EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. ? Not since he was John Stockton’s understudy more than five years ago had Jacque Vaughn played shooting guard.

Yet there Vaughn was Tuesday night, filling a hole for the injury-depleted New Jersey Nets and doing the job well as he tied his career high with 23 points in a 107-97 victory over the Chicago Bulls.

“He was a man possessed tonight,” said teammate Vince Carter, who was fired up himself in contributing 31 points, six assists and five rebounds to New Jersey’s season-high fourth consecutive victory.

Vaughn shot 8-for-12 from the field and 7-for-7 from the foul line, providing the Nets with a much-needed third offensive option behind Carter and Jason Kidd.

“I can make shots. Percentage-wise, I’ve been a good shooter throughout my career. The knock probably is I don’t shoot enough,” said Vaughn, a seven-year veteran out of Kansas University.

Vaughn took the spot in the starting five formerly occupied by Rodney Buford, who sprained his ankle in New Jersey’s previous game.

The Nets used their 14th different starting lineup of the season.

Vaughn could not recall the last time he scored 23 points (Dec. 9, 2003), and he didn’t seem particularly impressed by his accomplishment.

“You see I don’t have a stat sheet in my hand, and I wouldn’t have known if you hadn’t told me,” he said. “(Carter) and J-Kidd set my whole table tonight, they put the silverware out there, my napkin, everything.”

New Jersey's Jacque Vaughn, left, drives on Chicago's Tyson Chandler. Vaughn, a Kansas University product, scored 23 points to lead the Nets past the Bulls, 107-97, Tuesday night in East Rutherford, N.J.

Kirk Hinrich had 18 points for the Bulls, who lost their second in a row for their first two-game losing streak since late December.

“I know Jacque as well as about most people do. He’s a pretty introverted person,” said Hinrich, who — like Vaughn — played collegiately at Kansas. “You know Jacque is a good player, but you don’t expect him to shoot the ball like that.

“He broke our backs with a few of those shots.”

Magic 105, Cavaliers 102

Orlando, Fla. — Steve Francis had 30 points and tied a season high with 13 assists, and Orlando spoiled LeBron James’ return.

Grant Hill scored 21 for the Magic, who have won seven of their last eight home games.

James finished with 28 points, seven assists and five rebounds in his first game since rolling his left ankle Wednesday in a victory over Memphis.

Jeff McInnis appeared to send the game into overtime with a buzzer-beating three-pointer, but after a brief huddle the officials waved off the shot. Replays clearly showed the ball in McInnis’ hands as the clock ran out.

Bobcats 109, Jazz 105

Salt Lake City — Gerald Wallace scored 28 points and helped rally Charlotte from an 11-point deficit to a victory over Utah, just its second road win in team history. Brevin Knight added 21 points and eight assists, and Jason Kapono added 12 points off the bench for the Bobcats, who trailed 89-78 in the fourth quarter but rallied to improve to 2-19 on the road.

Nuggets 96, Knicks 76

Denver — Kenyon Martin scored a season-high 27 points, Carmelo Anthony added 19, and Denver beat New York for its third consecutive victory under new coach George Karl.

Mavericks 109, Heat 104

Dallas — Dirk Nowitzki and Jerry Stackhouse got rolling in the final five minutes, just about the time the Dallas defense found a way to throttle Shaquille O’Neal and Miami. Two straight baskets by Stackhouse and a jumper by Nowitzki brought Dallas within one point. Another jumper by Stackhouse put the Mavericks ahead 99-98, and they never relinquished the lead.

Sonics 106, Kings 101

Sacramento, Calif. — Ronald Murray scored a season-high 23 points in place of ill leading scorer Ray Allen, and Seattle defeated Sacramento. Rashard Lewis added 24 points, and the Sonics finished with six players in double figures to end a four-game losing streak at Arco Arena.

Lakers 92, Blazers 79

Los Angeles — Hours after learning coach Rudy Tomjanovich was thinking about resigning, Los Angeles beat Portland behind Caron Butler’s 19 points and 10 rebounds. Chucky Atkins added 19 points and eight assists, and Lamar Odom scored 18 points for the Lakers (24-19).

Bucks 91, Timberwolves 86

Milwaukee — Michael Redd scored 19 points, Joe Smith added 17, and Milwaukee held off Minnesota. Toni Kukoc provided a huge lift with nine points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals in his first start in almost three seasons for the Bucks.

Grizzlies 108, Suns 97

Memphis, Tenn. — Jason Williams scored 19 points and had eight assists to lift Memphis. Memphis had seven players score in double figures and shot 12-of-23 from three-point range

Pistons 105, Wizards 96

Washington — Chauncey Billups scored 11 of his 28 points in the fourth quarter, and Detroit closed with a 20-11 run.