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NBA
Boston closes in on division title
By wire services
Published April 13, 2005
PHILADELPHIA - Paul Pierce scored 27, including the go-ahead basket in the final minute, to help the Celtics moved closer to the Atlantic division title with a 105-98 win over the second-place 76ers on Tuesday.
Allen Iverson, who missed one game with sprained thumbs, scored 28 for Philadelphia, which trails Boston by three games with five games left. Philadelphia still holds the East's final playoff spot, one game behind Cleveland and one ahead of New Jersey.
The 76ers' loss also kept the Magic's slim playoff hopes alive. It trails the 76ers by four games with five to go.
Down 98-93, Marc Jackson made a jumper and Iverson a layup off a long pass from Chris Webber. After Pierce missed a layup, Webber made one free throw to tie it.
Pierce put Boston ahead with an 18-footer. After Jackson missed a short jumper, Payton's free throw made it 101-98. Jackson missed another jumper, and Payton sealed it with two free throws with 19 seconds left.
SPURS 95, BLAZERS 89: Manu Ginobili scored 30 in 34 minutes for host San Antonio, which clinched the Southwest division title. The Spurs never trailed and used a late 15-2 run for a 48-30 halftime lead. The Blazers cut it to seven with 34 seconds left in the third but did not get closer until Joel Pryzbilla's uncontested layup with .9 left.
RAPTORS 105, KNICKS 93: Rafer Alston banked in a 3-pointer to start a 13-0 fourth-quarter run for visiting Toronto. Down 54-38 at halftime, Toronto opened the third with a 22-4 run for a 60-58 lead. Stephon Marbury made three 3-pointers during the first 4:30 of the fourth to help New York lead 85-78 before Alston's 3-pointer.
CLIPPERS: Leading scorer Corey Maggette will miss the final five games because of a torn ligament in his left wrist. Also, coach Mike Dunleavy missed Tuesday's game because of a medical emergency involving his father. Assistant Jim Eyen ran the team.
PACERS: Center David Harrison is out for the season after arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. The rookie, averaging 6.1 points and 3.1 rebounds, was hurt Feb.23 against Miami.
DRAFT: Pitt guard Carl Krauser will skip his senior season. Last season, he averaged 16 points and 5.9 assists.
PUNISHMENTS: Chicago forward Andres Nocioni was suspended for one game for elbowing Detroit's Tayshaun Prince in the forehead Tuesday. Denver forward Kenyon Martin was fined $7,500. After his second technical Monday, Martin yelled at an official then ripped off his jersey and tank top and threw them into the crowd.
[Last modified April 13, 2005, 01:31:06]
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