Healthy Jefferson could help Nets compete

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. --Richard Jefferson and the New Jersey Nets are different heading into this year's postseason matchup with the Miami Heat.

Jefferson is healthy and teaming with Vince Carter to give the Nets a difficult tandem to defend. The Nets didn't just slip into the playoffs this year. Jefferson and New Jersey have something to prove after being swept by Miami in an opening-round series a year ago.

"We never like to get swept, obviously," Jefferson said Saturday after the Nets practiced for their Eastern Conference semifinal opener in Miami on Monday. "You never like to lose, period. They were a dominant team, a dominant team. We were coming in after just squeaking into the playoffs. They were dominant all year long, from beginning to end. We were overmatched."

While Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade were too tough for the Nets a year ago, New Jersey also was hurt by Jefferson's health.

The shooting forward missed the final 49 games of the regular season with a ruptured ligament in his left wrist that had to be surgically repaired. He wasn't given clearance to play until just days before the start of the postseason. He basically didn't practice before Game 1.

Playing at what he called 75-to-80 percent, Jefferson still averaged 15.8 points coming off the bench for all but the final game.

"The fact he was able to do what he did is nothing short of unbelievable," Nets coach Lawrence Frank said. "To be quite frank and no pun intended, I was tentative and I said 'Richard maybe we'll play you a minute.' He's played like 40 minutes (actually an average of 35). So it just shows you the will and character and type of athlete he is."

Not only is Jefferson healthy and playing extremely well now, but center Nenad Krstic is improving. He was outstanding in New Jersey's first-round win over Indiana in six games.

New Jersey also has some confidence after winning three of four from the Heat in the regular season.

Vince Carter led the way, averaging 38.5 points. Jefferson averaged 17.5 points.

"I think they feed off each other very well," Heat guard Gary Payton said of the Carter-Jefferson tandem. "Both of them have that athletic ability to get to the bucket, they raise up, both of them have a jump shot that's going on right now."

Jefferson averaged 25.3 points and Carter averaged 28.7 as the Nets won the final three games against the Pacers.

"Richard is feeding off Vince a little bit more right now because he has the ball a lot more than Richard," Payton added. "I think Richard is always looking for the lobs, to get out on the fast break, and when he gets his calls he gets more aggressive."

Jefferson isn't sure how the Heat will defend him. Miami could alternate Antoine Walker, James Posey and Dwyane Wade against him or even use forward Udonis Haslem.

"We do have a job to do regardless who it is," Jefferson said. "It might be tougher going against a Dwyane Wade than going against a Freddy Jones (Indiana). But we've gone against them before and we have a lot of respect for that team. It's a matter of us doing what we need to do and not worrying about the specific matchups."

A healthy Jefferson also gives New Jersey a very athletic player on the defensive end. He came up with a huge block against Jermaine O'Neal late in the fourth quarter of Game 6 with New Jersey clinging to the lead.

"Richard has been such a vital part of our team," Frank said. "We've said it time and time again, he's sacrificed as much if not more than anyone on our team, for the good of the team."

Notes:@ Wade said he's still ailing from the bruised hip he suffered in Game 5 against Chicago, and only participated in Saturday's practice on a limited basis. ... Miami coach Pat Riley said he's not sure of his Game 1 starting lineup for the New Jersey series. Shaquille O'Neal, Wade and Jason Williams all will start if healthy, but it's still unknown which two of the forward trio of Haslem, Posey and Walker will be on the court for tip-off. ... Heat C Alonzo Mourning said he's recovered from the torn calf muscle and expects to be back at regular strength for this series. ... Nets F Jason Collins got six stitches in the Indiana series, three in his lip in Game 6 and three in his chin in Game 2. "I told him the best thing about his lip is that Shaq can't do anything worse to it," Jefferson said.

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AP Sports Writer Tim Reynolds in Miami contributed to this report.