The Nets started off the series in about the worst way possible, shooting just 27% from the field and scoring just 56 points, as the Pistons rolled to a 22 point victory in Game 1. New Jersey actually started each half off well, but couldn't buy a basket at any other point in the game, as the Pistons defense shut down the lane and forced them to shoot from the outside. Kenyon Martin and Richard Jefferson combined for just 19 points and 8 rebounds, while shooting 5 for 23. Tayshaun Prince had 15 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists for the Pistons.
- Boxscore - NBA.com
- Pistons 78, Nets 56 - Larry Lage - AP
- Nets have no shot - Brad Parks - Star-Ledger
- Nets notebook: Fast break goes by boards - Brad Parks - Star-Ledger
- The bad, the ugly, and the downright awful - Will Weiss - YES Network
- Nets stymied by Pistons' "D' in 78-56 loss - Bob Considine - Asbury Park Press
- Teams combine for lowest-scoring first half in NBA history - AP
- Nets' effort is pointless - Ohm Youngmisuk - New York Daily News
- Motown Stinker - Fred Kerber - New York Post
- 'D' is For Detroit - Marc Berman - New York Post
- Pistons are Huge On Glass - Fred Kerber - New York Post
- Pistons Reject the Nets' Attempts at Offense - Steve Popper - New York Times
- Pistons 78, Nets 56 - Steve Adamek - Bergen Record
- Pistons' tough defense is too much for Nets - Chris McCosky - Detroit News
- Pistons remain wary after blowout - Chris McCosky - Detroit News
- Nets' offense is neutralized - Joanne C. Gerstner - Detroit News
- Pistons' transition game is key - Joanne C. Gerstner - Detroit News
- Nets blame shooting for lopsided loss - Jim Spadafore - Detroit News
- Grading the Pistons - Chris McCosky - Detroit News
- Nets chock-full of holes - Perry A. Farrell - Detroit Free Press
- Bench makes early mark in 2nd round - Perry A. Farrell - Detroit Free Press
- Key Nets can do little with stifling defense - Jemele Hill - Detroit Free Press
- NBA playoff notebook - Mark Francescutti - Detroit Free Press
- The Lowdown - Detroit Free Press
- Forward Futility - Joe & Champagne - JoeNetsfan
- Nets notes - Steve Adamek - Bergen Record