The Nets came back from a 13-point first half deficit, but could not execute down the stretch, falling to the Celtics in the first half of a home-and-home Friday night in Boston. Down nine at the half, the Nets forced nine Celtic turnovers in the third quarter to get back in the game. The teams went back and forth for much of the fourth, but the Nets missed two key free throws down the stretch and Vince Carter missed both a runner in the lane to win it with four seconds to go, and a long three to tie it at the buzzer. Carter and Richard Jefferson combined to shoot just 11 for 33, while Boston shot 51% from the field for the game. Jason Kidd led the Nets with 24 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists, while Clifford Robinson came off the bench for 18 points and 7 boards.
- Boxscore - NBA.com
- Davis Stars Late as Celtics Topple Nets - NBA.com (Ticker)
- Game Highlights (Video) - NBA.com
- Boston 99, New Jersey 96 - AP
- Carter can't lift Nets past Celtics - Colin Stephenson - Star-Ledger
- Kidd's Amazing Shot Goes for Naught in Boston - John Eligon - New York Times
- Nets Refuse Celtics' Gift - Fred Kerber - New York Post
- Nets baked in Beantown - Ohm Youngmisuk - New York Daily News
- Nets unable to overcome poor 1st half - Bob Considine - Asbury Park Press
- Celtics deliver encore - Shira Springer - Boston Globe
- Not exactly free and easy - Shira Springer - Boston Globe
- Celtics seal deal in Round One with Nets: Take win streak into rematch - Mark Murphy - Boston Herald
- Blount and Banks pine for action - Steve Bulpett - Boston Herald
- Perseverance nets Celtics big victory - Shalise Manza Young - Providence Journal
- Celtics Notebook: It's still a big rivalry to fans - Shalise Manza Young - Providence Journal
- Vince Carter Interview (Video) - YES Network
- Lawrence Frank Press Conference (Video) - YES Network
- Jason Kidd Interview (Video) - YES Network
- Photo Gallery: Nets vs. Celtics - Charles Krupa - AP
- Kidd, Nets miss late shot - Al Iannazzone - The Record