May 15, 2002: Jason Kidd's alley oop to Kenyon Martin puts the finishing touches on New Jersey's 103-95 win over the Charlotte Hornets in Game 5 of the ECSF.
Kidd had 23 PTS/13 AST/7 REB/5 STL and Martin had 14 PTS/8 REB as the Nets advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Sitting down with 2x ABA All-Star & ‘73 ROTY Brian Taylor to relive the wild 22-point comeback that brought home the 1976 ABA title 🏆
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The championship series was the final one in the ABA’s history, as the Nets, along with the Nuggets, Spurs, and Indiana Pacers, joined the NBA the following season.
Behind the hot shooting of "Super" John Williamson and lockdown defense, the Nets outscored the Nuggets 34–14 in the fourth quarter to come back and secure their second ABA title in three years.
The home teams held serve for the next four games, setting up a series-clinching Game 6 at home for the Nets. However, the Nets fell behind by 22 points midway through the third quarter.
Dr. J made a statement in Game 1 of the Finals, draining a game-winner as time expired to beat the Nuggets in Denver 120–118 and steal home court.
The buzzer-beater capped off a 45-point, 12-rebound performance by @JuliusErving.
The series was a heated one, highlighted by a memorable brawl in Game 4, and included the final four games of the series being decided by a total of 12 points.
The Nets entered the Finals after a wild seven-game series win over San Antonio that pitted standouts of the 1974 Nets title team, Larry Kenon and Billy Paultz, against their former teammates.
Behind Playoffs MVP @JuliusErving , the Nets beat the Nuggets 4-2, including a 22-point comeback in the decisive Game 6.
Dr. J averaged a staggering 37.7 points per game, 14.2 rebounds per game, and 5.3 assists per game in the Finals.
Absolutely gutted to hear about the passing of my teammate and friend Jason Collins. A courageous, kind man with a big heart, who lit up every room he stepped in. You will be missed. Rest in peace, Twin 🕊️
This one hurts. Jason Collins was a pioneer. He had courage like you've never seen. He was an incredible teammate. And having him in Brooklyn at the start of my coaching journey meant so much. Those who knew him were blessed to call him a friend. You are already missed my brother. Rest in power. 💔
We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Jason Collins.
Jason spent eight seasons in a Nets uniform, helping define an era of our franchise and playing a vital role on our back-to-back Eastern Conference championship teams in 2002 and 2003. He was a constant in our locker room - selfless, tough, and deeply respected by teammates, coaches, and staff alike.
Those who were around Jason every day knew him not just as a competitor, but as a genuinely kind, thoughtful person who brought people together. His impact extended far beyond the court, and his courage and authenticity helped move the game - and the world - forward.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Jason will always be a part of the Nets family, and he will be deeply missed.