After Kidd hit the four jumpers, he took a long outlet from Rodney Rogers for a breakaway layup, drawing a foul on the play.
The Pistons entered this series with the reputation as the best defensive team in the NBA with a trapping, pressure-filled style that melted the greatest of offensive powers.
"We knew our backs were against the wall, and if they came in and split, then they would control the series," Kidd said.
On this night, it was the Nets who were forcing a frazzled opponent into turnovers and technical fouls. In a span of less than two minutes during the second quarter, the Pistons turned the ball over six times in seven possessions, including four times on consecutive steals. Just as they had in Game 1, the Nets jumped out with a fast-breaking burst, opening a 10-2 lead, hitting five of their first six shots. Wallace was called for a loose ball foul on just the second possession of the game for Detroit and picked up his second foul of the quarter with 2 minutes 54 seconds remaining. The Nets ran past the Pistons on the break and stretched their lead to as many as 11 points, but even with Wallace limping through plantar fasciitis and Billups receiving electric stimulation treatment on his back during the game, the Nets managed to build only a 47-40 lead at the half.
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