• New York Knicks 113, Orlando Magic 106

The Knicks needed this win about as badly as a team has needed a win in a long time. For an eternal optimist like Carmelo Anthony to even flirt with calling a game a ‘must-win’, it begins to show the importance for New York.

Anthony didn’t disappoint, scoring 39 points on just 26 shots. Most of those shots were difficult jumpers out of isolations, while the rest of the offense ran fairly normal Mike D’Antoni pick-and-rolls and three-pointers. Anthony carried the load for the understandably exhausted Amar’e Stoudemire, who had an inconspicuous 20 points on 10 shots. The occasional morning shootaround can't hurt?

This is the type of game Dwight Howard needs to dominate for 48 minutes, especially with Jameer Nelson sidelined. His second half output, however, was outstanding with several jumpers out of the mid-post that were Duncan-esque. Howard couldn't convert well enough down the stretch and in overtime.

• Indiana Pacers 107, Boston Celtics 100

The Pacers better end up in the playoffs because they are beating quality opponents of late. Roy Hibbert and Darren Collison each showed up impressively, with the former scoring 26 points on 17 shots and the latter needing just nine for 17.

Once again Boston’s bench was obliterated, with Jeff Green and Delonte West being the primary victims. The Pacers bench was uniformly strong, as their depth continues to execute and be a primary strength during the time of year when players really feel the wear and tear of the 82-game schedule.

• Philadelphia 76ers 97, Chicago Bulls 85

The NBA can be entertaingly unpredictable. Case in point is Philadelphia’s loss to the Kings and victory at the Bulls in consecutive days. Thaddeus Young was the microcosm, helping the Sixers get out to an early lead with a game-high 21 points on 10-for-16 shooting. Luol Deng has had an excellent season, but Young was clearly a bad match-up for him.

• Portland Trail Blazers 100, San Antonio Spurs 92

Despite playing against San Antonio’s JV team (Duncan, Parker, Manu and McDyess were in street clothes), the Blazers needed a +13 fourth quarter after being limited to just nine points in the third.

The Spurs frankly deserved to win this game, but the difference was ultimately Andre Miller and their 6-for-25 from distance compared to Portland’s 8-for-17.

• Charlotte Bobcats 87, Milwaukee Bucks 86

Even if Michael Jordan is apathetic about a ceremonial playoff bid, Gerald Henderson certainly isn’t. His defense has been impressive this season and he has had his most efficient scoring month of the season despite a sharp increase in usage. In this game, Henderson was burying jumpers in the final minute while scoring the final seven points of the game.

• Washington Wizards 100, Utah Jazz 95

Win No. 2 on the road for the 10-11 Wizards comes in one of the most difficult arenas in the NBA, as the rookie backcourt of John Wall and Jordan Crawford combined for 53 points. Remarkably, Crawford scored 25 points on 25 shots despite going 1-for-10 from distance.

The Jazz were +9 in the assist column with six players scoring between 11 and 17 points, but shot just 10-for-21 from the line.