Deron Williams had 26 points and nine assists as the New Jersey Nets held on to beat the visiting Detroit Pistons 99-96 Wednesday night.

Kris Humphries added 18 points and 11 rebounds for the Nets, who halted a two-game losing skid.

Tayshaun Prince and Greg Monroe had 21 points apiece for the Pistons, who became the first NBA team to reach the 20-loss plateau.

Detroit trailed by 11 at the half but made a game of it in the third quarter. Monroe converted a layup and Prince followed with consecutive baskets - both set up by New Jersey turnovers - as the Pistons closed to within five with 3:41 remaining.

Prince put the Pistons ahead in the final minute before Humphries answered with a short jumper that gave the Nets a 72-71 edge entering the fourth.

Jordan Farmar's 3-pointer to open the quarter extended New Jersey's advantage, and he hit another shot from beyond the arc with 9:15 left to put the Nets ahead 80-75. Prince evened things just past the midway point of the period, but Williams responded with a 3-pointer moments later and the Nets wouldn't relinquish their lead the rest of the way.

Detroit had one final chance to send the game to overtime, but Walker Russell misfired on a 12-footer in the final seconds.