Vaughn, in Rare Start, Leads Nets Over Bulls
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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.- Jacque Vaughn moved into the starting lineup and tied his career high with 23 points, and Jason Kidd narrowly missed the 62nd triple-double of his career in the Nets’ 107-97 victory over the Chicago Bulls last night.
Kidd had 26 points, 13 rebounds, and nine assists, and Vince Carter had 31 points, six assists, and five rebounds for the Nets, who won their season-high fourth in a row.
Kirk Hinrich had 18 points for the Bulls, who lost their second in a row for their first two-game losing streak since late December. The Nets have defeated the Bulls six consecutive times and are 3-0 against them this season
Vaughn shot 8-for-12 from the field and 7-for-7 from the foul line, providing the Nets with a much-needed third offensive option behind Carter and Kidd. Vaughn took over the spot in the starting lineup formerly occupied by Rodney Buford, who sprained his ankle in New Jersey’s previous game at Utah and will be sidelined for at least a month.
The Nets used their 14th different starting lineup of the season.
Chicago led 49-48 at halftime behind 11 points from Ben Gordon, helping the Bulls to a 23-0 advantage in bench scoring over the first two quarters.
New Jersey didn’t get a single point from any of its reserves until Jabari Smith sank a 19-footer midway through the third quarter as part of a 21-3 run that gave the Nets control.
Kidd began the run with a three point play, hitting a 20-foot jumper as he was fouled after pump-faking Bulls rookie Chris Duhon into the air.
Carter, taking particular relish in going against defender Andres Nocioni, had a nifty spin move leading to a high-arching layup and three-point play that made it 62-51. He later sank a 3-pointer over Nocioni to make it 65-53.
Chicago pulled within eight points twice in the final quarter but got no closer, losing for just the third time in its past 15 games.
Elden Campbell, claimed on waivers last week, made his Nets debut and had one rebound in two minutes. Zoran Planinic, activated from the injured list earlier in the day, and Donnell Harvey, just signed to a 10-day contract, did not play for the Nets.
Kidd moved within eight assists of tying Bob Cousy (6,955) for 12th place on the career list. He’ll attempt to surpass the Celtics legend when the Nets play at Boston tonight.
