NBA: New Jersey 111, Detroit 98

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., April 1 (UPI) -- A season-high 23 points by Keyon Dooling Wednesday helped New Jersey keep its slim playoff hopes alive with a 111-98 win over Detroit.

The Nets climbed within 4 1/2 games of Chicago for the final playoff position in the Eastern Conference with seven games remaining.

Dooling made five 3-pointers, the most of his career, while Devin Harris chipped in 19 points and equaled a season best with four steals. New Jersey halted a five-game losing streak, but it was only the third win for the Nets in 12 outings.

Richard Hamilton made 11-of-18 shots and scored 29 points for Detroit. The Pistons, who have lost five of seven, are in seventh place -- just a half game in front of Chicago.

Detroit played without Rasheed Wallace, who was suspended for one game for exceeding the NBA's technical-foul limit.