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Short-handed Magic can’t handle 76ers

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The Orlando Magic had every excuse in the world to fall flat. Pick any one of them — they all fit fine for the Philadelphia 76ers.

Lou Williams scored 24 points, Andre Iguodala had 21 and the 76ers beat the undermanned Magic 97-89 on Saturday night on a day Orlando made a pair of blockbuster trades that left the team severely short-handed for a night.

Elton Brand finished with 20 points to help Philadelphia to a relatively easy victory over an Orlando team with only eight players available after two major trades.

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The Magic gave up forward Rashard Lewis, guards Vince Carter and Mickael Pietrus and center Marcin Gortat in two trades that brought troubled guard Gilbert Arenas from Washington, and Hedo Turkoglu and Jason Richardson from Phoenix. None of the players were in uniform Saturday, when Orlando lost for the sixth time in seven games.

Miami 95, at Washington 94: Dwyane Wade made two free throws with 7.9 seconds to play, LeBron James and Chris Bosh got away with contact on Kirk Hinrich’s attempt at a game-winning layup, and the Heat escaped with its 12th consecutive victory. James had 32 points, seven rebounds and six assists in front of a crowd that had been expected to include President Obama, who canceled plans to attend the game. Nick Young scored 30 points for the Wizards, who were without injured point guard John Wall and guard Gilbert Arenas, who was traded to Orlando earlier in the day.

at San Antonio 112, Memphis 106 (OT): Tony Parker had 37 points and nine assists, and the Spurs repulsed an upset bid by the Grizzlies, who were without suspended Rudy Gay, their leading scorer.

at Cleveland 109, New York 102 (OT): Mo Williams scored 23 points, including the tying basket late in regulation and six points in overtime, and the Cavaliers snapped a 10-game losing streak. The Knicks lost their third in a row.

at Denver 115, Minnesota 113: Carmelo Anthony scored 24 points, Ty Lawson had 23, and the Nuggets withstood Kevin Love’s 43 points and 17 rebounds to hold off the Timberwolves.

Utah 95, at Milwaukee 86: Deron Williams had 22 points and 11 assists, and the Jazz overcame a double-digit deficit for the ninth time this season.

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at Portland 96, Golden State 95: All five starters scored in double figures, led by LaMarcus Aldridge and Andre Miller with 17 points apiece, and the Trail Blazers hung on at the finish.

Clippers 100, at Chicago 99

— associated press

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