Nets try for special win vs. Pistons

Since entering the NBA in 1976-77, the Nets have posted a 999-1361 mark.

On Monday, Vince Carter scored 25 points and Richard Jefferson netted 24 to propel New Jersey to a 101-92 victory over Denver at the Pepsi Center.

Jason Kidd compiled 13 points and eight rebounds for the Nets, who led from start-to-finish and were up by as many as 22 points in the first half.

New Jersey wrapped up a five-game western road trip with back-to-back wins. The Nets downed the Lakers 102-96 in overtime on Sunday.

Elsewhere on the milestone front, Kidd is 15 assists shy of supplanting current Philadelphia 76ers head coach Maurice Cheeks (7,392) for eighth place on the all-time list.

The Nets, who will close this homestand against the hapless Toronto Raptors on Saturday, are 4-2 in their building this season.

Detroit, meanwhile, has been sensational in the early going and on Saturday Richard Hamilton led a balanced attack with 20 points as the Pistons defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, 85-76, at the Bradley Center.

Chauncey Billups and Tayshaun Prince contributed 17 points each, while Ben Wallace grabbed 18 of the team’s 41 rebounds in the victory.

Rasheed Wallace tallied 15 points for the Pistons, who have won two of their last three games and 10 of 12 to open the season.

Detroit, which will wrap up a two-game road trip tonight, is 6-1 away from home this season.

The Pistons took two of three from the Nets last season and have won five of eight and eight of the last 12 meetings. Detroit has also had success in the Garden State, where it has won seven of 10 and eight of its last 12.