VIDEO: Brook Lopez nails game-winning shot to run Nets' win streak to 5 games

It will be hard to top the birthday present Brook Lopez gave himself.

The Nets' center, who turned 26 years old Wednesday, corralled his own missed tip-in and nailed a game-winning shot with two seconds remaining in regulation to help Brooklyn top the New York Knicks, 100-98. 

Lopez scored 18 points with seven rebounds and blocked five shots, while point guard Deron Williams dropped a game-high 26. He added seven assists and seven rebounds.

Brooklyn extended its winning streak to five games and is closing in on its third consecutive playoff appearance. The Nets are a half-game ahead of the Boston Celtics, who topped the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday, for eighth place in the Eastern Conference with eight contests remaining. 

It won't be an easy finish for the Nets, though. They play seven playoff-bound teams, including the East-leading Atlanta Hawks twice, before closing out the season against the Orlando Magic.