NEW YORK, Dec. 17 (Ticker) -- A season of highs continued for the New Jersey Nets.

The Nets set a franchise record with 14 3-pointers and took over the top spot in the Eastern Conference in a 114-96 victory over their reeling rivals, the New York Knicks.

Kerry Kittles scored a season-high 27 points and drilled five 3-pointers to lead the long-range attack. New Jersey buried 14-of-24 3-pointers, including seven in the pivotal third period.

NBA.comTV highlights from Nets-Knicks: 56k | 300k Todd Macculloch was one of six Nets to reach double figures. Jesse D. Garrabrant NBAE/Getty Images

At 15-7, the Nets moved one-half game ahead of Boston into sole possession of first place in the Atlantic Division. Detroit's loss to the Los Angeles Clippers gives New Jersey the East's top mark and its best 22-game start since entering the NBA in 1976.

Kenyon Martin scored 21 points and Jason Kidd added 18 and 14 assists for the Nets, who shot 52 percent (38-of-73) and posted a season high in points.