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Frank can become second-winningest coach in Nets history

Jan 5, 2007 - 2:32 PM Chicago (19-13) at New Jersey (13-18) 7:30 pm EST

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (Ticker) -- New Jersey Nets coach Lawrence Frank is not enjoying a pleasant season. But he can move into sole possession of second place on the franchise's all-time wins list when the Nets host the Chicago Bulls on Friday.

In 3 1/2 seasons, Frank has posted a 129-106 record to equal Kevin Loughery, who was 129-234. Byron Scott is the franchise leader with 149 wins.

After winning his first 13 games with the Nets from January 27-February 24, 2004, Frank has guided New Jersey to three playoff appearances and a pair or Atlantic Division titles.

The Nets again are on top of a mediocre division this season, despite being five games below .500.

Richard Jefferson scored 23 points, Mikki Moore added 20 and Jason Kidd 19 for New Jersey, which shot nearly 53 percent (40-of-76) from the floor in last Saturday's 100-92 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Chicago opened December by winning 10 of 11 games and finished the month with three straight wins before Tuesday's 97-96 loss to the Phoenix Suns.

Ben Gordon made 13-of-25 shots and scored 41 points, Luol Deng added 19 and Andres Nocioni 11 with 12 rebounds for the Bulls, who are 5-10 on the road.