NEWARK, N.J. -- The Celtics' Big Three had never lost in New Jersey, which often feels more like the TD Garden than the Garden State when they visit.

Even they have to admit things are different now from the Nets -- who won't rule out yet having the Celtics back here for the playoffs.

Brook Lopez scored 20 points, Deron Williams added 16 and made the clinching 3-pointer, and the Nets extended their longest winning streak in three years to five games with an 88-79 victory Monday night.

Kris Humphries had 16 points and 15 rebounds, following his strong performance against Blake Griffin by turning in one against Kevin Garnett to help the Nets snap a nine-game home losing streak against the Celtics.

"We knew they've been playing well lately, playing with a lot more energy," Garnett said. "D-Will, he's come over here and gave them sort of like a winning mentality, seems to be working for them. Kris is playing really well for them, Brook is playing really well. They have players that are playing really well, just they're trying to put it together it seems like."

It's working. New Jersey has won five in a row overall for the first time since Dec. 28-Jan. 5 in 2007-08 season, the Big Three's first. And though a huge long shot with a 5 1/2-game deficit to overcome in the last month, the Nets aren't out of the postseason race yet.

"I think we are playing good right now, we are gelling pretty well, having such a short time together. We're having fun," Williams said. "These games are important right now, not only because we have a chance to make the playoffs, but for the future and going forward next year."