A late run from the Toronto Raptors was not enough for them to avoid a 102-98 defeat to the Brooklyn Nets, leaving them 2-1 down in their playoff series.
After a strong start from the Canadian side, Paul Pierce and Joe Johnson helped the hosts build an 11-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.
DeMar DeRozan and Patrick Patterson led the Toronto comeback, with the latter missing a shot that would have tied the scores with less than 20 seconds remaining, but Pierce made the block.
Amir Johnson gave the Raptors hope in the final couple of seconds, but Johnson went down the other end to score two free throws after Pierce was knocked down.
The two sides play again on Sunday.
