Nets Keep Playoffs in Sight With Win Over Knicks
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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Jason Kidd had 28 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds for his 66th career triple double, and the Nets kept their slim playoff hopes alive by beating the Knicks 110-98 last night in a nasty game that sent New York to its season-high eighth straight loss.
The win was the eighth in 11 games for the Nets (37-39), and it moved them within a game of idle Philadelphia (37-37) in the race for the final playoff berth in the Eastern Conference.
The Nets have six games remaining, two less than the 76ers.
The loss pushed the Knicks (29-45) to the brink of being eliminated from playoff contention. A win by Philadelphia win or a loss by the Knicks will end the misery for the team.
Vince Carter added 32 points for the Nets, whose 27-point third-quarter lead dwindled to 95-89 midway through the fourth quarter.
Stephon Marbury led the Knicks, scoring 21 of his 30 points in the second half. Jamal Crawford added 26.
The game had two ugly fourth-quarter moments, with both plays involving New York’s Jerome Williams.
Kidd didn’t appreciate being the recipient of a Williams pick near midfloor and shoved the Knicks forward to the court, drawing a technical foul. Williams got his own technical in the closing minutes with a hard foul that sent Carter flying on a drive to the basket.
Carter bounced up quickly and seemed to want to go after Williams, but cooler heads prevailed.
The Nets appeared headed for a blowout, opening a 72-46 early in the third quarter.
Knicks coach Herb Williams called a time out, which seemed to get the team’s attention.
Marbury then scored 14 points, cutting the Nets’ lead to 87-70 entering the final quarter. A 19-8 run to start the fourth quarter cut the lead to 95-89 on two free throws by Marbury with 6:26 to go. A layup by Jerome Williams also had the Knicks within 97-91 with 5:35 left.
Shortly after that, Kidd was flattened by Williams and it seemed to motivate New Jersey.
After Crawford made the technical foul to get New York within 99-92, Kidd hit a jumper and a 3-pointer to push the lead to 104-92.
The Knicks never got close again.
