East Rutherford, N.J. ? A night after showcasing his new prowess as an outside shooter, Richard Jefferson went back to his strength to beat the Chicago Bulls.

Jefferson converted a three-point play with 1.5 seconds remaining Saturday night to lead the New Jersey Nets past Chicago, 100-99. The play came after Chicago’s Ben Gordon missed the second of two free throws with seven seconds left and the Bulls leading, 99-97.

Jason Kidd pushed the ball upcourt and passed to Jefferson on the left wing. He drove into the lane and was knocked down by Tyson Chandler, but not before muscling the ball into the basket.

“I knew as long as I ran hard, we’d have a 5-on-4,” Jefferson said. “When he kicked it out to me, the defense shifted, and that’s how we got the foul.”

After Jefferson made the free throw, Chicago had one last chance, but Vince Carter knocked the ball away from Andres Nocioni before Nocioni could get off a shot.

Jefferson, known as one of the league’s premier slashers, put in hours of extra work on his jump shot during the offseason and preseason. In New Jersey’s 102-92 victory at Toronto on Friday night, he made five three-pointers and scored 35.

Chicago rallied behind Kirk Hinrich, who finished with 26 points. Back-to-back drives by the guard gave Chicago a 96-93 lead with 28 seconds left.

Blazers 94, Hawks 93

Portland, Ore. – Zach Randolph made a free throw with 0.2 seconds remaining, and Portland won its home opener.

Suns 97, Jazz 88

Salt Lake City – Shawn Marion had 20 points and 14 rebounds, and Phoenix handed Utah its first loss of the season.

Mavericks 103, Spurs 84

Dallas – Dirk Nowitzki scored 34 points and combined with Devin Harris to spark a 16-2 run that broke open a tie game.

Bobcats 107, Celtics 105, OT

Charlotte, N.C. – Gerald Wallace scored 25 points, including a layup with 2:24 to play in overtime, and Charlotte celebrated the opening of its new arena with a victory over Boston.

Grizzlies 113, Cavs 106

Memphis, Tenn. – Pau Gasol scored 29 points and had seven rebounds to lead Memphis over Cleveland.

Bucks 105, Heat 100

Milwaukee – Bobby Simmons and Michael Redd each scored 23 points.

Hornets 91, Rockets 84

Houston – P.J. Brown had 18 points and 13 rebounds, and Chris Paul sank two runners in the final minute.

76ers 111, Pacers 109

Indianapolis – Allen Iverson had 29 points and 12 assists, and Philadelphia beat Indiana for Maurice Cheeks’ first victory as 76ers coach.

Pistons 117, Raptors 84

Auburn Hills, Mich. – Tayshaun Prince scored 27 points, and Ben Wallace added 15 points and 13 rebounds as Detroit remained unbeaten.

Wizards 87, Magic 79

Washington – Gilbert Arenas scored 30 points, and Antawn Jamison added 17 of his 23 points in the second half.