China's Yi scores 27 to lift NBA Nets past Clippers (AFP)

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (AFP) –

China's Yi Jianlian scored 27 points to power the New Jersey Nets to a 112-95 win over the lowly Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday.

Vince Carter added 26 points and rookie centre Brook Lopez turned in another solid effort with 14 points and eight rebounds for the Nets, who have won two straight and four of their last five National Basketball Association games.

Bobby Simmons also reached double figures with 11 points while grabbing nine rebounds.

"Every team would love where everyone scores in double figure," Nets coach Lawrence Frank said.

Carter, Yi and Simmons combined to go eight-of-12 from beyond the arc as New Jersey shot 58 percent (11-of-19) from long range.

The Nets also made their presence felt on the inside, winning the rebounding battle 45-31. New Jersey is averaging 119.5 points over its last four wins.

After falling behind in the first few minutes, the Nets set the tone for the game with an 18-5 run in the first quarter.

Yi hit two three-pointers right off the bat in the third quarter as New Jersey pulled away.

"He is so important to us," Carter said of Yi. "He spreads the floor, he is seven-feet tall.

"He's long, creates tough matchups and has the ability to shoot over people. We have enormous confidence in him and what he brings to the team. He doesn't even have to have the 27 points to be effective."

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