NBA: New Jersey 86, New Orleans 85 (OT)

NEW ORLEANS, March 9 (UPI) -- Jason Kidd converted a three-point play with 2.5 seconds remaining in overtime Wednesday night to give New Jersey an 86-85 victory over New Orleans.

Vince Carter paced New Jersey with 24 points and Kidd had 15 as the Nets halted a three-game skid.

With New Jersey trailing by a point, the Nets' Jason Collins missed two free throws. But Collins rebounded his second miss and put up a shot, which was blocked by Chris Anderson.

The ball went to Kidd, who scored on a layup and was fouled.

After Kidd made the free throw, J.R. Smith was fouled while trying to put up a desperation three-point shot.

Smith, however, missed his first two attempts and when he tried to intentionally miss the third, the ball slammed off the backboard and through the net for a meaningless point.

Smith scored 23 to lead the Hornets. New Orleans has trailed going into the fourth period in 40 games this season and the Hornets have not rallied for a win in any of them.