CLEVELAND, Dec. 4 (UPI) -- Richard Jefferson scored a season-high 36 points Tuesday, powering New Jersey to a 100-79 win over Cleveland, which is still without LeBron James.
Vince Carter chipped in 19 points and seven assists for the Nets, winners of five of their past seven. Malik Allen added 10 points and nine rebounds.
Shannon Brown, starting in place of James, who missed his third consecutive game with a sprained left index finger, scored 20 for Cleveland, which lost its fourth in a row. Daniel Gibson finished with 17 points and six rebounds, while Drew Gooden contributed14 points.
The Nets led by only four entering the second half but they quickly forged ahead with Jefferson's driving layup making it 60-49 and a three-pointer from Carter ran it up to 74-57 with 2:05 left in period.
A quick 6-0 burst midway through the fourth quarter put the Nets up by 20 and the Cavs never rallied.
