Kidd, Nets down Cavaliers in Game 3

05.12.2007

East Rutherford, NJ (Basketball News) - Jason Kidd recorded his 11th career playoff triple-double, and the New Jersey Nets avoided a huge three-game hole in their Eastern Conference semifinal series with a 96-85 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Kidd finished with 23 points, 13 rebounds and 14 assists for the Nets, who dominated from the opening tip off and pulled within 2-1 in the best-of-seven set.

Vince Carter, who suffered a sprained finger on his left hand in the third quarter but returned in the fourth, finished with 23 points, six rebounds and four assists. Richard Jefferson was a force inside with 23 points and eight rebounds for New Jersey, which dominated on the boards, 43-30, and shot 47 percent in the contest.

Larry Hughes led the way with 23 points for Cleveland, which saw its franchise-record six-game playoff winning streak come to an end. LeBron James was held under the 20-point plateau, finishing the night with 18 points and 12 assists.

The loss also snapped a 10-game winning streak for the Cavs that dated to the end of the regular season.

Game 4 of this best-of-seven series is scheduled for Monday at Continental Airlines Arena.

CLE NJN

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