WASHINGTON, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Anthony Johnson, former Nets' guard, made two free throws with 0.9 seconds remaining to help the Indiana Pacers edge the New Jersey Nets 90-88 in playoffs opener Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

    Johnson was driving to the hoop when fouled by Nenad Krstic to set up the winning free throws for the Pacers, sixth seed in the Eastern Conference.

    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.

    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.

    The Nets' Vince Carter scored 31 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, but shot 12-of-33 from the field. Kidd was only 2-of-11 for five points. Krstic added 22 points and Jefferson scored 19.

    Carter's follow up tied the game at 88-88 with 32 seconds to play. 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. Enditem