New Jersey Nets Team Report - January 2

(Basketball News) - Richard Jefferson led a balanced New Jersey attack, scoring 17 points, as the Nets beat their cross-river rivals the New York Knicks, 93-87, at Madison Square Garden.

Vince Carter added 16 points for New Jersey, which had a total of five players score in double figures. Jason Kidd and Rodney Buford tallied 13 points each and Nenad Kristic recorded 12 points and seven boards for the Nets, who have won four of six.

To start the final frame, a Trevor Ariza jumper early on drew the Knicks within 65-60. Then, after the Nets came up empty at the offensive end, Mike Sweetney had a chance to draw the Knicks to three, but he missed two free throws and New Jersey took advantage.

New Jersey responded by scoring 10 straight points to increase their lead back to 15 points. Five different New Jersey players scored during the burst with Krstic capping it with a bucket at the 7:20 mark.

The Knicks later drew within five a number of times down the stretch, but couldn’t get any closer.

Jason Kidd continued to struggle with his shooting (4-of-11) and had just three assists but the Nets improved to 7-6 with him in the lineup. They were 4-12 without him. Kidd is shooting just 35 percent this season and is 11-of-49 in his last six games.

Brian Scalabrine was out with a strained left hamstring.

Mew Jersey returns to action on Tuesday against Washington.