BOSTON – Vince Carter and the New Jersey Nets clinched the NBA’s last playoff berth with a shaky start and a strong finish – the same way the team’s season went.
Carter shook of an early injury and scored 24 of his 37 points in the second half to lead the Nets’ comeback from a 19-point, second-quarter deficit in a 102-93 win over the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night.
New Jersey needed to make one final rally after the Celtics used an 8-0 run to close to 96-93 with 1:16 left.
The Nets scored the final six points, all on free throws, then shook hands with Boston players and walked calmly off the court.
The Nets got the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference and play at top-seeded Miami on Sunday.
The Celtics already had clinched the No. 3 seed and open their first-round series at home Saturday night against Indiana.
As he did the previous night against the Cavaliers, Celtics coach Doc Rivers did not use his best two players, Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker, in the fourth quarter.
Two other starters who played against Cleveland sat out against New Jersey – Gary Payton with lower back spasms and Raef LaFrentz with a groin injury.
Pierce led the Celtics with 21 points and Delonte West added 15.
The Nets got 19 points from Jason Kidd and 18 from Nenad Krstic.
Cavaliers 104, Raptors 95
TORONTO- LeBron James’ triple-double wasn’t enough to put the Cleveland Cavaliers into the playoffs. James had 27 points, 14 assists and 14 rebounds to lead the Cavaliers to a 104-95 victory over the Toronto Raptors.
76ers 110, Hawks 86
PHILADELPHIA – Allen Iverson scored 16 points and put the finishing touches on his fourth scoring title, and the Philadelphia 76ers clinched at seventh place in the Eastern Conference with a 110-86 win over the Atlanta Hawks.
The Sixers will face Detroit in the first round of the playoffs.
Heat 98, Magic 93
ORLANDO, Fla. – With Shaquille O’Neal and Dwyane Wade watching from the bench, the Miami Heat won their final tuneup before the playoffs, beating the Orlando Magic 98-93.
Bobcats 97, Pistons 86
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Emeka Okafor had 16 points and 19 rebounds and the Charlotte Bobcats closed out their inaugural season with a victory, snapping the Detroit Pistons’ 11-game winning streak with a 97-86 win.
Knicks 113, Wizards 105
NEW YORK -Jamal Crawford made seven 3-pointers and scored 36 points, and the New York Knicks came from behind to beat the playoff-bound Washington Wizards 113-105.
T-wolves 95, Spurs 73
MINNEAPOLIS – The Minnesota Timberwolves’ lost season finally came to an end Wednesday night with a 95-73 victory over the San Antonio Spurs.
Pacers 85, Bulls 83
INDIANAPOLIS – Jermaine O’Neal had 21 points and Anthony Johnson added 20, scoring the go-ahead basket and a clinching 3-pointer in the final minute, as the Pacers beat the Chicago Bulls 85-83.
Clippers 86, Hornets 75
NEW ORLEANS – Elton Brand scored 18 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to help the Los Angeles Clippers defeat New Orleans 86-75.
Mavs 108, Grizzlies 88
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Josh Howard scored 27 points to help the Dallas Mavericks roll into the playoffs with a 108-88 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.
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