Brook Lopez (USA Today Sports)

Brook Lopez hit a buzzer-beater from the left baseline as time expired to give the Brooklyn Nets a 98-96 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night.

It was the first game-winning shot of Lopez’s career, and it helped the Nets (14-56) knock the Pistons (34-37) out of the Eastern Conference playoff picture for the time being.  He finished with 29 points on the night, including 12 in the fourth quarter.

The Nets led by as many as 10 points in the fourth quarter, but Detroit slowly climbed their way back.  Tobias Harris scored on a put back with 2.4 seconds remaining to tie the game at 96.  After the timeout, Randy Foye fed Lopez near the top of the key.  He drove left and nailed a contested fadeaway over Aron Baynes as the buzzer sounded, sending Barclays Center into a frenzy.

“Basically, it was a cross screen for Brook – get him into the open space and let him go to work,” Kenny Atkinson said when asked about the last play. I thought Isaiah [Whitehead] set a monster screen, really had a great hit. Randy delivered it and then, quite honestly, Brook made a heck of a play.”

The Nets were once again without Jeremy Lin, who sprained his ankle during Sunday afternoon’s loss to the Dallas Mavericks.  He is considered day-to-day, and vowed to return at some point before the end of the season.  Spencer Dinwiddie started in his place and played well, finishing with 10 points and eight rebounds.  Archie Goodwin, playing on a 10-day contract, chipped in 10 points, five boards and three assists.  Rookie Caris LeVert had 15 points.

Harris led the Pistons with 23 points in the loss.  Andre Drummond had 13 points and 17 rebounds.

Next up for the Nets is a home game against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night.