By InsideHoops.com

NETS BRIEFING, MARCH 28, 2002

The Nets needed last night's win against the 76ers. The road has not been nice for New Jersey in recent times, and beating an opponent that they could meet in the playoffs was important.

New Jersey struggled in the first quarter, but steadily came back, and pulled off the win. They missed 20 of 25 first quarter shots, and scoring a pathetic 10 points - easily a season low. They were saved by Philly not faring much better, scoring just 16. A 19-1 run later on helped the Nets, and they eventually pulled off the win.

Philly is without Allen Iverson, however, so, from the Nets standpoint, this game should be a win, even if it was on the road.

Kenyon Martin, serving yet another suspension due to an excessive flagrant foul count, was out. Richard Jefferson started in his place. Kenyon returns on Saturday.

Detroit's visit to New Jersey on April 16th has been added to TNT's television schedule. A wise move. With the Pistons rolling, the game is crucial and will be a key test for both teams. A must-watch, for sure.

KNICKS BRIEFING, MARCH 28, 2002

Finally, a positive story in New York. Lavor Postell, after talking trash about how good he is, backed it up. On Monday, Postell declared that he's as good as all-star teammates Latrell Sprewell and Allan Houston. Last night, he showed some game, scoring 20 points in just 22 minutes, helping the Knicks beat the very tough (but weary from the road) Detroit Pistons, in Detroit.

Most who heard what Postell said considered his words fairly ridiculous.

Not only did Postell score, but he hit a key three-pointer with 1:04 left in the game that gave the Knicks a 7-point lead, essentially clinching the game.

Allan Houston is still out, due to a bad ankle. The team needed someone to step up. Actually, every night, this team needs everyone to step up. But that it turned out to be Postell was fairly shocking. And cool. A rare treat for Knicks fans searching for something to smile about.

Postell's previous career high was 10 points.

The team loved it. They laughed, they cheered. It was a good time.

Allan Houston is still limping around, and should at least miss the rest of this week.