But Lopez admitted as farfetched as it is -- and given the Nets' pitiful record it would be tough -- it remains a dream.

"It definitely is," he said.

--G Devin Harris, who already has missed 10 games with a strained groin, gave the Nets a major fright in the third quarter when he was forced to leave and head to the locker room for treatment and X-rays after someone stepped on his hand while he was going for a loose ball.

Harris lost the ball to Brandon Rush but then dove for it. He got up, grimacing and holding his left hand. He returned near the end of the third quarter with his left pinky and ring finger taped. He had suffered a sprained left pinky and X-rays were negative.

"Once the swelling goes down, it'll be fine. I felt like it was dislocated when I did it, that's why we had the quick X-ray, and it swelled up," Harris said.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "There is always redeeming value to everything. But I have to look a little bit harder on this one." -- Interim coach Kiki Vandeweghe, after the Nets were beaten in every area in Indiana Friday.