On a night the Sixers clinched a playoff berth, the Nets again played shorthanded and overmatched.

"It's tough. I've never really been in this position before where you're not really playing for anything significant," said point guard Deron Williams. "It's just pride. Got to finish strong, finish on a good note and get ready for next year."

With Humphries home receiving treatment for a sprained right ankle after X-rays were negative, Johan Petro made his first start as a Net, his first start since April 8 last season when he was with Denver. His inclusion gave the Nets their 20th different starting lineup of the season, making chemistry an even more difficult task.

Williams, of course, doesn't hurt chemistry. And he certainly brightens the future with the hope that playing along side him will attract free agents next season.