NBA Frank now 13-0; Nets take streak into Minnesota

New Jersey held off the Raptors to set up tonight's big clash with the 'Wolves.
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -- Lawrence Frank and the New Jersey Nets did what they were supposed to against the undermanned Toronto Raptors. They set up a game NBA fans want to see.
Frank brings his 13-0 coaching record to Minnesota tonight, and New Jersey will take its league-best 14-game winning streak into the showdown against Kevin Garnett and the Midwest Division-leading Timberwolves.
The game easily will be the toughest for New Jersey since Frank replaced Byron Scott as coach of the two-time defending Eastern Conference champions on Jan. 26.
"Everybody's talking like it's Game 7," Nets All-Star point guard Jason Kidd said. "We're getting ahead of ourselves. It's not the playoffs. Minnesota played tonight, we played tonight. Everybody seems to want to make this into a bigger game."
Martin keys win
Kenyon Martin made sure the hype for the game would be strong with a 25-point, 15-rebound effort that led the Nets to an 86-74 win over the Raptors on Tuesday night.
There are many who still question the Nets. Only four of their wins in their franchise-record streak have been against teams with winning records.
"People either like us or don't," forward Richard Jefferson said. "I don't care if you're playing against girls basketball. You win 14 in a row in this league in this day and age ..."
A win over Minnesota would be impressive. The Timberwolves have a 41-16 record after their victory over Milwaukee on Tuesday night. They are 21-7 at home.
"I haven't even thought about Minnesota," said Frank, whose 13 straight wins are a record for major professional sports in North America. "We will not use any crutches. This game is on the schedule, and we are prepared to win."
Sixth loss in row
Despite having Vince Carter, Jalen Rose and Alvin Williams out of the lineup, the Raptors made New Jersey work before falling to a season-high sixth straight loss.
They rallied from a 19-point deficit late in the third quarter and cut New Jersey's lead to 73-68 midway through the fourth quarter.
Frank called two time-outs during the 14-0 run and picked up a technical foul for seemingly mocking the officials for making a call for the Nets.
"They made shots. They got to the basket and they made free throws," Martin said. "They made it a game. They didn't quit playing. We had to buckle back down and get some stops."
Martin hit a set shot to ignite a 10-3 spurt that secured the win and put Frank in the record book for best start by a new coach or manager.