The Orlando Magic clinched an NBA playoff spot by beating the Chicago Bulls 107-79 with a big boost from the bench on Wednesday.
Securing a playoff berth has been a formality for more than a month for the Magic. And they’ll almost surely lock up a second consecutive Southeast Division title in the next few weeks, having started the day with a 10{ game lead over Atlanta.
Tony Battie had 18 points and eight rebounds, J.J. Redick had 13 points, and Marcin Gortat added 13 points and 15 rebounds in reserve for the Magic.
John Salmons had 18 points and eight rebounds for Chicago.
HEAT 107, CELTICS 99
At Miami, Dwyane Wade scored 32 points, including the game-sealing 3-pointer with 34 seconds left, as Miami held on to beat Boston.
Jamario Moon scored 13 points and grabbed eight rebounds for Miami, which stayed 1{ games behind Atlanta for fourth place in the Eastern Conference. Jermaine O’Neal scored 12 for the Heat.
Ray Allen hit his first six shots and finished with 27 for Boston, which fell two games behind Cleveland for the East’s best record. Leon Powe had 23 points and 13 rebounds for the Celtics, who have lost two straight.
HAWKS 100, JAZZ 93
At Atlanta, Joe Johnson scored 31 points and Josh Smith had 22 points and 12 rebounds to help Atlanta end Utah’s 12-game winning streak.
Flip Murray scored 11 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter for the Hawks, who have won three straight. Smith ended the scoring with a pair of free throws with 24 seconds remaining.
HORNETS 109, WIZARDS 98
At Washington, Chris Paul compiled his NBA-leading sixth triple-double with 30 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds, steering New Orleans over Washington.
Eastern Conference-worst Washington began the second half with a one-point lead, before Paul compiled 14 points, six assists and four rebounds in the third quarter alone to help the Hornets outscore the Wizards 40-22 in the period.
Antawn Jamison led Washington with 25 points and 10 rebounds.
In other NBA action it was:
• Knicks 116, Pistons 111, OT
• 76ers 115, Raptors 106
• Timberwolves 104, Grizzlies 79
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