Stephen Jackson scored 33 points on his 27th birthday, and the Indiana Pacers beat the New York Knicks 97-79 Tuesday despite poor shooting from Reggie Miller in his final appearance at Madison Square Garden.
"Stephen Jackson was a guy who got a hot hand and we rode him," said Indiana coach Rick Carlisle. "His 3-point shooting really was an answer anytime the Knicks made a run."
Miller, who plans to retire, has long tormented the Knicks and their fans -- most notably film director Spike Lee -- with his clutch play in crucial games at the Garden. This time, however, he was 3-for-15 and finished with 13 points.
As the clock wound down in the final two minutes, the crowd chanted "Reg-gie, Reg-gie." When the game ended, Miller walked across the court and embraced Lee, who had watched the game from his usual courtside seat.
"It's always been a love-hate relationship" Miller said. "I didn't know what kind of reception I was going to get here tonight. I appreciate all the kind words and all the signs. It means a lot."
Stephon Marbury had 19 points to lead the Knicks, who have lost seven in a row. Jackson was 12-for-22 as the Pacers got their fourth win in a row.
Heat 104, Bulls 86
In Miami, Dwyane Wade matched his career-high with 39 points and Miami easily overcame Shaquille O'Neal's absence because of a stomach ailment with a win over Chicago that assured it the No. 1 seed and homecourt advantage for the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Udonis Haslem added 16 points and 15 rebounds before being ejected late for Miami, which has won 18 straight games at home -- the league's longest run since Sacramento won that many three seasons ago.
Damon Jones added 17 points and Eddie Jones scored 15 for Miami. Chicago, seeking its first 10-game winning streak since Michael Jordan's final championship season seven years ago, got 14 points from Andres Nocioni and Ben Gordon.
Clippers 104, Bobcats 102
In Charlotte, North Carolina, Shaun Livingston made a layup with 1 second to play, and the Los Angeles Clippers handed Charlotte its fifth final-shot loss of the season.
Corey Maggette had 34 points to lead the Clippers, and Elton Brand had 27 points and 10 rebounds. Livingston finished with 17 points.
Brevin Knight -- who angrily knocked over several chairs on Charlotte's bench as he stormed off -- had 21 points and 13 assists to lead the Bobcats, who lost their fifth straight. Rookie Emeka Okafor had 17 points and 10 rebounds for his 41st double-double.
Celtics 116, Wizards 108
In Washington, Boston blew a 16-point lead, but made all 17 of their free throws in the final quarter and beat Washington behind 25 points from Paul Pierce and 21 from Raef LaFrentz.
Gilbert Arenas made 21 free throws on 25 attempts -- both career highs -- and tied his career-high with 43 points for Washington. Antawn Jamison, activated from the injured list earlier in the day, scored 30 -- including 16 straight Wizards' points in the third quarter.
Hornets 96, Hawks 86
In Atlanta, Lee Nailon scored 19 points, and New Orleans extended Atlanta's losing streak to 13 games.
The Hornets snapped a five-game road losing streak despite not having a starter score in double figures.
Tom Gugliotta and Tony Delk had 18 points apiece for Atlanta, which also lost 13 straight from Feb. 10-March 9. The Hawks have lost 26 of their last 27 games.
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