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Nets knock back Celtics once more

The New Jersey Nets' Richard Jefferson, left, gets to the basket ahead of the Boston Celtics' Tony Battie in their contest in Boston, Massachusetts, on Tuesday. The New Jersey Nets beat the Boston Celtics 87-74. PHOTO: REUTERS

Richard Jefferson matched his career-high with 27 points as the New Jersey Nets beat the Boston Celtics for the second time in six days, 87-74 on Tuesday.

Boston missed a chance to move one game behind first-place New Jersey in the Atlantic Division. Philadelphia is in second place.

Paul Pierce led the Celtics with 23 points before spraining his left ankle in the final seven seconds of the third quarter. The injury did not appear serious, and with the Nets holding a big lead, Pierce spent the rest of the game on the bench.

The Nets have won just four of their last 12 games, with two of the victories coming against the Celtics.

Pistons 94, Wizards 90, OT

In Washington, Richard Hamilton damaged his former team's playoff prospects by scoring six of his 16 points in overtime as Detroit beat Washington.

Hamilton, who shot just 4-of-12 in regulation, was 3-of-5 in the extra period, including three straight jumpers that gave the Pistons a four-point lead.

Jerry Stackhouse scored 28 points and Michael Jordan had 23 for the Wizards, who fell back into a tie with Milwaukee for eighth place in the Eastern Conference. They now leave for a six-game West Coast road trip.

76ers 103, Heat 83

In Miami, Allen Iverson scored 32 points as Philadelphia improved to 15-2 since the All-Star break and kept pace with the Nets in the Atlantic Division with a win over Miami.

Timberwolves 96, Grizzlies 80

In Minneapolis, Kevin Garnett made eight consecutive field goals in the second half and finished with 29 points and 19 rebounds as Minnesota ended Memphis' six-game winning streak.

Garnett, who shot just 5-for-15 in first half, was 9-of-11 in the second half as the Wolves beat the Grizzlies for the eighth consecutive time. It was Garnett's 18th consecutive double-double and his NBA-best 59th of the season.

Bulls 103, Hawks 78

In Chicago, Jalen Rose broke out of his scoring slump with 31 points as Chicago snapped a three-game losing streak with a win over Atlanta.

Mavericks 114, Cavaliers 93

In Dallas, Steve Nash came back after a one-point first half and scored 18 during a third-quarter surge as the Dallas Mavericks shook off a lethargic start to win their third straight game.

Dallas improved its league-best record to 51-16, moving within six victories of matching last season's franchise-best total with 15 games remaining.

Knicks 105, Spurs 97

In San Antonio, Allan Houston scored 36 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter, as New York snapped San Antonio's six-game winning streak.

Houston was coming off a 50-point performance in his last game, a victory over the Bucks that kept the Knicks in the playoff picture. He made six 3-pointers to help New York move within two games of Milwaukee and Washington for the eighth and final playoff spot in the East.

Latrell Sprewell added 17, Michael Doleac had 14 and Kurt Thomas 13 for the Knicks, who outscored the Spurs 36-19 in the final quarter.

Jazz 91, Nuggets 82

In Salt Lake City, Matt Harpring scored 22 points and Karl Malone added 18 while collecting his 5,000th career assist in Utah's win over Denver.

Harpring shot 9-of-11, making three 3-pointers, as Utah led by double digits for almost all of the final three quarters. It was Utah's first game at home after a five-game road trip.

Malone, who was one rebound short of his first triple-double since 1999 the last time he played Denver, sat the last 10:20 but still finished with nine assists, six rebounds and five steals.

Kings 117, Warriors 91

In Sacramento, California, Scot Pollard had 15 points and 12 rebounds, and Peja Stojakovic scored 20 points to lead seven Kings in double figures as Sacramento beat Golden State for the 14th consecutive time.

SuperSonics 100, Rockets 94

In Seattle, Rashard Lewis scored 25 points and Ray Allen had 23 to lead Seattle over Houston, who were without coach Rudy Tomjanovich for the first time in 11 years. Assistant coach Larry Smith coached in his place.
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