NEW YORK (Reuters) -- Paul Pierce's basket at the buzzer helped the Boston Celtics snap a five-game losing streak with a 92-90 win over the New Jersey Nets in the NBA in East Rutherford on Saturday.

The Celtics overcame an early 20-point deficit and despite still being seven games under the .500 mark, moved right into contention for top spot in the woeful Atlantic Division thanks to the victory.

Despite the loss, their third straight, the Nets held on to a share of the lead in the Atlantic with the Toronto Raptors. Both teams are 7-12 but still good enough to lead the weak group, with Boston (6-13) now just one game out of first place.

The Nets offense was not nearly as proficient as it was on Thursday, when New Jersey lost a wild 161-157 double overtime game to the Phoenix Suns, which tied for the fourth highest scoring game in NBA history.

But it was still good enough to dominate early, as the Nets led 22-2 at one point in the first quarter, and 27-11 after one quarter was over.

The Celtics crept back in the game later in the first half before outscoring the Nets 24-17 in the final quarter en route to the win.

Al Jefferson had 29 points and 14 rebounds for the Celtics, while Pierce added 17 points and Delonte West chipped in with 16.

Nenad Krstic led New Jersey with 20 points and Vince Carter added 19 points and 11 rebounds for the Nets.