[2] The team acquired All-Star center and two-time Defensive Player of the Year Alonzo Mourning, who missed all of last season due to his worsening kidney condition.
After a 22–20 start to the season, Byron Scott was fired as head coach and was replaced with Lawrence Frank, as the Nets went on a 14-game winning streak at midseason.
With Frank as interim head coach, the Nets overcame adversity, ending the season with a 47–35 record.
However, Detroit would get revenge this time, and would eventually win the series in seven games, ending the 2003–04 season for the Nets.
Martin and Kidd both represented the Eastern Conference at the 2004 NBA All-Star Game, which was held in Los Angeles.