"The Cavs aren't ranked first in shooting defense and fourth in scoring defense simply on reputation. They really do defend. Just ask Yi Jianlian.

"I missed a lot of shots, man," said Yi, who bricked 11-of-13 attempts yesterday in the Nets' 94-86 loss to the Cavs — after shooting 33-of-61 (.541) in his previous four games after his return from injury. "The shots did not feel good. They did not allow me to drive to the basket, and just very good chance at making me think about it. It's different from the other teams — they always have two bigs inside. That makes it hard to get to the basket."

Yi said this was the best defense he's seen since his return.

Obviously, they're a pretty good defensive team," said Yi, who had eight rebounds and three blocks.

Asked what it was like playing against Shaquille O'Neal, Brook Lopez said, "Like lifting weights." Lopez had his 16th 20-point game.

Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/nets/yi_gads_jianlian_beaten_and_brutal_iKDub3RAtTIsPz3TDWDBAP#ixzz0bY6rv0eN"