Associated Press
The NBA roundup …ATLANTA ó Dwight Howard scored 21 points and tied a season high with 23 rebounds, helping the Orlando Magic beat the Atlanta Hawks 88-82 on Saturday night to pull within a half-game of tying for second place in the Eastern Conference.
Howard’s performance marked the ninth time this season, and 23rd of his five-year career, that he’s had at least 20 points and 20 rebounds in a game.
Joe Johnson scored 21 points for the Hawks, who have dropped three straight and six of eight.
Nuggets 120, Clippers 104
DENVER ó The Denver Nuggets had plenty of firepower and defense even without Kenyon Martin to beat the short-handed Los Angeles Clippers 120-104 for their 11th win in 12 games.
J.R. Smith led the Nuggets in scoring for the second straight game with a scintillating 34-point performance off the bench.
Bulls 103, Nets 94
CHICAGO ó Ben Gordon scored 12 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter, John Salmons added 17 and the Chicago Bulls beat the New Jersey Nets for their eighth win in 11 games.
Heat 118, Wizards 104
WASHINGTON ó Dwyane Wade scored 33 points, and the Miami Heat broke a franchise record with eight 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to put away the Washington Wizards.
Miami completed a 4-0 season sweep of the Wizards, who finished 1-15 in the Southeast Division.
76ers 95, Pistons 90
PHILADELPHIAó Andre Iguodala scored a season-high 31 points, Andre Miller had a triple-double with 21 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds, and the Philadelphia 76ers clinched a playoff spot.
Raptors 102, Knicks 95
NEW YORK ó Andrea Bargnani scored 23 points, Chris Bosh had 17 points and 13 rebounds, and the Toronto Raptors extended their winning streak to six.
Shawn Marion added 12 points and 13 boards for the Raptors, who stayed alive for an Eastern Conference playoff spot in a run that is almost certain be too little, too late.
Grizzlies 107, Bucks 102
MILWAUKEE ó Rudy Gay scored 26 points, helping the suddenly surging Memphis Grizzlies hold off the Milwaukee Bucks 107-102. Gay looked unstoppable in spurts for the young Grizzlies, who equaled a season high with their fourth straight win.