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Daily NBA Fix 3-31-14: Wasted Days, Wasted Nights For Contenders

By Phil Watson

Mar 30, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts on the court against the New York Knicks in the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Knicks won 89-84. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 30, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts on the court against the New York Knicks in the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Knicks won 89-84. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 30, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) shoots the ball over Orlando Magic forward Kyle O’Quinn (2) at Amway Center. The Raptors won 98-93. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 30, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) shoots the ball over Orlando Magic forward Kyle O’Quinn (2) at Amway Center. The Raptors won 98-93. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports /

Toronto Raptors 98, ORLANDO MAGIC 93
The Raptors led 57-38 at the half and by as many as 21 points before having to hold off a late charge by the Magic. Orlando was down by three with the ball and 8.9 seconds to go, but the Magic couldn’t get the ball inbounds and turned it over. DeMar ReRozan scored 28 points for Toronto, Jonas Valanciunas added 20 and Kyle Lowry netted 16. Nikola Vucevic finished with 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Jameer Nelson and Victor Oladipo each scored 16 points.

BROOKLYN NETS 114, Minnesota Timberwolves 99
The Nets tied a franchise record with their 13th straight win at home and reduced their magic number to clinch a playoff berth to one, with either a win or a Knicks loss good enough to book a second straight postseason bid. Paul Pierce helped Brooklyn get off to another hot start with 16 first-quarter points and the Nets outscored Minnesota 29-17 in the fourth to seal the deal. Pierce finished with 22 points, Deron Williams added 19 and Jorge Gutierrez notched three steals in just nine minutes. Corey Brewer had 21 points and four steals for the Timberwolves and Kevin Martin also scored 21 points. Ricky Rubio notched 12 assists and Gorgui Dieng had 11 rebounds. Kevin Love was held to 14 points on 5-of-14 shooting.