NBA: New Jersey 96, Miami 88

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., March 20 (UPI) -- Chris Douglas-Roberts and Jarvis Hayes both scored 18 points Friday in lifting the New Jersey Nets to a 96-88 decision over Miami.

Douglas-Roberts produced an NBA career high with his point total, helping the Nets win their second straight after a four-game skid. Vince Carter chipped in 17 points and Brook Lopez had 15.

The Nets are 2 ½ games behind Chicago for the final playoff berth in the Eastern Conference.

Miami dropped its third in a row after winning five out of six. Dwyane Wade, returning from a one-game absence brought on by a hip flexor, scored 27 points with eight rebounds.

After Miami rallied from a 12-point halftime deficit to tie the contest at 73-73, New Jersey went on a nine-point run. Douglas-Roberts hit a 3-pointer with 1:10 to play that boosted the Nets in front by eight.