Anthony Johnson(R) shoots the ball as Vince Carter defends
© AFP/Getty ImagesEAST RUTHERFORD, United States (AFP) - Johnson, who played two seasons for New Jersey before joining the Pacers in 2003, was driving to the hoop when fouled by Serbian big man Nenad Krstic to set up the tension-packed free throws.
"This is what you think about as a kid in the backyard, hitting big shots to win big games," Johnson said. "We're a resilient bunch. We played a hard fought game and got a much needed victory."
Richard Jefferson missed a 3-point shot from the left corner for the Nets at the final buzzer, giving Indiana a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven first-round playoff series that continues here Tuesday.
Stephen Jackson led Indiana with 18 points while Jermaine O'Neal and Fred Jones each added 15 points and Peja Stojakovic and Johnson each contributed 12 points for the Pacers.
O'Neal scored 11 of his 15 in the final quarter.
New Jersey's Vince Carter had game highs of 31 points and 13 rebounds while Krstic added 22 points and Jefferson scored 19 for the Nets, who squandered a home-court edge in the series.
Carter scored 12 points in the fourth quarter, including a slam dunk on a rebound to level the game at 88-88 with 32 seconds remaining.
The Pacers played for a late shot and Austin Crosure missed from outside but grabbed his own rebound so Indiana could keep possession in the final seconds, setting the stage for the late foul and Johnson's deciding free throws.
"It means a lot. This gives us a lot of confidence," Johnson said. "If you lose the first game it's like you are fighting from behind the whole series. We wanted to get a leg up on them, put the pressure of being behind on those guys."
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