Nets 98, Knicks 93: Joe Johnson collected 22 points, eight rebounds and six assists as visiting Brooklyn held off a late rally to hand New York its fifth consecutive loss.

Brook Lopez added 23 points and eight rebounds for the Nets, who secured 21 offensive boards. Deron Williams scored 19 points - including five 3-pointers - while Kevin Garnett grabbed a game-high 13 rebounds for Brooklyn, which finished 14-of-20 from the free-throw line.

Carmelo Anthony contributed 20 points, nine rebounds and six assists for the Knicks, who have dropped 14 of their last 16 games. Jose Calderon chipped in with 19 points and seven assists while Amar'e Stoudemire tallied 17 points and nine rebounds for New York.

The Nets led 27-16 late in the first quarter and Lopez led all scorers with 19 points in the opening half as Brooklyn settled for a 49-45 edge at intermission. Williams nailed back-to-back triples as the Nets pulled away by 16 with 3:36 remaining in the third quarter before Shane Larkin keyed an 11-2 run to cut the deficit to 83-79 midway through the final frame.

Johnson hit two clutch jumpers to put Brooklyn seemingly back in control at 89-79 before Stoudemire sparked a 6-0 spurt to close the gap to 91-88 with 2:25 left. Williams and Calderon traded 3-point baskets before Johnson sank four free throws in the final minute to preserve the win.

GAME NOTEBOOK: The Nets have beaten the Knicks in two consecutive meetings for the first time since the 2009-10 season. … Garnett moved into sole possession of sixth place on the NBA all-time games played list (1,392). … New York SG J.R. Smith missed the game with the flu.