Bill Kostroun / AP

Nets forward Vince Carter pokes the ball from Cavaliers forward Robert Traylor during the first quarter of New Jersey's 104-98 victory Sunday. Carter scored 34 points.

Best said it’s easy to stop shooting after you’ve missed five or six in a row.

“But then you look into the eyes of your teammates and they give you the ball without hesitation,” he said. “I didn’t have too much rhythm all game, but once Jay and Vince took control, I knew I would get some open shots. The last one I took, I really stepped into it and I felt it was going down.”

James, who did not take a shot until late in the first quarter, had 28 points, seven assists and five of the Cavaliers’ 20 turnovers. He played 45 minutes despite battling a cold.

Jeff McInnis had 23 points and Zydrunas Ilgauskas added 20 points and 18 rebounds, which tied his season high.

“You have to give them credit,” said Ilgauskas, who has scored at least 20 points in 11 of 14 games. “After we got close, they didn’t panic and made some shots.”

The Cavaliers (31-23) are starting a tough stretch of games that includes contests with San Antonio, Seattle, Philadelphia, Miami and Orlando.

“This is not the way we wanted to start,” McInnis said after Cleveland lost its second straight. “But this is one game. It’s a tough loss. When you fight back from 20 down you want to get the win. We just have to keep playing.”

New Jersey seemingly took control midway through the second quarter, when Krstic hit two free throws to cap a 29-9 run that gave the Nets a 46-25 lead.

Notes: The NBA is expected to announce approval of the sale of the Cavaliers to Detroit businessman Dan Gilbert early this week. Gilbert agreed to purchase the franchise for $375 million from owner Gordon Gund, who is keeping a 10-percent share of the team. ... The Nets were 34-for-39 from the free throw line. Cleveland was 23-of-28. The Cavs were called for four technical fouls by the crew of Sean Corbin, Ed Malloy and Blane Reichelt. Coach Paul Silas, McInnis, Drew Gooden and Robert Traylor were whistled. Traylor’s came in the third quarter after he shoved Carter down to the court after being hacked repeatedly. ... New Jersey has won seven straight at home against Cleveland.

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Jim Rogash / Getty Images

Not in his house

Rajon Rondo had 18 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds and the Boston Celtics beat the Philadelphia 76ers 85-75 in Game 7 on Saturday night to advance to the Eastern Conference finals.

CSN: Rondo's big-game DNA shines  |  Highlights

CSN: You may not see it from start to finish, but when the game — or in this case, postseason life — is on the line, you see just how good Rajon Rondo can be.

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