Lenard’s Leaner Helps Denver Win

The Denver Nuggets dropped out of the playoff picture long ago, but they’re sure shaking up the brackets.

Voshon Lenard scored 15 points and hit a leaner with 11.2 seconds left as the Nuggets ended the Minnesota Timberwolves’ four-game winning streak with an 88-87 victory Thursday night at Denver.

The victory was Denver’s second straight at home over a team in playoff position. The Nuggets beat Utah, 98-90, Tuesday, and have won seven of their last 13 games against potential playoff teams.

“I am not surprised by our play,” Lenard said. “I knew we could win and play like this. We are starting to get to a point where people are starting to understand and starting to feel each other. It is too bad it is happening this late in the year.”

Minnesota, which has won six of nine, is a game ahead of Portland for the fifth playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Kevin Garnett had 21 points, 18 rebounds and seven assists to lead the Timberwolves. Wally Szczerbiak added 16 points, five rebounds and five assists.

Minnesota took an 87-83 lead after Anthony Peeler hit two three-point baskets from the corner. Denver’s George McCloud followed with three free throws with 34 seconds left after he was fouled on a three-point attempt.

Minnesota’s Chauncey Billups was then called for a backcourt violation after losing the ball, setting up Lenard’s 16-foot shot along the baseline. Peeler had a shot for the win, but was long from the corner after Denver double-teamed Garnett in the post.

Portland 88, New York 80--Rasheed Wallace scored 25 points and Dale Davis had a season-high 18 rebounds at Portland. The Trail Blazers officially eliminated the Knicks from playoff contention.

The Knicks (28-46) will miss the playoffs for the first time since the 1986-87 season, when the team finished 24-58.

Latrell Sprewell was ejected with 3:44 left in the third quarter for shoving Portland’s Bonzi Wells.

Atlanta 95, Indiana 94--Reggie Miller missed a fadeaway three-pointer at the buzzer as the Hawks won at Atlanta, sending the Pacers to their fifth loss in six games. Indiana, which never led, fell into a tie with Toronto for the eighth and final Eastern Conference playoff spot.

Pacer forward Ron Mercer missed his third consecutive game with back spasms.

Orlando 105, Cleveland 101--Darrell Armstrong scored 11 of his 18 points in the final six minutes and Tracy McGrady had 35 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Magic at Orlando, Fla.

Orlando rallied without starting small forward Mike Miller, who reinjured his left ankle early in the second quarter.

Miller is listed as day-to-day.

San Antonio 102, Houston 78--Tim Duncan had 22 points and 11 rebounds, giving him 20 or more points in 22 consecutive games, for the Spurs at Houston. San Antonio is 15-4 in the second night of back-to-back games, best in the league.

Cuttino Mobley scored 24 points for the Rockets, who lost for the eighth time in 10 games.

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Philadelphia 76er guard Speedy Claxton will miss at least three games because of a mild concussion.