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Nelson's big second half does in Knicks

Mar 27, 2007 - 4:52 AM NEW YORK (Ticker) -- One of the smallest players on the court, Jameer Nelson came up huge for the Orlando Magic.

In a game with enormous playoff implications, Nelson hit consecutive 3-pointers late in the fourth quarter to lead the Magic to a 94-89 victory over the New York Knicks, dealing a serious blow to New York's playoff hopes.

Nelson scored 16 of his 18 points in the second half and Dwight Howard had two blocks in the final minutes, including a controversial one.

"We are out there playing hard doing what we love to do," Nelson said. "We have all hit some big shots. Every shot we take, down the stretch, it is a big shot.

With the game tied, 87-87, and one minute to play, Stephon Marbury drove the lane and had his floater blocked by Howard as it was on its way down.

"(It) was clear as day. It was a goaltend," said Marbury.

Marbury wouldn't go as far as to it was the difference in the game.

"I wouldn't say it decided the game. It was a game-changing (play)," he said. "(At) the end of the game when a play like that happens, you (would) think it would be called."

However, there was no whistle and Isiah Thomas nearly blew a gasket, as he stomped on the court.

"Well it took some steam out," Thomas said. "He missed it, that's part of it. Nobody is perfect. We are not perfect and they are not perfect. Sometimes they miss. I don't think it was anything intentional, they just missed it."

Magic coach Brian Hill didn't agree.

"Dwight's blocks were huge," Hill said. "That's what All-Stars do. He stepped up when the game was on the line defensively. I didn't think it was anything close to being goaltending."

Howard chipped in 10 points and 14 rebounds to go with four blocks as the Magic (33-38) moved into the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference.

Howard gave his perspective on the game-changing play.

"Well the refs said it was clean, so I guess it was clean," Howard said.

Marbury scored 19 of his 32 points in the first half to keep New York competitive and Eddy Curry added seven of his 17 points in the fourth quarter.

New York (30-40), which trails New Jersey by two games for the final playoff spot in the East, battled throughout but never led in the fourth quarter.

The Knicks have now lost a season-high four in a row, and seven of their last nine. They were hurt by poor free-throw shooting as they shot just 62 percent (23-of-37).

"It is a big blow. It is definitely a momentum changer," Thomas said. "If we shoot better from the foul line, we are looking at a totally different season. I guess that just comes with being young."

"I think for us if we make our foul shots, if we rebound the ball, it's definitely a different game," Marbury said.

Trailing 72-64 early in the fourth, the Knicks went on a 10-2 run to tie the game at 74-74.

New York led briefly at 87-84 with 1:15 left, but Nelson made consecutive 3-pointers in front the New York bench to give Orlando a 90-87 lead with 38 seconds left. Howard then swatted Marbury's driving attempt and Orlando held on for the win.

"Coach drew up one play, knowing they were going to leave me open in the corner. I hit the shot," Nelson said. "It was a side pick-and-roll and we were trying to get a basket."