Fred Kerber of the New York Post reports that the Nets took advantage of a nationwide television audience to exact some revenge against the Celtics. New Jersey dominated Boston in every conceivable way to demolish the Celtics 117-81 in ABC?s first NBA telecast in 30 years.

The Nets used the win to help heal the wounds of a 96-79 beating they took in Boston on Nov. 20. It was also a way of sending a message to anyone who may have thought that Boston was the better team in last year?s conference finals.

"I do think they're in denial," Nets? coach Byron Scott said before the game. "Last year, they felt we weren't the better team when we beat them. Obviously, we felt we were. I think that there are a bunch of guys over there, especially Pierce and Walker, who feel that we weren't really worthy of being in the Finals."

Boston coach Jim O'Brien waved off the notion, noting, "They beat us, they went to the Finals, that is all that needs to be said."