NBA – Miracle shot gives Nets win over Sixers
EAST RUTHERFORD (NBA) - The New Jersey Nets avoided a sixth straight defeat on Monday night when Devin Harris made an amazing half-court buzzer-beater for a 98-96 triumph over the Philadelphia 76ers.
Playing in East Rutherford, Andre Iguodala gave the Sixers the lead with 1.8 seconds left after sinking two free throws.
The Nets, without any timeouts, inbounded the ball to Harris who dribbled close to mid-court and shot while on the run, only for Iguodala to block the attempt.
Harris managed to gain control of the ball and shot again just before the buzzer sounded.
This time, the ball sailed through the air and fell through the hoop for the victory.
Philadelphia argued that the ball left Harris' hands after the buzzer and officials reviewed the play before announcing that the basket was good.
"After the review, everyone was jumping up and down, going crazy," Harris said.
"We'll take it any way we can."
His fifth three-ball gave Harris a game-high 39 points. He also finished with eight assists.
The 25-year-old Harris moved to the Nets last season in a trade with the Dallas Mavericks for Team USA playmaker Jason Kidd and has been sensational.
He may be playing himself into consideration for a place in the United States national team.
Monday marked the ninth time this season that he has poured in more than 30 points in a game.
New Jersey improved to 25-32 while Philadelphia dropped to 27-28.
The Denver Nuggets (37-20) have been flying this season in the Western Conference but they were destroyed at home by Boston (46-12).
Ray Allen had 26 points and Rajon Rondo 14 with eight assists and eight rebounds in the Celtics' 114-76 triumph.
Boston equaled the idle Los Angeles Lakers' NBA-best win total of 46.
The New York Knicks won 123-119 at home over Indiana (24-35) after a 20-point, 13-rebound night from David Lee. Al Harrington led the Knicks (24-32) in scoring with 27 points.
New Orleans beat the Kings 112-105 in Sacramento.
Tyson Chandler, whose trade to Oklahoma City last was voided after he failed a physical, had 15 points and 10 rebounds for New Orleans.
Newly-acquired Andres Nocioni of Argentina scored 19 for Sacramento.
In other games, the Los Angeles Clippers defeated Golden State 118-105 and Utah won 108-89 over Atlanta.
FIBA
