baskets were made on layups and dunks through a porous New Jersey defence, Dallas was also 5-for-5 from beyond the three-point line in taking command by halftime.
Dirk Nowitzki led the Mavericks in scoring with 24 points as six Dallas players scored in double figures.
Chris Douglas-Roberts scored 24 points for the Nets, whose next game is on Saturday at home against the Charlotte Bobcats.
