NET NOTES

Now they didn’t want to risk exhaustion, injury or late tax returns to get it – and some claim it doesn’t matter (wink, wink) – but the Nets definitely would not be opposed to recording the second 50-victory season in the team’s franchise history.

They had a chance last night as they hosted the Celtics.

“It’s always nice to get 50, definitely. That’s what people [point to]. Those are the good teams, the teams with 50 wins. That’s the way it’s been ever since I’ve been in the league,” said Cliff Robinson, who entered the league with a 59-win team in Portland and saw 50-win seasons in Phoenix and Detroit.

“I’ve done it a few times, but I don’t know how many of these guys have. It would be nice for the team, nice for the guys who haven’t done it before,” Robinson said.

Jason Kidd, Richard Jefferson and Jason Collins are the holdovers from the Nets’ 2001-02 52-victory season.

“We’d like to accomplish it, but at the same time we want to rest guys and it’s not worth risking injuries over, in my opinion,” said Vince Carter.

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Yes, the Knicks still are more popular – but the Nets are gaining.

According to merchandizing stats released by the league, the Nets rank 10th in terms of team products sold at the NBA Store and at the NBA site on-line. The Knicks rate second, behind the Lakers.

Individually, the Nets landed two players in the top 20. Vince Carter apparel is the ninth-best seller, while Jason Kidd was 19th. For the Knicks, Stephon Marbury was fifth. The top four: Miami’s Dwyane Wade, Cleveland’s LeBron James, Philadelphia’s Allen Iverson and the Lakers’ Kobe Bryant.

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The Nets are looking only at their first round matchup, although Boston coach Doc Rivers pretty much has New Jersey in the second round. And Rivers said the Nets in that second round could – not will, but could – upset the Heat if the bench comes through.

“Their bench will be the key,” said Rivers. “The bench for them is really important. You won’t see a lot of the bench because it’s the playoffs. But you will see some of it. But they could upset Miami. I don’t pick them to upset them, but if they did it wouldn’t be a shock to me at all.”