Malone Puts It on Line for Jazz

Karl Malone knows the game, and part of that wisdom is knowing the referees.

Cajoling the officials all night, Malone went to the free-throw line 22 times en route to a season-high 40 points, and the Utah Jazz defeated the Orlando Magic, 111-108, on Wednesday night at Orlando, Fla.

Malone passed the 36,000-point mark on a three-point play with 4:20 left in the first half. Only one player in NBA history has more -- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, with 38,387.

“It’s unbelievable to me that he’s still playing,” Utah Coach Jerry Sloan said. “He simply makes shots. Most people can’t do that without jumping over people, but Karl doesn’t do that. He just lays it in the basket.”

Malone had 24 points after halftime, 14 coming on free throws. Malone made 16 free throws, going 10 for 12 in the third quarter. His free-throw attempts set a record for an Orlando opponent.

“I was laughing, watching [Malone],” Orlando’s Tracy McGrady said. “He’s a vet and he knows how to get it done.”

Malone, though, was reluctant to discuss his skill at finessing the referees. “I’m about to end this interview if I hear another question like that,” he snapped at reporters.

The Magic had a chance to tie the score after John Stockton missed a jumper with eight seconds to go. Andrew DeClercq rebounded, but Malone intercepted his outlet pass and was fouled. He then made two of four free throws in the final 1.5 seconds for the victory.

San Antonio 111, Minnesota 99 -- Stephen Jackson scored 22 points and Tim Duncan had 18 at Minneapolis to end the Timberwolves’ 17-game home winning streak.

Duncan scored 10 of his points in the first quarter and the Spurs never trailed after Minnesota scored the first point. Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili each scored 17 points for the Spurs.

Philadelphia 96, Indiana 93 -- Allen Iverson had 31 points, making 16 of 19 free throws, and Keith Van Horn scored 17 of his 19 points in the second half to lead the 76ers at Philadelphia.

Ron Artest had 25 points for the Pacers but was whistled for a flagrant foul in the fourth quarter for tackling Eric Snow. If the call is upheld, Artest will draw a one-game suspension -- his second in a week -- and sit out Friday night’s home game against Utah.

Portland 125, Toronto 103 -- Damon Stoudamire, called on to start when Scottie Pippen sat out because of knee trouble, had 20 points, seven rebounds and seven assists at Portland, Ore.

Stoudamire, who has expressed frustration over his playing time this season, was making only his 10th start for Portland.

The Trail Blazers led by as many as 36 points. The Raptors have lost three in a row.

Boston 93, New Orleans 65 -- Antoine Walker scored 23 points at Boston and the Celtics held the Hornets to a tie for the fewest points in franchise history. The Hornets also scored 65 points on Dec. 20, 2000, when they were in Charlotte, N.C., and beat Miami, 65-56.

Memphis 124, Chicago 95 -- Stromile Swift collected his fifth consecutive double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds at Memphis, Tenn., and the Grizzlies tied the franchise record of 23 victories.

Atlanta 111, Milwaukee 92 -- Shareef Abdur-Rahim scored 29 points, Jason Terry had 22 points and 10 assists and the Hawks set a season high with 35 assists to win at Atlanta.