Nets Make Sure Debut a Winner for Coach

Richard Jefferson and the New Jersey Nets made Lawrence Frank’s first game as interim coach a success.

Jefferson had 30 points to lead the Nets to a 94-76 victory over the 76ers on Tuesday night at Philadelphia.

“It’s step one. Let’s get back to playing Nets basketball,” said Frank, the 33-year-old former assistant promoted to interim coach after Byron Scott was fired Monday.

The Nets opened with a 26-6 run, getting easy alley-oops, reverse layups and fastbreak dunks off 11 first-quarter turnovers by the 76ers, playing without Allen Iverson, who has a sprained right index finger.

The Nets had 17 assists on their 18 first-half field goals and finished with 29 assists on 33 baskets.

Meanwhile, 76er forward Glenn Robinson scored only seven points on two-for-seven shooting in 18 minutes, then complained about getting pulled for good early in the fourth quarter.

“I’m trying my best to stay professional about it, but it’s tough,” Robinson said.

San Antonio 77, New York 67 -- Charlie Ward returned to Madison Square Garden and put the Spurs ahead for good with a three-point basket early in the fourth quarter.

Tim Duncan had 30 points and 19 rebounds as the Spurs held the Knicks to a season-low point total.

Stephon Marbury had 19 points and eight assists for the Knicks, who received little elsewhere.

A Knick for 9 1/2 seasons, Ward was traded to Phoenix, released and then signed by the Spurs this month.

Dallas 118, Seattle 116 -- Antoine Walker made a 20-footer at the buzzer at Seattle, lifting the Mavericks to their ninth victory in a row.

Dirk Nowitzki scored a career-high 43 points, keeping the Mavericks close with a 16-of-22 shooting performance that included a career-high eight three-pointers.

Rashard Lewis scored 30 points to lead Seattle.

Phoenix 89, Atlanta 85 -- Shawn Marion scored 11 of his 22 points during a 22-4 third-quarter run at Atlanta to help the Suns end a three-game losing streak. Stephen Jackson led Atlanta with 19 points.