Thirty games into the NBA season, it's easy to spot the two elite teams. And it's easy to spot why Orlando and Phoenix have such outstanding records - both teams have been virtually unbeatable at home this season.
Things stayed that way Wednesday night despite gallant efforts by two of the also-rans from the Eastern Conference.Orlando paid back its worst loss of the season by coming back to defeat the Nets 113-110 to improve to 14-0 at home, and the Suns got past Philadelphia 127-122 to move to 15-1 at home.
Magic 113, Nets 110
At Orlando Arena, the Magic trailed by 11 in the third period, tied it with just under four minutes left and held off New Jersey as Anfernee Hardaway and Nick Anderson combined to hit five of six free throws in the final 12 seconds.
Hardaway scored 33 points, Shaquille O'Neal 25 and Anderson 20. Derrick Coleman led New Jersey with 19 points, but he was called for traveling with 13 seconds to play when the Nets had a chance to take the lead.
Suns 127, Sixers 122
At America West Arena, Charles Barkley had 14 of his 35 points and six of his 14 rebounds in the final period. Dan Majerle had 21 points and Elliot Perry 21 points and 14 assists.
It was Phoenix's first game at home since losing to the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday - a defeat that snapped the Suns' franchise-record, 25-game home winning streak.
Willie Burton and Barros scored 28 each for the Sixers.
SuperSonics 116, Cavaliers 85
At Gund Arena, Gary Payton was 14-for-14 from the field, scoring on 10 layups, two short jumpers, a dunk and a 3-pointer.
"Everything was just wide open for me," Payton said. "I wasn't even thinking about not missing a shot.
Payton finished with 32 points, six assists, five rebounds and two steals. Detlef Schrempf added 20 points, six rebounds, six assists and two steals.
Pacers 94, Bullets 90
At Market Square Arena, Reggie Miller scored 17 of his 20 points in the first half for Indiana, which led by as many as 20 before Washington rallied in the final quarter.
Hornets 118, Trail Blazers 106
At Charlotte Coliseum, Scott Burrell made four of Charlotte's six 3-pointers in the third quarter when the Hornets pulled away.
Knicks 89, Hawks 80
At Madison Square Garden, Hawks coach Lenny Wilkens remained tied with Red Auerbach for most career victories by an NBA coach (938).
Bulls 86, Nuggets 80
At the United Center, B.J. Armstrong scored the game's final 6 points, including the tiebreaking jumper with 1:46 to play after the Bulls blew a 21-point lead.
Celtics 117, Heat 112, OT
At Boston Garden, David Wesley's 3-pointer with 15 seconds left in overtime put Boston ahead for good after Miami scored the first seven points of the extra period.
Dominique Wilkins led Boston with 31 points. Glen Rice had 37 for the Heat.