- Nets 100, Warriors 95: With three minutes to go in this game, the Izod Center sounded like a morgue, and the Nets appeared on their way to a disheartening loss. A 14-point lead had turned into a one-point deficit. Careless passes led to easy Warriors baskets. But the Nets win consecutive games around major holidays -- remember that winning streak over Thanksgiving? Because of that, the Warriors wouldn't score again.
Or maybe it was because New Jersey reverted to its stingy defense and careful tempo management that got them their large lead. Jason Kidd had a triple double, but Richard Jefferson and Vince Carter stole the show at the end. Carter's 3-pointer, on a pass from Jefferson out of a double team, turned the deficit into a lead they wouldn't give up. So strange to hear vocal fan support in the Meadowlands, where the Nets are only 6-10.
- Islanders 3, Capitals 2 (OT): The Nets aren't the only local team putting up consecutive wins for the first time in a month. Richard Park lit the lamp 3:43 into overtime as the Islanders downed the Capitlas at home. That's the first time since Nov. 16-19 the Isles won back-to-back games.
Photograph of the Nets' Richard Jefferson, left, and Malik Allen scrambling for a ball with Vince Carter and Jason Kidd in the background by Bill Kostroun/AP
