ORLANDO, Fla., March 18 (UPI) -- A 3-point shot by Jameer Nelson as the buzzer sounded Friday gave the Orlando Magic an 85-82 victory over Denver.
Nelson brought a dramatic end to a game that had been close throughout and saw both teams struggle from the field.
Orlando won despite shooting 37 percent. The Magic held Denver to 35 percent shooting and Orlando won the rebounding duel 51-47.
Denver's Danilo Gallinari tied the contest by hitting two free throws with 5.7 seconds remaining. After a time out, the Magic got the ball to Nelson, who stepped back and put up the game-winning shot over Ty Lawson.
Orlando won its second straight and stayed within 3 1/2 games of Miami in the fight for the Southeast Division title.
Dwight Howard scored 16 points and had 18 rebounds for Orlando. Nelson scored 13.
Denver, which had won its previous four contests, was led by Wilson Chandler with 20.
