Hawks surpass Magic, Suns outplay Rockets
Orlando, Florida — The Atlanta Hawks extended their recent dominance of Orlando by cruising past the Magic 109-81 on Friday, moving above their rivals in the NBA’s Southeast Division.
Jannero Pargo hit five 3-pointers and scored 17 points, and Joe Johnson, Josh Smith and Marvin Williams each had 16 for the Hawks, who have won their past six regular-season games against Orlando.
Atlanta shot 50 percent from the field (40 for 79) for the game, including 14 3-pointers. The Hawks led by 35 at one point.
Glen Davis and Von Wafer each scored 16 points to lead the Magic, which was without center Dwight Howard due to back spasms.
Suns 112,
Rockets 105
In Houston, Phoenix boosted its playoff hopes with a win at Houston.
Marcin Gortat had 20 points and 15 rebounds and Steve Nash had 18 points and 10 assists for the Suns, who moved into the ninth spot in the Western Conference. Phoenix also moved within one game of the Rockets, who came in holding the No. 7 seed in the West.
Marcus Camby had 14 points and 18 rebounds for Houston.
Thunder 115, Kings 89
In Oklahoma City, Kevin Durant had 29 points and nine rebounds to lead Oklahoma City past Sacramento.
Russell Westbrook scored 22 points for the Thunder, who didn’t even need their starters in the fourth quarter to hang onto the best record in the Western Conference.
Rookie Isaiah Thomas scored 21 points for the Kings, who dropped their seventh straight for their longest losing streak of the season.
Pacers 102, Cavs 83
In Indianapolis, Danny Granger scored 18 points to help Indiana clinch a playoff berth with victory over Cleveland.
Tyler Hansbrough scored 16 points for the Pacers, who have won seven of eight to reach 37 victories this season, matching their total from last season.
Indiana, which is in third place in the Eastern Conference standings, is best known for its defense but has reached three figures in eight out of nine games. OTHER RESULTS: Raptors 84, Celtics 79; Nets 95, 76ers 89; Bucks 113, Pistons 97; Heat 105, Bobcats 82; Hornets 96, Jazz 85; Knicks 103, Wizards 65. /ap
