NEW YORK — Nikola Vucevic matched his season high with 26 points, leading the Orlando Magic to a 107-99 win over the New York Knicks on Monday at Madison Square Garden.
The 7-foot center shot 13-for-19 from the floor. Tobias Harris contributed 20 points, and Evan Fournier added 16 points for the Magic.
Lance Thomas came off the Knicks’ bench to match his career high, 24 points. Thomas made all nine of his shots from the floor. Carmelo Anthony added 23 points for New York, which was looking to win five straight games for the first time since an eight-game run from March 5-21, 2014.
Wizards 113, Kings 99
WASHINGTON — Guard John Wall set a career-high with 19 assists and center Marcin Gortat scored a season-high 27 points as shorthanded Washington defeated Sacramento.
Garrett Temple established a new career-high in consecutive games with 23 points and Wall scored 12 for the Wizards.
Washington only had nine players available because of injuries. Coach Randy Wittman used just seven for all but the final minute.
Celtics 113, Timberwolves 99
BOSTON — The TD Garden crowd came to pay tribute to old friend Kevin Garnett in what might well be his final visit as a player on Monday night. Instead, with Garnett sitting on the bench and the fans calling for him, the Boston folks had to settle for a Celtics win.
Kelly Olynyk and David Lee, both starting because of injuries to Jared Sullinger and Amir Johnson, combined for 32 points and 13 rebounds in the victory.
The Garden crowd, some wearing Garnett Celtics shirts, chanted “We want K-G” and “K-G” often and loud. Near the end of the game they chanted “Thank you, K-G.” During a timeout with 1:02 left, Garnett rose and saluted the crowd, the words, “I love y’all” clear on his lips.