Every game and every win is important to a Nets team that entered the night 14-24. But tonight's matchup against the Celtics was even more important for Jersey on several playing field. One reason because they were trying to keep a win streak going. Also because it was against the Celtics who entered the game sitting above the Alantic division. But most importantly the Nets needed to make sure to have some postive momentum as they get ready to go on a 5-game Western Conference road trip that spands over the next week or 2. The Nets came out with the focus to try & attack Boston on the inside. And really looked to establish Krstic down low. And Krstic respond with a double-double in the 1st half(10pts & 10 rebs). But the major contribution in the 1st half came from the bench with Travis Best leading the way. With Vince Carter in foul trouble most of the 1st half, Best was asked to play extended minutes especially in the 2nd quarter as the Nets went to the small backcourt of Kidd & Best. Best responded with 13 of his 24points in the 2nd quarter. And allowed New Jersey to stay even with the Celtics going into the half tied at 48. The 3rd quarter was the Vince Carter show. Carter scored 12 of his 25 in the quarter, on some spectacular moves to the basket. But Carter picked up his 4th foul late in the quarter and would pick up his 5th foul early in the 4th, which kept him on the bench for a 4 or 5 minute spend. With Carter on the bench Celtics gained a little confidence and cut a Nets lead that was as much as 12 in the quarter down to as little as 4. But the Nets used a big shot by Kidd with 1 second left on the shot clock and a 1:00 on the game clock to push the lead back up to 7. And used some key free throws from Collins along with Jason to hold off the Celtics. Kidd finshed with 15pts 9 rebounds and 9 assist, once again close to a triple-double. <font size="3">Final Score: Nets 104 - Celtics 98 </font> Next game Sunday, as the Nets start a 5-game road trip in Phoenix against the Suns. Ron Mercer is expected to join the team on the trip, but not known yet exactly which game he will play.
The Nets are now 3.5 games behind the Sixers for the Atlantic Division crown. That pretty pitiful considering that the Atlantic Division has no team above .500 and that the Nets are only .385. At this pace, the Nets should win the Atlantic title; however if the other teams win as much games, then you know the result. Darn, I missed this game becuase of a doctor's appointment, so I dont really have much more to say.
