Boston ? Vince Carter landed awkwardly, grimaced and leaned on a table near the Celtics’ bench. The game wasn’t even five minutes old and already New Jersey’s playoff chances seemed to sink as he limped to the locker room.

He knew better.

Less than three minutes after missing a layup and being kneed in the left Achilles’ tendon by Antoine Walker, Carter returned to help the Nets earn the NBA’s last playoff berth with a 102-93 victory over Boston on Wednesday night.

“I just wanted to add some drama,” he joked, a smile in place of the look of pain. “I knew I didn’t do anything bad. I was just uncomfortable.”

Cavaliers 104, Raptors 95

Toronto — LeBron James’ triple-double wasn’t enough to put Cleveland into the playoffs. James had 27 points, 14 assists and 14 rebounds to lead the Cavaliers.

Trail Blazers 106, Lakers 103

Portland, Ore. — Travis Outlaw’s layup with 7.1 seconds left kept lifted Portland. Kobe Bryant led the Lakers with 37 points.

Knicks 113, Wizards 105

New York — Jamal Crawford made seven three-pointers and scored 36 points, and New York came from behind to beat Washington.

Heat 98, Magic 93

Orlando, Fla. — With Shaquille O’Neal and Dwyane Wade watching from the bench, Miami won its final tuneup before the playoffs. The Heat (59-24) enter the playoffs on a three-game win streak.

76ers 110, Hawks 86

Philadelphia — Allen Iverson scored 16 points and put the finishing touches on his fourth scoring title.

Rockets 106, SuperSonics 78

Houston — Mike James scored 24 points to lead Houston.

Pacers 85, Bulls 83

Indianapolis — Jermaine O’Neal had 21 points, and Anthony Johnson added 20, including the go-ahead basket.

Warriors 106, Jazz 89

Oakland, Calif. — Baron Davis had 23 points and nine assists for Golden State.

Mavericks 108, Grizzlies 88

Memphis, Tenn. — Josh Howard scored 27 points to help Dallas.

Kings 132, Suns 107

Sacramento, Calif. — Bobby Jackson had 15 points, six rebounds and five assists in his first game in four months.

Clippers 86, Hornets 75

New Orleans — Elton Brand scored 18 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to help Los Angeles defeat New Orleans, leaving the Hornets (18-64) with the worst record in franchise history.

Timberwolves 95, Spurs 73

Minneapolis — Ndudi Ebi had a career-high 18 points and eight rebounds, and Michael Olowokandi had 10 points and 14 rebounds for Minnesota.

Bobcats 97, Pistons 86

Charlotte, N.C. — Emeka Okafor had 16 points and 19 rebounds for Charlotte.