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Jefferson, Nets edge Wizards

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Richard Jefferson scored 25 points, including 2 game-winning free throws with 24 seconds to play, and the New Jersey Nets rallied for an 87-85 victory over the winless Washington Wizards on Thursday night.

The Nets' fourth victory in five games wasn't clinched until Antoine Wright forced Gilbert Arenas to his right and the Washington guard had to take an off-balance shot that might have been deflected by Vince Carter.

Carter had 24 points, including 12 of 14 from the line, to help New Jersey rally from a 20-point first-half deficit. Bostjan Nachbar had 10 of his 14 points in the fourth quarter, when the Nets shot 65 percent in sending Washington to its fourth straight loss.

Antawn Jamison had 24 points and 9 rebounds for the Wizards, while Caron Butler and Arenas both had 21 points.

The 0-4 start is the first for Washington since 1992-93.

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