Today in Nets history: Nets complete sweep of Pistons in ’03 East Finals

Jason Kidd and Kenyon Martin both had double-doubles in the New Jersey Nets’ 20-point win in Game 4 of the 2003 Eastern Conference Finals.

With the NBA on hiatus and New York continuing its battle against the novel coronavirus outbreak, Brooklyn Nets games will not be played for the foreseeable future.

For the Nets, as much as any team, this comes at an odd time — Brooklyn was battling the Orlando Magic for the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference standings. At the stoppage of play, the Nets had a half-game advantage over the Magic.

Since there aren’t any games, each day Nets Wire will highlight impressive individual performances and major moments throughout Nets history:

The Pistons’ first visit to New Jersey during the 2003 Eastern Conference Finals didn’t go well for Detroit, with the Nets taking a 3-0 series lead into Game 4 on May 24. Things didn’t go any better for the Pistons in what would prove to be the final game of the series.

But the Nets’ night almost didn’t end well, either, despite their decisive 102-82 win (full box score).

Jason Kidd gave New Jersey a scare when he suffered a right ankle sprain, but the point guard powered through in the end to finish with 26 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists and two steals.

“I’m nervous. Our best player’s on the floor,” Nets head coach Byron Scott said after the win. “But I also know he’s one of our toughest players.

“He’s going to be sore for the next three, four days. It’s good this series is over. After he got hurt and came back, for some reason our guys had a lift. He came back in the game and the crowd went crazy, and the guys pretty much fed off that, and we went on an unbelievable run.”

Kenyon Martin also had a double-double (14 points and 10 rebounds). Richard Jefferson (14 points), Jason Collins (10) and Rodney Rogers (10) each finished in double figures, as well.