Wang Zhi-Zhi of China outscored Jason Kidd and sparked the Miami Heat to an 85-64 victory Friday night over the New Jersey Nets, who lost their fifth in a row.

Miami Heat center Wang Zhi-Zhi from China (R) is fouled by New Jersey Nets forward Rodney Rogers, in the second period of NBA action in Miami, Florida, January 23, 2004. [Reuters]

With starting center Brian Grant slowed by a knee bruise, the 7-foot-1 Wang came off the bench in the first half and finished with 11 points in 11 minutes, matching his point total for the season.

Kidd shot 4-for-19 and narrowly missed his seventh triple-double of the season. He had nine points, nine rebounds and eight assists. The Nets, who had won five in a row against Miami, shot just 29 percent.

The victory margin was the Heat's most lopsided this season.

Lamar Odom tied a career high with 18 rebounds and added 12 points and six assists. Eddie Jones led seven Heat players in double figures with 18 points.

The Nets' losing streak is their longest since April 2001. They still lead the Atlantic Division with a 21-20 record at the halfway point in their season.

The latest defeat came hours after the Nets were sold to a Brooklyn developer who wants to move them across the Hudson River. NBA owners must approve the deal.

The Nets' offensive problems started early when they failed to score on eight consecutive possessions. Wang gave the Heat a spark when he entered the game late in the first quarter, scoring seven points, including a 3-pointer, and stealing the ball from Kidd as Miami took a 34-20 lead.

New Jersey shot 24 percent in the first half, including Kidd's 1-for-10, and trailed 41-30 at halftime.

The Nets cut the deficit to 58-54 early in the fourth quarter but got no closer. A three-point play by Odom put Miami ahead 64-54, and two free throws by Udonis Haslem capped an 8-0 run to make it 75-58.

Kenyon Martin scored 16 points to lead New Jersey.

Notes:@ Grant returned to the starting lineup after missing one game with a bruised knee. He failed to score in 21 minutes. ... The Nets came into the game ranked last in the league in rebounding. ... The Heat improved to 12-12 against the Eastern Conference. ... Haslem ranks second among NBA rookies in rebounding.

NBA: Wang Zhizhi finished 11 points in 11 minutes to lead the Miami Heat to an 85-64 victory over the New Jersey Nets. (chinadaily)

Close

Today's Top News		Top Sports News
+Premier pays surprise call on new year eve ( 2004-01-23) +Senior banker calls for wider RMB band ( 2004-01-23) +WHO praises China over SARS, adds word of caution ( 2004-01-23) +EU may lift ban on arms sales to China ( 2004-01-24) +Traffic accident kills 14 in Shanxi ( 2004-01-23)		+Heat defeat Nets 85-64 ( 2004-01-24) +Henin-Hardenne wins at Australian Open ( 2004-01-23) +Mavericks trounce Lakers 106-87 ( 2004-01-23) +Holders Milan go through ( 2004-01-23) +Barca get home defeat ( 2004-01-23)