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Jason Kidd. The Nets' guard took advantage of Chauncey Billups' sore ankle and had the Nets running early and often en route to a playoff career-high 34 points. He also found time to grab 12 rebounds and hand out six assists, and defensively he kept Detroit's guards completely out of the game. Speaking of which... |
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Detroit's point guards. When Chauncey Billups was found wanting after 18 hobbled minutes, Rick Carlisle turned to Chucky Atkins, but things didn't get any better. Atkins scored six points in 30 impact-free minutes and was abused just as badly on defense, not only by Kidd but also by backup Anthony Johnson. |
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AJ goes off. In a series where points are scarce, anything Anthony Johnson gives is like found money. But Thursday he did his Tracy McGrady impression by pumping in 10 points in six minutes during a key 15-5 run to start the second quarter. The Nets led 43-28 when the dust settled -- and the Pistons never recovered. |
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The streak. The Nets have won nine straight playoff games, and with each passing win the odds of Kidd leaving as a free agent this summer get a little smaller. With a repeat trip to the Finals all but in the bag, look for Kidd to develop a newfound respect for the Garden State. |
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Photo Credits: Kidd (both AP) Atkins (Noren Trotman/NBAE/Getty Images), Johnson (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) |
