Nets Ruin Celts' Xmas

Fred Kerber of the New York Post reports that the Nets took advantage of a nationwide television audience to exact some revenge against the Celtics. New Jersey dominated Boston in every conceivable way to demolish the Celtics 117-81 in ABC’s first NBA telecast in 30 years.

The Nets used the win to help heal the wounds of a 96-79 beating they took in Boston on Nov. 20. It was also a way of sending a message to anyone who may have thought that Boston was the better team in last year’s conference finals.

"I do think they're in denial," Nets’ coach Byron Scott said before the game. "Last year, they felt we weren't the better team when we beat them. Obviously, we felt we were. I think that there are a bunch of guys over there, especially Pierce and Walker, who feel that we weren't really worthy of being in the Finals."

Boston coach Jim O'Brien waved off the notion, noting, "They beat us, they went to the Finals, that is all that needs to be said."

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Bulls move to cool conflict

K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune reports that the Bulls are trying to keep it together. After losing to the Nets in East Rutheford, team captains Jalen Rose and Fred Hoiberg took time out to council Jay Williams and Jamal Crawford.

After a heated exchange between Jamal Crawford and coach Bill Cartwright during the game, Rose and Hoiberg gathered Crawford and fellow point guard Jay Williams for a post-shower meeting to air frustrations and boost confidences.

"It was just a meeting of the minds, making sure we're pulling in the same direction at the same time," Rose said.

Crawford took exception to being pulled in favor of Williams after committing a turnover midway through the second quarter. Crawford yelleed at Cartwright as he left the floor, Cartwright fired back. Crawford only played one minute in the third quarter, but played all of the fourth as the Nets had build a 24-point lead.

"It's frustrating," Crawford said. "I want to play."

"It wasn't a big deal for me," Cartwright said. "We'll see if it is for him."

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Jefferson still Knick-Picking

Fred Kerber of the New York Post reports that the Nets’ Richard Jefferson took a verbal jab at the Knicks after last night’s game in the garden. Before the game, some of the Nets were commenting that the Knicks weren’t good enough to be considered a rival. Some of the Knicks retaliated by commenting that the Knicks have a better fan base and a better arena.

Jefferson’s commented before the game by saying , "(The Knicks) might play in the Garden, but they don't win in the Garden. Right now, they're not doing it. So, if that's the thing they want to hold on to, the fact that they play in the Garden, let them do that. I'd rather win in the Meadowlands."

After the 101-99 win by the Knicks, Jefferson was at it again.

"If they look like that all year long, then they might make the playoffs but if they don't, then I guess we don't have to worry about them," Jefferson said. "They played great. Allan Houston caught fire and looked like the player I think they believe he can be. If he does that on a consistent basis, they'll be a tough team to beat."

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