New Jersey Nets Team Report - December 12

(Basketball News) - Richard Jefferson and Travis Best each scored 21 points to lead New Jersey to a 95-90 win over Atlanta at Philips Arena.

Jefferson, who also hauled in eight rebounds, came alive in the fourth as he scored 14 points in the final period for the Nets, who have won four of their last five games. Eric Williams chipped in 20 points in the win.

New Jersey led 64-60 after three quarters and quickly extended the margin to nine on Nenad Krstic’s basket with around nine minutes left. The lead grew to 10 points moments later, but Boris Diaw’s three-pointer with 4:45 left trimmed the gap to 81-74.

Antoine Walker’s basket with 2:40 remaining brought Atlanta within 86-80 and the Hawks were able to close the margin to 90-86 on Tony Delk’s basket with 37 seconds left. Delk had a chance for a three-point play, but missed badly on the free throw as the guard nearly airballed the shot.

Jason Kidd then drained two foul shots to make it a six-point game, but Walker quickly countered with a layup. Kidd was again fouled and the All-Star calmly knocked both in to make it 94-88 with 27.8 seconds left.

Josh Smith’s putback again brought the Hawks within four, and Kidd then made 1-of-2 from the charity stripe to give the Nets a 95-90 lead with 16.9 seconds remaining in the game. Diaw then missed a last-second three-point try to ruin any hopes of an Atlanta comeback.

Alonzo Mourning continued to sit out nursing numerous injuries and there is not timetable for his return.

The Nets return to action on Tuesday when they host the New York Knicks.