With the starters playing limited minutes, the Nets didn't have much room for error against the red-hot Heat. With the first team in the game, the Nets were outscored 31-16 in the 3rd quarter, sealing their fate and allowing Miami to rest their own starters as they also get ready for the playoffs. Caron Butler led all scorers with 22 points on 9-15 shooting. The Nets shot just 36% from the field, including 14-42 (33%) in the first half. With the win, and a Milwaukee loss to Toronto, the Heat earned home court in the first round of the playoffs with New Orleans.
- NetsDaily Game Wrap
- Boxscore - NBA.com
- Passive Resistance - Joe - JoeNetsfan
- Heat 96, Nets 84 - Steve Wine - AP
- Discuss It! - BasketballBoards.net
- Next Twist in Nets' Road Is Series Against Knicks - Steve Popper - New York Times
- A playoff payoff - Israel Gutierrez - Miami Herald