It was the first home game of the preseason for the Nets in the newly named Izod Center, formerly known as the Continental Airlines Arena.
The Nets (2-1) held a 48-47 halftime lead, then blew open the game in the third quarter, outscoring their crossriver rivals 38-25 to take an 86-72 lead. Jefferson had 15 points in the quarter on 5-of-5 shooting from the floor and Carter had 11. The Nets shot a blistering 71 percent from the perimeter in the third quarter.
The Nets received 11 points from center Nenad Krstic, who is recovering from a torn ACL sustained early last season.
"He did much better than I thought he would do," Nets coach Lawrence Frank said. "He made shots and moved well in his first outing. I don't think he could have asked for a better taste than what he got tonight. He was very active out there."
Reserve Malik Allen, signed as a free agent in the offseason, also scored 11 points.
Eddy Curry scored 23 points for the Knicks (2-2) and Jamal Crawford had 22.
Both teams were without their starting point guards -- who were once traded for each other.
Nets All-Star Jason Kidd sat out after straining his lower back in practice Sunday. The team announced that Kidd received an epidural shot earlier in the day to reduce the inflammation and he is expected to return to practice sometime next week, although no official timetable was given for his return. Kidd was not at the game.
The Knicks were without Stephon Marbury. Knicks coach Isiah Thomas said before the game he just wanted to give Marbury the day off.
Knicks guard Allan Houston did not dress for the game. He is attempting a comeback after sitting out the past two seasons; he retired with arthritic knees.
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