ORLANDO, Fla., March 23 (UPI) -- Jameer Nelson scored 12 of his 22 points in the final period Friday as Orlando improved its standing in the Eastern Conference by downing New Jersey, 90-82.
Orlando jumped past the Nets into the seventh spot in the East, tied with Indiana for the final two playoff positions. New Jersey slipped a half game out of a playoff spot.
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The Magic, which had lost five of its previous seven games, got 10 points from Dwight Howard. Vince Carter led the Nets with 27 points. It was New Jersey's eighth loss in 11 games.
A layup by Nelson with five minutes left put Orlando in front for good and over the final four minutes the Magic made 11 of 12 free throw attempts.
