EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Sunday's 106-103 defeat against the Los Angeles Lakers was a very tough loss, but I do think the New Jersey Nets found a way to win a game in the NBA Finals.

The Nets can build from this game. They just can't think about winning the series but winning the next game.

First of all, New Jersey's defense was considerably better. The Nets' use of the zone -- even though the Lakers scored 106 points -- seemed to limit the number of entries into Shaquille O'Neal, who had only one field goal in the fourth period.

The zone also energized their offense. They seemed to get into the open court better from it and got some back cuts. They even got a couple of lobs to the basket for the first time in the series.

The Nets also got 19 turnovers, and the Lakers are usually very good with the ball. In the regular season, they turned it over less than 13 times a game. New Jersey has now gotten 16, 16 and 19 turnovers from the Lakers in the series and scored more than 60 points from them. So there are things the Nets can build on. But it is admittedly a very tough defeat.

Kobe Bryant had a lot to do with that, of course. He was dominant and I think it was a matter of time he would bust out. When Shaq was on the bench in the first half, Kobe really stepped up his game. He became much more aggressive with his offense. And then down the stretch, he was the guy who was doing it for the Lakers, making a couple of tough shots.

Robert Horry made another big 3-pointer, and Rick Fox made two free throws late that had to be made. And the Lakers got a contribution from Devean George, who had six points and eight rebounds off the bench. That's the Lakers for you. They know how to win and they're very poised. That's why they are champions.

I think it's a good thing the Nets have two days before they play Game 4. Let them get their rest. Let them get their game organized. If they put their best elements from the game Sunday night into Game 4, they can win.

But the Nets shouldn't think about the series. They should think about one thing only: Winning Game 4.

Dr. Jack Ramsay, a Hall of Fame coach who won an NBA title with Portland in 1977, is an NBA analyst for ESPN.