EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — In a self-described "barometer game," the New Jersey Nets showed how much they are rising.
Jason Kidd had his 41st career triple-double, completing it with his 10th rebound after Todd MacCulloch blocked a shot with 10 seconds left as the Nets defeated the San Antonio Spurs 99-97 Monday night.
"I think we measure up pretty good. I think we're at the top," Nets forward Kenyon Martin said.
MacCulloch rejected a shot by Steve Smith, leading to a 3-on-1 break and a layup by Kerry Kittles for a 99-97 lead with 6 seconds left. Ex-Net Stephen Jackson missed a three-pointer for the Spurs, and Malik Rose couldn't convert a short jumper after grabbing the offensive rebound.
Martin jumped atop the scorer's table as the final buzzer sounded and the Nets had secured their fifth straight victory matching their longest winning streak of the season.
New Jersey leads the Eastern Conference with a 25-11 record.
"I don't care what people say. I know we have a great team," Martin said. "They can keep doubting us and doubting us, and we'll be in the playoffs before they know it.
Kidd had 16 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds for his third triple-double of the season. Kerry Kittles had 22 points, MacCulloch had 18 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks, and Martin scored 17 for the Nets, who outrebounded the Spurs 45-31.
Tim Duncan led San Antonio with 27 points.
Nets coach Byron Scott had called it a "barometer game," in part because the Nets had played only two of the best teams from the West beating Minnesota in overtime at home and losing on the road at Sacramento.
"It means a little bit more. We already know we're one of the best teams in the East," Scott said. "But how do we gauge against these other teams, especially the powerhouses in the West and there's five of them? This gives us a chance to see where we are and how far we've come."
Lakers 120, Grizzlies 81
Los Angeles Kobe Bryant made certain the two-time defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers wouldn't miss suspended standout Shaquille O'Neal.
Bryant, playing with O'Neal's No. 34 scrawled in black ink on the side of both shoes, scored a career-high 56 points most in an NBA game this season despite sitting out the fourth quarter as the Lakers routed Memphis.
Bryant's previous career high was 51 points at Golden State on Dec. 5, 2000, and the previous NBA best this season was 53 by San Antonio's Tim Duncan in a 126-123 overtime loss to Dallas on Dec. 26.
Bryant made 21 of 34 shots, including 3-for-6 from three-point range, and 11 of 12 free throws while playing 34 minutes. He also had five rebounds and four assists.
Bryant probably could have challenged the franchise-record 71 points scored by Elgin Baylor more than 40 years ago had it not been so one-sided; it was 98-59 entering the fourth quarter.
Magic 113, Mavericks 87
Orlando, Fla. Tracy McGrady had 26 points and eight rebounds in three quarters, leading Orlando past Dallas. Reserve Troy Hudson scored 16 of his 21 points in the second quarter.
Jazz 106, Nuggets 97
Salt Lake City Karl Malone scored 17 of his 26 points in the second half and Bryon Russell added 17 in a reserve role as Utah beat Denver.
Heat 85, Warriors 79
Oakland, Calif. Eddie Jones scored 28 points and Alonzo Mourning added 15 as Miami snapped a three-game losing streak in a meeting of last-place teams.
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