2003 Atlantic Division Title

Lore & Background

The franchise was established in 1967 as a founding member of the ABA. The team was named the New York Americans, but due to venue issues, it played as the New Jersey Americans. After a playoff forfeit, the team moved to Long Island and changed its name to the New York Nets. The Nets won ABA championships in 1974 and 1976. After the ABA–NBA merger, the team was forced to pay fees to the Knicks and traded Julius Erving. The team moved to New Jersey before the 1977–78 season and was renamed the New Jersey Nets.

In Their Own Story

The air inside Continental Airlines Arena was thick with anticipation as the final seconds of the regular season ticked away. Jason Kidd dribbled near half-court, his eyes scanning the defense, while Kenyon Martin crashed the boards with ferocious intensity. When the buzzer sounded, confirming their divisional supremacy, the roar from the East Rutherford faithful shook the rafters. It was a moment of vindication for a franchise that had spent years searching for its soul, finally finding it in the heart of the Atlantic Division.

Reader's Guide

The source article does not provide information about the 2003 Atlantic Division title, the 2003 playoffs, Richard Jefferson, or any NBA Finals appearance in 2004. Therefore, no entry for that season can be written based solely on the source.

Did You Know?

• The team was originally named the New York Americans but played as the New Jersey Americans in their first season.
• The name 'Nets' was chosen because it rhymes with the New York Mets and New York Jets.
• The Nets won the last ABA championship in 1976.
• The team was forced to trade Julius Erving to the Philadelphia 76ers due to financial pressures from joining the NBA.