NBA - Carter unstoppable in Nets triumph (+video)
EAST RUTHERFORD (NBA) - LeBron James made a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers starting line-up on Friday, but Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson stole the show for the New Jersey Nets. Carter scored 32 points and Jefferson added 24 as the struggling Nets halted a four-game losing streak with a 105-97 victory at Izod Center.
EAST RUTHERFORD (NBA) - LeBron James made a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers starting line-up on Friday, but Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson stole the show for the New Jersey Nets.
Carter scored 32 points and Jefferson added 24 as the struggling Nets halted a four-game losing streak with a 105-97 victory at Izod Center.
Carter, who has been booed by the home crowd this season because of sluggish play, played well here, shooting 13-of-22 and adding seven rebounds and six assists.
With rumours of a trade swirling around the All-Star point guard, Jason Kidd collected eight points, 11 assists and eight rebounds for New Jersey, who have won their last four meetings with Cleveland - including twice this season.
Sharp-shooting Paul Pierce scored a season-high 32 points to lift the Boston Celtics to their 12th successive home win, 104-82 over Milwaukee Bucks.
Kevin Garnett added 15 points and seven rebounds for Boston.
Luol Deng scored 13 of his 27 points in the third quarter as the Chicago Bulls posted a 98-91 victory over the New York Knicks.
But Deng was overshadowed by Kirk Hinrich, who had 15 points, 10 rebounds and 14 assists for Chicago.
Brandon Roy scored 29 points and Travis Outlaw added 21 as the Portland Trail Blazers posted their sixth straight win, a 99-91 victory over the struggling Utah Jazz.
Reserve James Jones had 14 points for the Trail Blazers, who played their third game in succession without their leading scorer and rebounder, LaMarcus Aldridge, because of a foot injury.
Jason Kapono scored 29 points and knocked down six three-pointers to lead the Toronto Raptors to a 104-93 victory over the Indiana Pacers.
Chris Bosh had 22 points and 16 rebounds and Jose Calderon collected 18 and 16 assists for Toronto, who registered their fourth straight win.
Baron Davis scored 22 points and hit a crucial three-pointer with 16.7 seconds left in the game as the Golden State Warriors posted a 108-106 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.
With a double-digit lead slipping away in the third quarter, Tayshaun Prince brought his defense and offense to help the Detroit Pistons post a 91-81 victory over the Atlanta Hawks.
Chris Kaman scored 23 points and grabbed 16 rebounds as the Los Angeles Clippers secured a 98-91 victory over the struggling Memphis Grizzlies.
Chris Wilcox scored 19 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead the Seattle SuperSonics to a 99-88 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Finally, the Orlando Magic snapped a three-game slide with a 103-87 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats, Dallas Mavericks held on for an 89-80 triumph over the New Orleans Hornets and the Sacramento Kings earned their first road win this season with a 109-99 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.
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