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Monday, Dec. 26
7:30pm
TV: NBALP, MSG
Radio: 1050 ESPN
Preview:Despite struggling through an inconsistent first two months to the 2005-06 season, the New Jersey Nets still are in first place in the Atlantic Division.
The Nets hope to extend their season-high winning streak to six games on Monday when they visit the New York Knicks.
Since dropping a 91-83 decision to the Charlotte Bobcats on December 14, the Nets have averaged 105 points over their five-game surge.
Vince Carter scored a career-high 51 points Friday to pace New Jersey to a 95-88 triumph over the Miami Heat.
Jason Kidd collected 12 points and five assists while Scott Padgett added 10 rebounds off the bench for the Nets, who won despite shooting just 39 percent (30-of-77) from the floor.
New Jersey should have little trouble on Monday handling a New York squad that has dropped five of its last six at Madison Square Garden.
Jamal Crawford scored 28 points off the bench Friday as the Knicks snapped their seven-game skid with a 98-90 victory over the Utah Jazz.
Stephon Marbury added 22 and seven assists for New York, which forced 20 turnovers in the contest.
FINAL SCORE
KNICKS - 101
NETS - 109
Box Score
Recap:Vince Carter and the New Jersey continue to roll on the road.
Carter scored 27 points and Richard Jefferson added 23 as the Nets posted their seventh victory in eight road games with a 109-101 triumph over the New York Knicks.
The high-flying duo of Carter and Jefferson combined to send the Knicks to their sixth loss in seven home games. Carter made just 6-of-19 shots but made 15-of-17 free throws and had eight assists while Jefferson made all eight of his shots.
New Jersey held a seemingly comfortable 93-75 lead entering the fourth quarter, but rookie Nate Robinson hit three 3-pointers in a 16-2 run that cut New York's deficit to 103-96 with 4:48 remaining.
However, Carter connected on six consecutive free throws down the stretch to seal the win for the Nets, who made only one basket in the final 9:40 and were outscored, 26-16, in the final period.
Clifford Robinson scored 16 points off the bench and Nenad Krstic added 12 for New Jersey, which overcame a sub-par effort from superstar Jason Kidd en route to it season-high sixth straight win overall. Kidd scored just nine points, but dished out nine assists and grabbed seven rebounds for New Jersey.
The Nets shot 61 percent (25-of-41) from the field in the first half to take a 63-50 lead.
Nate Robinson scored 21 points and hit 5-of-6 from the arc and Stephon Marbury had 21 despite limited minutes in the fourth quarter. Rookie Channing Frye scored 16 of his 18 points in the first half and Jamal Crawford finished with 14.
The Nets have won eight of their last 11 games at Madison Square Garden.
