New Jersey's Richard Jefferson went from being a happy member of a winning team to aggressively defending his word about a half hour after the Nets' 76-74 victory over the Pistons in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals on Sunday at The Palace.

Jefferson was asked whether he believed the Pistons are the most overrated team in the NBA, as Jefferson has been quoted as saying?

"When did I say that?" he asked. "Where did that quote come from? I find it curious that it comes out the day before we play the Pistons. They are trying to get bulletin-board material before the series. No one brought that up during the Boston series but now it comes out. I find that curious."