New Jersey Nets Team Report - March 20

(Basketball News) - The shorthanded Nets struggled mightily en route to a 79-65 loss to the New York Knicks on Friday night.

New Jersey sorely missed the presence of its two best players in this one, en route to its lowest scoring output ever against the Knicks. All-Star guard Jason Kidd was placed on the injured list with bone bruise on his left knee, while Kenyon Martin missed the contest with left knee tendinitis.

Richard Jefferson stepped up to score 25 points in his teammates’ absence, while Martin’s replacement, Rodney Rogers, contributed 13 for the Nets, who have dropped three of their last four games.

The Nets activated swingman Tamar Slay from the injured list to take Kidd’s roster spot.

The 65 points for New Jersey was its third-lowest point total this season. Its lowest came on December 13, as it managed only 63 points in a loss to Memphis.

New Jersey has little to worry about in regards to the Atlantic Division, as it owns a commanding 9 1/2-game lead over the New York Knicks. The Nets also trail Indiana by nine contests for the conference lead.

New Jersey will look to get back on the winning track Sunday afternoon, when they host the Dallas Mavericks at Continental Airlines Arena. The Nets fell 106-93 to the Mavericks in Dallas on January 20.