Pistons’ Dream Opener Nightmare for the Nets

Detroit’s defense was so dominant in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, it was almost offensive -- at least to those who believe basketball should be about scoring points.

The New Jersey Nets found out that this year’s series against the Pistons will be nothing like last year’s.

Holding the Nets to the second-lowest point total in NBA playoff history, the Pistons defeated New Jersey, 78-56, Monday night in a game that featured the lowest-scoring first half in a postseason game.

“We wanted to come out and make a statement,” Detroit’s Richard Hamilton said.

The Nets couldn’t come up with an answer, scoring only 25 points in the first half and 39 through three quarters. Only reserve Tamar Slay’s jumper with 42 seconds left allowed New Jersey to avoid tying the lowest playoff total in league history -- 54 points by Utah against Chicago during the 1998 Finals.

“It was almost like we thought we were playing a different game -- where the lowest score wins,” Jason Kidd said.

The loss snapped New Jersey’s streak of 14 consecutive postseason victories against Eastern Conference teams since April 2003. Included was a sweep against the Pistons in the conference finals last season.

“The whole Eastern Conference needed this,” Detroit Coach Larry Brown said. “It’s unbelievable what they have done.”

Tayshaun Price had 15 points and 10 rebounds, Hamilton also scored 15 and Ben Wallace had 13 points, 11 rebounds, four steals and three blocked shots.

New Jersey shot only 27.1% and tied the postseason record for fewest field goals -- 19 -- in what was easily its worst offensive performance of the season.

The teams combined for 62 points as the Pistons held a 37-25 halftime lead. The old record of 63 was reached three times.

Kenyon Martin scored 11 for the Nets, 12 below his playoff average. Richard Jefferson had eight after missing 11 of 12 shots.

Ironically, The Pistons’ league-record streak of holding opponents under 70 points ended at 11 against New Jersey in their last regular-season meeting when the Nets committed an intentional foul to stop the clock with 13.1 seconds left. Aaron Williams then made a tip-in with 1.1 seconds left in an 89-71 loss.