NBA: New Jersey 83, Charlotte 74

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CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 9 (UPI) -- A 3-point play by Jordan Farmar helped New Jersey pull away in the closing minutes Friday and the Nets went on to down Charlotte 83-74.

The Nets have won back-to-back games for the first time since January, but the victory was tempered by the loss of guard Deron Williams in the second quarter. He left the game with a sore right calf and did not return.

Williams was coming off a career-best and franchise-record 57 points against Charlotte Sunday. He managed only seven points in this contest.

Charlotte was within two as the game entered the final 4 minutes but Shelden Williams grabbed an offensive rebound and laid it in to double the New Jersey advantage. Farmar then scored on a layup as he was being fouled by D.J. Augustin. The resulting free throw put the Nets in front by seven and they held on from there.

Kris Humphries had 20 points and 15 rebound for the Nets and Anthony Morrow scored all of his 17 points in the final period.

Corey Maggette led Charlotte with 19 points. The Bobcats have lost two straight after posting just their fifth victory of the season this week against Orlando.