Nets Cooking at Home

The New Jersey Nets are closing in on a franchise record for consecutive home wins, along with a chance for something even more important--homecourt advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Jason Kidd had 17 points, 15 assists and eight rebounds as the Nets defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, 108-84, Friday night at East Rutherford, N.J., for their ninth consecutive home win.

The Nets now have a five-game lead in the Atlantic Division.

Kerry Kittles had 15 of his 21 points during a game-breaking third quarter in which the Nets made six three-point baskets.

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Toronto 94, Cleveland 80--The Raptors won for only the second time in 19 games as Morris Peterson scored 18 points at Cleveland.

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Philadelphia 96, Boston 91--The 76ers overcame the loss of Allen Iverson as Eric Snow and Derrick Coleman combined for 21 second-half points at Boston.

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Charlotte 106, Orlando 92--Jamal Mashburn scored 29 points and the Hornets took advantage of an early back injury to the Magic’s Tracy McGrady at Orlando, Fla., to win their fifth in a row.

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Indiana 104, Miami 94--Jermaine O’Neal scored 21 points and Ron Mercer had 17 to lead the Pacers at Miami.

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Portland 109, Chicago 93--Rasheed Wallace made three three-pointers in the third quarter at Portland, Ore., and finished with 19 points to lead the Trail Blazers.

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Seattle 112, Houston 82--Desmond Mason had 22 points and five assists at Seattle as the SuperSonics shot 65% in the first half to turn the game into an early blowout.