The New Jersey Nets are putting their hand up to be considered a serious contender for the NBA Championship this year, backing up a victory over the league-leading Detroit Pistons with a win against the Pacific Division-leading Phoenix Suns on Monday (US).

The Nets (41-28) won their ninth straight game as Nenad Krstic had 21 points and 10 rebounds in a 110-72 thrashing of the Suns (47-22).

It was Phoenix's lowest points total this season, as they shot a franchise-low 27 per cent for the game on 26-of-97 shooting.

Vince Carter finished with 20 points, Richard Jefferson had 16 and Jason Kidd – who shut down Suns superstar Steve Nash - collected nine and seven assists for the Nets, who moved nine games ahead of Philadelphia atop the Atlantic Division.

Shawn Marion had 17 points and 12 rebounds to pace the Suns, who already have clinched a playoff berth.

Nash, a warm favourite to win the league's MVP award, turned in one of his worst-ever performances as he missed all five of his shots and went scoreless.

"We're fighting every day to be consistent," Kidd told NBA.com.

"Going on the road and beating the best team in the league, and coming home and beating another great team, it was a carry over of the emotion and us coming together as a team."

In other results from the NBA, Miami defeated Indiana 96-91, Utah thrashed New Orleans 104-80 and Washington (116) was too strong for Golden State (98).

NBA Results, March 27 (US)
Suns 72 Nets 110
Pacers 91 Heat 96
Hornets 80 Jazz 104
Wizards 116 Warriors 98