The Toronto Raptors eliminated the New Jersey Nets from NBA playoff contention with a 113-85 victory Friday. Carlos Delfino scored 24 points and Chris Bosh had 21 for Toronto as the Nets missed the playoffs for the first time since 2001. The Raptors moved back into equal sixth place with Philadelphia in the Eastern Conference with three games remaining. Toronto rallied from a 14-point deficit in the second quarter. Celtics 102, Bucks 86: In Boston, Rajon Rondo had 16 points and 10 assists, then joined the rest of Boston starters on the bench for the fourth quarter in an easy win over Milwaukee. The Bucks made more moves off the court than on it – hiring former Detroit Pistons vice president John Hammond as general manager and making the announcement during the third quarter. Milwaukee lost its fifth consecutive game. Hawks 116, Knicks 104: In New York, Atlanta stayed in control of the race for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference by beating New York. Joe Johnson scored 34 points for the Hawks, who remained two games ahead of Indiana in the race for eighth, with three games to play for each team. Atlanta has not made the playoffs for nine years. Pacers 85, 76ers 76: In Philadelphia, Indiana won its fourth straight by downing Philadelphia. Danny Granger had 30 points and 12 rebounds for the Pacers. Grizziles 96, Heat 91: In Miami, Memphis beat Miami to ensure the Heat will finish with the league's worst record. Hakim Warrick and Kyle Lowry each scored 17 points for the Grizzlies. Bulls 100, Cavaliers 95: In Chicago, LeBron James tied a Cleveland record by scoring 24 of his 34 points in the first quarter of the loss to Chicago. Luol Deng finished with 21 points to lead the Bulls. Timberwolves 102, Magic 101: In Orlando, Florida, Ryan Gomes made a pair of free throws with 2.9 seconds remaining to give Minnesota victory over Orlando. Pistons 102, Wizards 74: In Auburn Hills, Michigan, Jason Maxiell scored a career-high 28 points as Detroit routed Washington. Rockets 101, Suns 90: In Houston, the home side downed Phoenix to move 1-1/2 games ahead of the Suns and level with San Antonio in the Western Conference playoff race. Spurs 95, SuperSonics 74: In San Antonio, Tony Parker scored 20 points and San Antonio easily beat Seattle. Kings 103, Trail Blazers 86: In Sacramento, California, John Salmons scored 18 points in the second half to lead Sacramento over Portland. Lakers 107, Hornets 104: In Los Angeles, the home side beat New Orleans to move within a half-game of the Western Conference leaders. __
