Nets Make Sweep Kidd’s Play

Jason Kidd made a three-point basket with one second left Monday and the sweep already assured -- a little highlight for the Boston Celtics to remember what a great player he is.

As if they needed to be reminded.

The shot finished off the New Jersey Nets’ 110-101 two-overtime victory as they eliminated the Celtics in four games in an Eastern Conference semifinal.

“To come and sweep the Boston Celtics is just history in itself,” Kidd said. “They’ve had so many talented teams.”

But they haven’t won an NBA title since 1986, when they got their 16th, and they were knocked out one round earlier than last year, when they lost to the Nets in a six-game conference final.

Kidd finished with 29 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and words of praise from the opposition.

“Jason Kidd is a great player,” Boston Coach Jim O’Brien said. “He’s the best passer I’ve ever seen in my life.”

Added Eric Williams: “He’s probably the best player going on right now. He takes all 12 of those guys and makes them like superstars.”

Kidd was able to block out the taunts of fans who, for the second consecutive game, yelled “wife beater,” just as they did during last year’s playoff games at Boston.

That was a reference to charges Kidd struck his wife in 2001. The charges were dropped when Kidd underwent anger counseling and paid a fine. Because of the atmosphere at the FleetCenter, Joumana Kidd and their 4-year-old son, T.J., did not attend the games in Boston.

“At the end of the night,” Kidd said, “it’s about basketball.”

The Nets will play in the Eastern Conference finals against Detroit or Philadelphia. That series, tied 2-2, resumes Wednesday night.

New Jersey swept an NBA best-of-seven series for the first time after being swept in seven of them, including last year’s Finals against the Lakers.

It was only the third time Boston was swept, and the first in a seven-game series in 20 years.

Paul Pierce had 27 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists for Boston, and Antoine Walker scored 20 points before fouling out with 3:03 to go in the first overtime.