NBA ROUNDUP : Nets Finish as Sixth Men in the East

The New Jersey Nets quit fighting among themselves long enough Saturday night to clinch a playoff spot.

Derrick Coleman and Chris Morris, both of whom defied Coach Bill Fitch last week, led the Nets to a 127-111 victory over Orlando at East Rutherford, N.J.

Coleman scored 31 points and sparked an early 34-17 run by the Nets. Morris had 16 of his 22 points in the third quarter to help open a 16-point lead.

The Nets and Indiana finished 40-42, but the Nets had a better conference record and earn the sixth spot in the East. They will play Cleveland in the best-of-five first round of the playoffs.

In recent games, Coleman and Morris each refused to re-enter late in a game despite the insistence of Fitch.

Fitch did not care to discuss his problems with his players, but apparently he was able to get across an idea with Coleman.

“Bill said something to me that I thought about,” said Coleman, who made 12 of 17 shots. “I’m not out there playing for him, but for 11 other guys. I thought about it and he’s right.”

The final playoff berth in the East will be determined today. If Miami wins at Boston, the Heat will be the first of the recent expansion teams to qualify for postseason play. If Miami loses and Atlanta wins at Cleveland, the Hawks go. If both lose, the Heat will qualify because of a better conference record.

New York 114, Milwaukee 103--The Knicks built a 17-point lead after three quarters at Milwaukee, then fought off a rally to keep their hopes alive for the Atlantic Division title.

The Knicks win the title if the Celtics lose to Miami.

Mark Jackson had 30 points for the Knicks, who finished 51-31. John Starks added 28.

Philadelphia 111, Washington 104--Hersey Hawkins had 24 points to lead the 76ers to victory at Philadelphia in the finale for two non-playoff teams.

The 76ers, who were 44-38 last season, second in the Atlantic Division, were fifth this season at 35-47. The Bullets were 25-57.