Today in Nets history: Nets retake control of ’02 East Finals

The Celtics mounted another late comeback against the Nets in Game 5 of the 2002 East Finals, but New Jersey found a way to survive.

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:

Both Game 3 and 4 of the 2002 Eastern Conference Finals were tight contests. After New Jersey evened up the series 2-2 with a win in Boston, the Nets managed to maintain the momentum heading into May 29‘s Game 5, which was back at Continental Airlines Arena.

The Nets jumped out to a 15-point lead in front of their home crowd, but things got close again after the Celtics outscored New Jersey by 14 in the third.

This time, the Celtics’ comeback wasn’t enough. The Nets took Game 5 103-92 and with it, the 3-2 advantage in the series (full box score).

Kerry Kittles led with 21 points. Both Kenyon Martin and Keith Van Horn scored 19, with the latter scoring 11 of his points in the fourth quarter.

Jason Kidd had a double-double (18 points and 12 assists), as well as seven steals.