EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., March 16 (UPI) -- Rodney Rogers and Richard Jefferson led a first-half barrage Tuesday as New Jersey posted a 94-77 win over Sacramento, which failed to clinch a playoff berth.
New Jersey has lost the last two NBA Finals and had been 13-14 against the powerful Western Conference this season. One of the those losses was a 105-92 defeat at Sacramento on Nov. 30 in which the Kings led by 32 points at halftime.
Rogers scored 16 of his 20 points in the first half and the Jefferson had 12 points in the opening half as the Nets built a 54-35 lead. Rogers scored 13 points in the second quarter, when the Nets led by as many as 28 points.
Jason Kidd handed out 13 assists. New Jersey held a 30-6 advantage in fast-break points and had 32 assists on 39 baskets.
The Kings were held to nine points in the first quarter.
