New Jersey Nets Team Report - March 28

(Basketball News) - The New Jersey Nets suffered their second straight loss on Saturday, as they were edged 107-104 by rookie phenom LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Gund Arena.

Richard Jefferson scored a season-high 35 points for the Nets, who continued to play without guard Jason Kidd (left knee bone bruise) and forward Kenyon Martin (left knee tendinitis). Kidd is on the injured list and could miss the rest of the regular season, while it is unknown when Martin will be back.

The Nets, who blew a nine-point lead to the Cavs with 7 1/2 minutes to play, have dropped five of six and six of their last eight games, but are still seven games ahead of Miami for the Atlantic lead. New Jersey is almost assured the second slot in the East, as it trails conference leader Indiana by 11 contests.

New Jersey, which will host the Boston Celtics on Monday, has dropped five of six and six of its last eight on the road and slipped to 18-19 away from home this season.

The Nets have lost two straight at home but are 12-3 in the Garden State over the last 15 games and 24-11 there on the season.

New Jersey has won two of three from the Celtics this season, but has lost 12 of the last 19 matchups, including three straight and seven of the past 11 as the hosts.