Monday, May 06, 2002
Nets 99, Hornets 93
By TOM CANAVAN
AP Sports Writer
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — When the game is on the line, Jason Kidd wants the ball. It's been that way all season for the New Jersey Nets, and it was that way again.
He hit the go-ahead jumper and scored six of the Nets' final eight points, carrying New Jersey past the undermanned Charlotte Hornets 99-93 Sunday in the first game of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
“It seems like he waits until we need him most,” Nets forward Kenyon Martin said. “He just took the ball to the basket, made things happen and helped us win.”
Two other things also happened.
Hornets star Baron Davis disappeared down the stretch. A point guard with a great future, Davis took only four shots in the final quarter, and none in the final 5:45. Only three of his 23 points came in the fourth.
The other thing was more subtle: The Nets again showed they have learned how to win.
To that end, Kidd was backed by center Todd MacCulloch, who had 23 points in the first-round series with Indiana, scored 11 of his 14 points in the third quarter as the Nets got back in the game after Hornets center Elden Campbell picked up his fourth foul.
Backup center Aaron Williams set a nice screen to set up Kidd's go-ahead jumper, and he hit two free throws later to stretch the lead to 97-91.
Even backup shooting guard Lucious Harris made a late contribution with an offensive rebound after Martin missed a shot with less than a minute to play and New Jersey up 97-93.
Kidd sealed it seconds later with a crossover dribble at the foul line and a drive and left-handed layup.
“I had to be aggressive,” the point guard said after finishing with 21 points to lead seven Nets in double figures. “I was riding my teammates for a while. They got us that far, so I knew I had to do something.
“I should have gotten a box of popcorn because I was watching everyone else play for so long. I was very lucky that those shots went down.”
Davis defended his lack of shooting, saying the Nets double-teamed him more in the fourth quarter, forcing him to pass to the open man. That wasn't always the best option.
David Wesley and Stacey Augmon each threw up air balls with the Hornets down 95-91 in the final two minutes.
“I am a little disappointed in myself in that I didn't make as many plays as I should have on the offensive end,” said Davis, who also set a Hornets' playoff record with seven steals.
While agreeing that the Nets made things difficult for Davis, Hornets coach Paul Silas said Davis has to be more aggressive.
Still, the Hornets played a strong game despite missing Jamal Mashburn (viral illness) and Jamaal Magloire (suspension).
Magloire will be back for Game 2 in the best-of-seven series on Tuesday night. Mashburn, who averaged more than 24 points in three games against the Nets this season, remains questionable after missing his fourth straight playoff game.
“We were right where we wanted to be and didn't finish the game,” Wesley said. “We'll make sure we finish the game on Tuesday. This is going to be a good series and either team is capable of winning this series.”
Campbell, who scored 22 points, tied it at 91 with 3:04 to play. After that, it was all Kidd. Immediately after a timeout, Kidd dribbled around a screen by Williams and hit a jumper to give the Nets a 93-91 lead with 2:53 to go.
Campbell rimmed a jumper at the other end and Kidd hit a jumper in the lane for a 95-91 lead with 2:21 to play.
“I like being involved and having the ball in the final minutes,” Kidd said. “It doesn't mean I have to shoot the ball, but if the shot presents itself, I want to take it.”
Notes: Charlotte outscored New Jersey 22-19 on the break, 42-38 in the paint and 19-12 on second-chance points. The Hornets shot 39 percent and the Nets 51 percent. ... Nets backup point guard Anthony Johnson sprained his right thumb in warmups. ... Nets coach Byron Scott on the return of his wife, Anita, who missed the deciding Game 5 in the first round with Indiana: “The A-Team is back.” ... The first conference semifinal in New Jersey since 1984 was about 1,000 shy of a sellout.
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Nets 99, Hornets 93
