Shaquille O'Neal scored 36 points and swatted away Kevin Johnson's layup attempt in the final 10 seconds Friday night as the Orlando Magic snapped the Phoenix Suns' seven-game winning streak with a 104-101 victory.
The Magic led 102-101 before O'Neal, who scored 12 in the fourth quarter, made the key block. Scott Skiles, who had 25 points, hit two free throws with 7.4 seconds left for the Magic, who also ended the Suns' nine-game winning streak at home.With the score 104-101, Charles Barkley got the ball after a timeout, but the only player he found open was Oliver Miller, who barely hit the backboard with a 30-foot attempt to tie it.
Barkley had 26 points and 10 rebounds for the Suns, Johnson scored 25 and Danny Ainge had 10 of his 15 points in the first 5:04 of the fourth quarter.
Bulls 98, Knicks 86
At Chicago, B.J. Armstrong scored 20 points, 11 of them in the final 6:06, boosting the Chicago Bulls to victory over New York, snapping the Knicks' five-game winning streak.
Charles Oakley's 18-foot jumper from the corner with 8:16 left gave the Knicks their first lead of the game, 76-75. After an exchange of baskets, the Bulls scored the next eight points, the last four by Armstrong, for an 85-78 advantage with 5:39 remaining.
John Starks, who had 19 points, responded with a 3-pointer at 5:13 and another basket at 4:14, closing the Knicks to 85-83. But Chicago coasted to its eighth victory in nine games after Scottie Pippen, who had 18 points, scored on a layup with 1:54 left and Armstrong hit another 3-pointer 25 seconds laer for a 90-83 lead.
The last eight points for Chicago came on free throws, four by Armstrong.
Patrick Ewing scored 20 points for the Knicks, who lost starting point guard Doc Rivers for the season with ligament damage in his left knee Thursday night. Greg Anthony started in his place and scored six points.
Warriors 109, Kings 94
At Sacramento, Calif., Chris Mullin scored 23 points in his season debut Friday night, leading the Warriors to victory over the Sacramento Kings.
Latrell Sprewell had 19 points, including two 3-pointers, and Billy Owens and Avery Johnson 15 apiece for the Warriors, who won their ninth game in 11 tries. Mullin missed their first 20 games with hand and leg injuries.
Timberwolves 105, Clippers 90
At Los Angeles, Isaiah Rider scored 14 of his career-high 32 points in the third quarter when the Minnesota Timberwolves took command on their way to victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.
It was the second time in a week the Minnesota rookie led the Timberwolves to a win over the Clippers. The previous Friday at the Target Center, he scored 27 points in a 109-108 victory.
Hornets 99, Nuggets 96
At Charlotte, N.C., Alonzo Mourning scored 26 points and Dell Curry sparked a second-half rally as the Charlotte Hornets sent the Denver Nuggets to their eighth straight road loss.
Charlotte playmaker Muggsy Bogues went to the bench with five fouls near the end of the third period, setting the stage for Curry.
Curry finished with 22 points, 16 in the second half.
76ers 105, Lakers 94
At Philadelphia, Orlando Woolridge scored 21 points, and the Philadelphia 76ers won consecutive games for the first time this season, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers.
Clarence Weatherspoon had 20 points and 12 rebounds as the Sixers snapped a four-game losing streak against the Lakers since Feb. 25, 1991. James Worthy scored 22 points for Los Angeles, which has reached the 100-point mark only five times in 23 games.
Jeff Hornacek had 17 points and Dana Barros 15 for Philadelphia.
SuperSonics 127, Bucks 97
At Seattle, rookie center Ervin Johnson, starting in place of the injured Shawn Kemp, had 12 points and nine rebounds, helping the Seattle SuperSonics to victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.
Kemp missed the game after bruising his left knee in Tuesday's victory over the Orlando Magic. Ricky Pierce scored 21 points, and the Sonics scored 42 points on 25 Bucks turnovers in remaining unbeaten in 10 games at home.