The 2002-03 New Jersey Nets had an impressive NBA season, finishing with a 49-33 record, which was good enough to secure the second seed in the Eastern Conference. Under the leadership of head coach Byron Scott, the team was anchored by point guard Jason Kidd, who averaged 18.7 points, 8.9 assists, and 6.3 rebounds per game. The Nets excelled defensively, allowing the fewest points per game in the league.
In the playoffs, the Nets dominated their Eastern Conference opponents. They swept the Boston Celtics in the second round and defeated the Detroit Pistons in the Conference Finals, advancing to the NBA Finals for the second consecutive year. However, they were ultimately defeated by the San Antonio Spurs in six games. Despite falling short of the championship, the season was a testament to the Nets’ strong team chemistry and strategic play.
- Regular Season Record: 49-33
- Playoff Result: Eastern Conference First Round: 4-2, Eastern Conference Semifinals: 4-0, Eastern Conference Finals: 4-0, NBA Finals: 2-4
New Jersey Nets Roster and Stats for 2002-03 Season
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
| Jason Kidd | 80 | 18.7 | 6.3 | 8.9 | 2.2 | 0.3 | 34.1 | 20 | 20.1 | 7.7 | 8.1 | 1.8 | 0.2 | 32.7 |
| Kenyon Martin | 77 | 16.7 | 8.3 | 2.4 | 1.3 | 0.9 | 20.9 | 20 | 18.9 | 9.4 | 2.8 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 9.1 |
| Richard Jefferson | 80 | 15.5 | 6.4 | 2.5 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 25.0 | 20 | 14.1 | 6.3 | 2.3 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 0.0 |
| Kerry Kittles | 65 | 13.0 | 3.9 | 2.6 | 1.6 | 0.5 | 35.6 | 20 | 10.8 | 3.5 | 2.0 | 1.5 | 0.3 | 41.3 |
| Lucious Harris | 77 | 10.3 | 3.0 | 2.0 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 34.6 | 20 | 7.8 | 2.6 | 1.6 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 33.3 |
| Rodney Rogers | 68 | 7.0 | 3.9 | 1.6 | 0.7 | 0.5 | 33.3 | 20 | 6.7 | 2.8 | 1.4 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 40.5 |
| Aaron Williams | 81 | 6.2 | 4.1 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 19 | 6.5 | 4.6 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 0.9 | 0.0 |
| Dikembe Mutombo | 24 | 5.8 | 6.4 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 1.5 | 0.0 | 10 | 1.8 | 2.7 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 0.9 | 0.0 |
| Jason Collins | 81 | 5.7 | 4.5 | 1.1 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 20 | 5.8 | 6.3 | 0.9 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.0 |
| Anthony Johnson | 66 | 4.1 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 37.1 | 17 | 2.5 | 0.7 | 1.1 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 50.0 |
| Brian Scalabrine | 59 | 3.1 | 2.4 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 35.9 | 7 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Tamar Slay | 36 | 2.6 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 28.0 | 6 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 100.0 |
| Brandon Armstrong | 17 | 1.4 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 16.7 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Chris Childs | 12 | 1.3 | 0.4 | 1.3 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 16.7 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Donny Marshall | 3 | 0.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
New Jersey Nets in the 2003 NBA Playoffs
Playoffs First Round vs. New Jersey Nets
In the first round of the 2003 NBA Playoffs, the New Jersey Nets swept the Milwaukee Bucks in a dominant 4-0 series victory. Led by Jason Kidd's stellar playmaking and leadership, the Nets showcased their defensive prowess and efficient offense, setting the tone for their eventual run to the NBA Finals. The series highlighted the team's depth and chemistry, pivotal in their success that postseason.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 19, 2003 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 109-96 | |
| Apr 22, 2003 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 88-85 | |
| Apr 24, 2003 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 103-101 | |
| Apr 26, 2003 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | L 119-114 | |
| Apr 29, 2003 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 89-82 | |
| May 01, 2003 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 113-101 |
Playoffs Second Round vs. New Jersey Nets
The New Jersey Nets displayed their dominance in the second round of the 2003 NBA Playoffs by sweeping the Boston Celtics in four games. Led by Jason Kidd's masterful playmaking and relentless defense, the Nets showcased their depth and cohesion, effectively neutralizing Paul Pierce and the Celtics' offensive threats. This commanding performance propelled them to the Eastern Conference Finals, underscoring their status as a formidable contender for the title.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 05, 2003 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 97-93 | |
| May 07, 2003 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 104-95 | |
| May 09, 2003 | @ Boston Celtics | W 94-76 | |
| May 12, 2003 | @ Boston Celtics | W 110-101 |
2003 Conference Championship vs. Detroit Pistons
In the 2003 NBA Playoffs, the New Jersey Nets showcased their dominance in the Eastern Conference Finals by sweeping the Detroit Pistons in a decisive four-game series. Led by Jason Kidd's exceptional playmaking and leadership, the Nets demonstrated a potent combination of offensive firepower and defensive tenacity. This victory propelled them to their second consecutive NBA Finals appearance, underlining their status as a powerhouse in the East during the early 2000s.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 18, 2003 | @ Detroit Pistons | W 76-74 | |
| May 20, 2003 | @ Detroit Pistons | W 88-86 | |
| May 22, 2003 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 97-85 | |
| May 24, 2003 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 102-82 |
2003 NBA Finals vs. San Antonio Spurs
In the 2003 NBA Finals, the New Jersey Nets faced off against the San Antonio Spurs, marking their second consecutive appearance in the championship round. Despite the dynamic play of Jason Kidd and Kenyon Martin, the Nets struggled against the Spurs' formidable defense and the dominance of Tim Duncan, ultimately losing the series in six games. This series underscored the Nets' need for greater depth and experience to compete at the highest level.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 04, 2003 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 101-89 | |
| Jun 06, 2003 | @ San Antonio Spurs | W 87-85 | |
| Jun 08, 2003 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 84-79 | |
| Jun 11, 2003 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 77-76 | |
| Jun 13, 2003 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 93-83 | |
| Jun 15, 2003 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 88-77 |
New Jersey Nets 2002-03 Regular Season Game Log
Here is the game log for the 2002-03 season for the New Jersey Nets.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 30, 2002 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 105-94 | |
| Nov 01, 2002 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 102-91 | |
| Nov 02, 2002 | @ Washington Wizards | W 87-79 | |
| Nov 04, 2002 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 106-82 | |
| Nov 06, 2002 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | L 99-93 | |
| Nov 08, 2002 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 106-92 | |
| Nov 09, 2002 | @ Chicago Bulls | L 100-93 | |
| Nov 13, 2002 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 91-82 | |
| Nov 15, 2002 | @ Miami Heat | W 93-84 | |
| Nov 16, 2002 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 96-88 | |
| Nov 18, 2002 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 99-79 | |
| Nov 20, 2002 | @ Boston Celtics | L 96-79 | |
| Nov 22, 2002 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 120-79 | |
| Nov 23, 2002 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | W 96-82 | |
| Nov 27, 2002 | @ Phoenix Suns | L 82-75 | |
| Nov 28, 2002 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | L 126-118 | |
| Nov 30, 2002 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | W 93-86 | |
| Dec 01, 2002 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 96-95 | |
| Dec 03, 2002 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 87-72 | |
| Dec 07, 2002 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 121-88 | |
| Dec 09, 2002 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 106-93 | |
| Dec 11, 2002 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 105-104 | |
| Dec 13, 2002 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 79-65 | |
| Dec 15, 2002 | @ Detroit Pistons | L 101-91 | |
| Dec 17, 2002 | @ New York Knicks | L 101-99 | |
| Dec 19, 2002 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 98-71 | |
| Dec 21, 2002 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 100-92 | |
| Dec 23, 2002 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 99-83 | |
| Dec 25, 2002 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 117-81 | |
| Dec 27, 2002 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 110-90 | |
| Dec 28, 2002 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 104-96 | |
| Dec 30, 2002 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 102-88 | |
| Jan 03, 2003 | @ Miami Heat | W 100-80 | |
| Jan 04, 2003 | @ Orlando Magic | W 88-83 | |
| Jan 06, 2003 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W 101-94 | |
| Jan 09, 2003 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 118-82 | |
| Jan 10, 2003 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 94-79 | |
| Jan 15, 2003 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | L 108-107 | |
| Jan 17, 2003 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 88-77 | |
| Jan 20, 2003 | @ Utah Jazz | L 106-103 | |
| Jan 21, 2003 | @ Sacramento Kings | L 109-102 | |
| Jan 23, 2003 | @ Golden State Warriors | L 105-97 | |
| Jan 24, 2003 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | W 89-83 | |
| Jan 27, 2003 | @ Denver Nuggets | W 92-66 | |
| Jan 29, 2003 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 86-78 | |
| Jan 31, 2003 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 89-72 | |
| Feb 01, 2003 | @ Detroit Pistons | L 106-84 | |
| Feb 03, 2003 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 109-108 | |
| Feb 05, 2003 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 111-85 | |
| Feb 11, 2003 | @ Orlando Magic | L 92-83 | |
| Feb 12, 2003 | @ Memphis Grizzlies | L 97-90 | |
| Feb 14, 2003 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 90-72 | |
| Feb 16, 2003 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 90-83 | |
| Feb 18, 2003 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 84-79 | |
| Feb 20, 2003 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 98-91 | |
| Feb 21, 2003 | @ Washington Wizards | L 89-86 | |
| Feb 23, 2003 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 113-105 | |
| Feb 25, 2003 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | L 93-90 | |
| Feb 26, 2003 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 105-76 | |
| Mar 02, 2003 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 91-90 | |
| Mar 04, 2003 | @ Dallas Mavericks | L 88-79 | |
| Mar 06, 2003 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 92-78 | |
| Mar 08, 2003 | @ Houston Rockets | L 83-71 | |
| Mar 09, 2003 | @ New Orleans Hornets | W 102-92 | |
| Mar 13, 2003 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 90-75 | |
| Mar 16, 2003 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 92-87 | |
| Mar 18, 2003 | @ Boston Celtics | W 87-74 | |
| Mar 19, 2003 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 104-85 | |
| Mar 22, 2003 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 107-99 | |
| Mar 23, 2003 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | L 93-88 | |
| Mar 26, 2003 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 101-95 | |
| Mar 28, 2003 | @ New York Knicks | W 122-101 | |
| Mar 29, 2003 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 109-97 | |
| Mar 31, 2003 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 110-86 | |
| Apr 02, 2003 | @ New Orleans Hornets | L 106-97 | |
| Apr 04, 2003 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 99-83 | |
| Apr 06, 2003 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 96-87 | |
| Apr 09, 2003 | @ Atlanta Hawks | L 97-92 | |
| Apr 11, 2003 | @ Chicago Bulls | L 95-86 | |
| Apr 12, 2003 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 94-86 | |
| Apr 14, 2003 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 87-74 | |
| Apr 16, 2003 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 90-83 |