The Nets got off to another hot start Thursday night against the Heat, leading by as many as 14 mid-way through the 2nd quarter. Miami closed to within 4 by halftime, and then turned it up in the 3rd, outscoring the Nets 32-17 in the period, and cruising to a 16 point victory. The Nets could not get it done on either end, giving up to 30 point quarter to the Heat, and shooting just 32% (20-62) after the 1st quarter. Vince Carter led the Nets with 27 points, but shot just 7 of 21 from the field. Ron Mercer had a solid game off the bench, scoring 12 points on 6 of 9 shooting.
- Boxscore - NBA
- O’Neal Returns; Heat Roll Past Nets - NBA
- Miami 106, New Jersey 90 - Chris Sheridan - AP
- One Carter Not Enough to Beat Heat - Jason Diamos - New York Times
- Burning A Hole In The Ozone - Joe - JoeNetsfan
- Heat shows Nets aren't in its class - Dave D'Alessandro - Star-Ledger
- Shaq to Nets: You can't hack it - Colin Stephenson - Star-Ledger
- Shaq fouls up the Nets - Al Iannazzone - Bergen Record
- Nets out of Heat’s league - Jon Lane - YES Network
- O'Neal fouls up Nets' plan - Ohm Youngmisuk - New York Daily News
- Weakness inside is out in open - Alan Hahn - New York Newsday
- Shaq attack is back - Alan Hahn - New York Newsday
- Chump Shooting - Fred Kerber - New York Post
- Wade above it all against Nets - Ira Winderman - South Florida Sun-Sentinel
- Victory lets Heat vent some steam - Chris Perkins - Palm Beach Post
- Shaq, Zo provide positive returns - Stephen F. Holder - Miami Herald