Nets beat Rockets to clinch NBA playoff spot

The Brooklyn Nets clinched a playoff spot by defeating the Houston Rockets to extend their home win streak, getting 32 points from Joe Johnson in a 105-96 win. Johnson shot 13-of-21 from the field and drained four-of-eight three pointers for the Nets, who set a franchise record with their 14th straight home win at the Barclays Center arena. "We felt very resilient," Johnson said. "The guys stepped up and made plays. We had a lot of wide open shots." The Nets won 13 consecutive home games twice in the 2001-02 season. Brooklyn improved to 40-33 on the season and wrapped up a berth in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Shaun Livingston tallied 17 points and six rebounds and Deron Williams added 12 points for the Nets, who have won three straight and seven of the last nine. James Harden sunk all 16 of his shots from the free throw line and finished with 26 points for Houston, who have lost back-to-back games after winning five straight. Omer Asik finished with 12 points and 23 rebounds in place of Dwight Howard, who sat out with a left ankle sprain. Chandler Parsons had 16 points, eight rebounds and four helpers for Houston, who were not only missing Howard but also Patrick Beverley with a knee injury. Howard should be back before the end of the season. Source: AFP