NBA ROUNDUP : Starks’ 39 Are Magic for Knicks

John Starks and Patrick Ewing saw the challenge of Shaquille O’Neal and the Orlando Magic, and they responded by taking on even more of a load than usual.

Starks matched his career high with 39 points and Ewing outdueled O’Neal down the stretch, leading the New York Knicks to a 100-95 victory over the Magic on Tuesday night in New York.

Ewing, 10 years older than the 21-year-old O’Neal, matched the NBA’s leading scorer with 26 points and grabbed 19 rebounds to O’Neal’s five.

“They did a great job boxing me out,” said O’Neal, averaging 12.8 rebounds. “We played them tough, but Starks and Ewing hit the shots for them. People have to realize it’s not Shaq versus Ewing, it’s Orlando versus New York.”

Seattle 112, Phoenix 106--The SuperSonics’ Kendall Gill scored 12 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter at Phoenix as Seattle won its third in a row while snapping a four-game Suns’ winning streak.

Golden State 115, Sacramento 112--Chris Webber scored a career-high 36 points and Chris Mullin scored the go-ahead basket with 31 seconds to play, lifting the Warriors at Oakland. Webber made 15 of 23 shots and also had 13 rebounds and six blocks.

Houston 106, Portland 95--Hakeem Olajuwon scored 12 of his 33 points during the Rockets’ 22-5 third-quarter spurt, leading them to a victory at home.

Atlanta 133, Charlotte 94--Kevin Willis scored 16 points during a 42-6 third-quarter run that turned a close game into a rout at Atlanta, which won its third in a row. The Hornets played without injured Larry Johnson and Alonzo Mourning.

Chicago 97, Detroit 91--Scottie Pippen scored eight of the Bulls’ final 12 points at Chicago, which withstood a fourth-quarter rally to send the Pistons to their eighth consecutive loss.

Miami 100, New Jersey 83--Glen Rice had 22 points and nine rebounds to help the Heat at Miami, where the Nets’ starters shot 35% and Heat center Rony Seikaly was relegated to reserve duty, scoring 18 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.

Indiana 104, Cleveland 99--Vern Fleming made four free throws in the final 15 seconds, and the Pacers won at home to break a three-season drought against the Cavaliers.

San Antonio 107, Philadelphia 84--David Robinson had 32 points and Negele Knight a season-high 20 as San Antonio won its fifth game in a row overall and eight in a row at home against Philadelphia.