NBA Playoffs: Nets Rebound to Take Game 3, 96-85

Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson, scored 23 points each for the Nets.

Salem-News.com SPORTS

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - The Nets protected their home court by protecting the glass.

After being outrebounded by 14 and 17 in Games 1 and 2, respectively, New Jersey hit the boards hard, collecting 43 caroms to the Cavs' 30 in a 96-85 Game 3 win on Saturday that cut its series deficit to 2-1.

Jason Kidd led the way with 13 rebounds, 14 assists and 23 points for his 11th career playoff triple-double, which moved him ahead of Larry Bird for second place on the all-time list. Magic Johnson has a record 30 playoff triple-dips.

The other members of the Nets' big three, Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson, also scored 23 points each and Mikki Moore added 11 points.

Larry Hughes paced four players in double figures for Cleveland with 23 points, and LeBron James scored 18 points on 5-for-16 shooting to go along with six rebounds and 12 assists.

The Nets will look to knot the series at two games apiece when they host the Cavaliers on Monday at 7:00 PM ET on TNT.

Adding comments to these stories has been disabled. View the current sports stories Salem-News Sports