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Nets attempt to remain perfect in division

Dec 9, 2006 - 5:22 PM Boston (5-13) at New Jersey (7-11) 7:30 pm EST

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (Ticker) - The New Jersey Nets try to improve to 4-0 in the weak Atlantic Division when they face the Boston Celtics on Saturday.

The Nets are one-half game ahead of Toronto for the lead in the Atlantic but just two games ahead of the Celtics, whom they have beaten four times in a row.

The Nets and Celtics' last loss both came at the hands of the red-hot Phoenix Suns, who have won nine in a row.

In what very well could be the best regular season game of the year, New Jersey absorbed a 161-157 double-overtime setback Thursday. Jason Kidd tied icon Wilt Chamberlain for third place with 78 career triple-doubles. Kidd finished with a season-high 38 points, 14 rebounds and 14 assists.

Before fouling out in regulation, Vince Carter poured in 31 points and had nine assists, Richard Jefferson added 25 points and rookie Marcus Williams 18 for the Nets, who shot 56 percent (60-of-107) overall.

Boston was handed its fifth straight loss, a 116-111 setback Friday. Paul Pierce netted 36 points and Tony Allen and Ryan Gomes both added 18 for the Celtics, who allowed the Suns to shoot 71 percent (15-of-21) in the closing period.

This opens a three-game road trip for Boston against all division foes.