Nets Are Feeling Pretty Good

In a self-described “barometer game,” the New Jersey Nets showed how much they are rising.

Jason Kidd had his 41st career triple-double, completing it with his 10th rebound after Todd MacCulloch blocked a shot with 10 seconds left as the Nets defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 99-97, Monday night at East Rutherford, N.J.

“I think we measure up pretty good. I think we’re at the top,” Net forward Kenyon Martin said.

MacCulloch rejected a shot by Steve Smith, leading to a 3-on-1 break and a layup by Kerry Kittles for a 99-97 lead with six seconds left. Ex-Net Stephen Jackson missed a three-point shot for the Spurs, and Malik Rose couldn’t convert a short jumper after grabbing the offensive rebound.

Martin jumped atop the scorer’s table as the final buzzer sounded and the Nets had secured their fifth consecutive victory--their longest winning streak in nearly four years.

New Jersey leads the Eastern Conference with a 25-11 record.

“I don’t care what people say. I know we have a great team,” Martin said.

“They can keep doubting us and doubting us, and we’ll be in the playoffs before they know it.

Utah 106, Denver 97--Karl Malone scored 17 of his 26 points in the second half and Bryon Russell added 17 in a reserve role for the Jazz at Salt Lake City.

John Stockton had 14 points as the Jazz won for the eighth time in their last 10 games and extended Denver’s losing streak on the road to 12 games.

Denver is still struggling without All-Star forward Antonio McDyess, out with a torn patella tendon, and Tariq Abdul-Wahad, who is out after arthroscopic surgery on his left knee.

Orlando 113, Dallas 87--Tracy McGrady had 26 points and eight rebounds to lead the Magic at Orlando, Fla.

Reserve Troy Hudson scored 16 of his 21 points in the second quarter as the Magic ended a two-game losing streak.

The Magic put the game away with a 24-5 run at the start of the second half. When McGrady made two free throws with 4:21 left in the quarter, and Darrell Armstrong added another after a technical foul on Tim Hardaway, Orlando led 84-59.

Earlier Monday, Orlando Magic officials formally announced that the franchise is for sale. The Magic, who haven’t convinced local officials of the need for a new arena, claim they are losing about $10 million a year.

Miami 85, Golden State 79--Eddie Jones scored 28 points at Oakland, and the Heat ended a three-game losing streak in a meeting of last-place teams.

Jones was three of 12 from the field in the first half but made a succession of late jumpers for the Heat, who took charge with a 19-4 run in the fourth quarter that turned a six-point deficit into a comfortable lead.

The Warriors lost their seventh in a row.