Hawks top Magic, take 2-1 series lead

Jamal Crawford banked in a three-pointer from the top of the key with 5.7 seconds left to cap a brilliant second half, leading the host Atlanta Hawks to an 88-84 victory over the Magic on Friday night and a 2-1 lead in their Eastern Conference playoff series.

The Hawks led most of the game, but it came right down to the wire -- marred by an altercation that led to the ejection of one player from each team.

Zaza Pachulia of Atlanta and Jason Richardson of Orlando were both tossed with 2:22 left after a confrontation under the basket. The teams swapped the lead four times after that near-brawl until Al Horford put the Hawks ahead for good with 46.6 seconds remaining.

But Crawford, who scored 18 of his 23 points after halftime, hit the biggest shot of all. With the shot clock winding down, he put up a jumper over Jameer Nelson that struck high on the backboard and went in.

Game 4 is Sunday night.

The physical game turned ugly when Dwight Howard drove the lane and was hammered by Pachulia, who took on the thankless job of guarding Orlando's big man after Jason Collins went out with a back injury in the first half.

Howard swung a forearm, Pachulia flung an elbow, then Richardson charged into Pachulia's face. As they jawed, Pachulia appeared to deliver at least one headbutt to Richardson, who responded by slapping Pachulia in the jaw with his left hand.

After looking at replays, the officials ejected Pachulia and Richardson and gave Howard a technical. Pachulia, with two long scratches on his upper right arm, was given a standing ovation on his way to the locker room.

In the second period, the Hawks appeared on the verge of blowing it open with an 11-1 run capped by Hinrich's fadeaway jumper for a 47-33 lead.

Lakers 100, Hornets 88: Kobe Bryant scored 30 points, and Pau Gasol snapped out of his playoff funk with 17 points and 10 rebounds in New Orleans. Andrew Bynum had 14 points and 11 rebounds and Lamar Odom 13 points for the two-time defending champs, who have a 2-1 lead in the series. Chris Paul had 22 points and eight assist for the Hornets.-- AP