Fansided

Every NBA team’s greatest playoff moment

By Cody Williams

CHICAGO - JUNE 7: Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls matches up against Karl Malone #32 of the Utah Jazz in Game Three of the 1998 NBA Finals at the United Center on June 5, 1998 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls won 96-54. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1998 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO - JUNE 7: Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls matches up against Karl Malone #32 of the Utah Jazz in Game Three of the 1998 NBA Finals at the United Center on June 5, 1998 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls won 96-54. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1998 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Brooklyn Nets: Kidd punches Finals ticket (2002 Eastern Conference Finals, Game 6)

Since the move to become the Brooklyn Nets, this franchise has been known for their blunders. The trade for Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce failed spectacularly and mortgaged the future in terms of draft capital. Now in the heart of that mortgaged future, the Nets are perennial cellar-dwellers in the standings for the foreseeable future. But once upon a time in a magical land known as New Jersey, that wasn’t the case.

Led by Jason Kidd in his prime, Kenyon Martin and slew of role players, the Nets of the early 2000s were quite phenomenal to watch. They were a stalwart on the defensive end of the floor and Kidd controlled the game better than any point guard in the league. In the 2001-02 season, that was good enough for New Jersey to earn the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. From that position, they were able to make a trip to the Finals, on the back of Kidd when it mattered, of course.

In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Nets fell behind 2-1 to the Boston Celtics in the series. After stealing a road win back and then holding home court in Game 5, they had the advantage back and the opportunity to clinch the series and a Finals berth on the road. Kidd made sure that happened as he put forth a hugely important triple-double with 15 points, 13 assists and 13 rebounds to help guide the Nets to the victory and the Finals berth.

Though the Nets fell short of a title, losing to the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2002 Finals and then the Spurs in 2003, reaching those heights with that roster was a sight to behold. There are many aspects of Kidd’s career to point to in order to quantify his greatness, but moments like his Game 6 triple-double and the overall success of the Nets stick out the most.

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