Washington ? Tracy McGrady scored 43 points in what was probably his final game against Michael Jordan.

The victory, however, went to Jordan, whose criticism of his Washington Wizards teammates seemed to motivate them.

After losing three of their last four by a combined seven points, the suddenly serious Wizards received 31 points from Jerry Stackhouse, 23 from Jordan and double figures from all five starters in Tuesday night’s 106-105 victory over the Orlando Magic.

Jordan ripped his young teammates for not matching his 40-year-old desire and effort after losses Friday and Sunday, defeats which sank the Wizards into deep trouble in the playoff chase in Jordan’s final season.

“Someone needed to say it, and I said it,” Jordan said. “Today the effort was a lot better, and the end result shows that. If my criticism had anything to do with it, so be it.”

Jordan said he did not regret making his criticisms public.

“The truth hurts. It would be just the opposite for us to sugarcoat it,” Jordan said. “We play publicly.”

Stackhouse had also complained about his role in the offense, and owner Abe Pollin stepped in and addressed the team Tuesday morning. All that turmoil forced itself into on the stage of a thrilling Jordan-McGrady finale.

“We felt coming in tonight like we were coming into the lion’s den,” Orlando coach Doc Rivers. “We knew they were angry. Their player-coach-owner challenged them. It was a smart thing to do. They both got something out of everybody.”

Said Stackhouse: “The motive was to try to inspire the play, and the motive worked. Everybody came out and played inspired.”

Jordan matched his career high with nine turnovers, but he made 10 of 18 shots, including a driving layup for Washington’s final field goal to put the Wizards up by three with 25 seconds remaining.

Orlando's Tracy Mcgrady slams home two of his 43 points against Washington. The Wizards overcame McGrady to claim a 106-105 victory Tuesday night in Washington.

But no one could touch McGrady, who made 16 of 26 shots and seemed to score at will over Jordan — and everybody else.

Bulls 116, Lakers 99

Chicago — Jamal Crawford scored a career-high 24 points with 10 assists, and Eddy Curry added 20 points and six rebounds as Chicago stunned Los Angeles. Jalen Rose added 27, Donyell Marshall had 13 points and nine rebounds, and Tyson Chandler had 12 boards for the Bulls, who have now beaten the Lakers in three of their last four meetings.

Kobe Bryant had 36 and Rick Fox scored a season-high 23, but they didn’t get much help. Shaquille O’Neal was held to 13 points and had just 10 rebounds as the Lakers were outrebounded 45-38.

Nuggets 95, Raptors 87

Denver — Juwan Howard had 24 points and 11 rebounds, helping Denver beat Toronto to snap a seven-game home losing streak. Howard scored 17 points in the first half as the Nuggets built a 54-32 lead. Vince Carter had 11 points early in the third quarter to spark a Raptors’ comeback that cut the deficit to 13.

Trail Blazers 92, SuperSonics 77

Seattle — Rasheed Wallace scored 23 points, Derek Anderson had 18 and reserve Zach Randolph scored nine of his 17 points in the fourth quarter as Portland beat Seattle. The Blazers didn’t have their second-leading scorer, Bonzi Wells, who was suspended for one game after an undisclosed episode at the team’s practice Monday. But he wasn’t missed as the Blazers completed a season sweep of the Sonics.

Heat 77, Cavaliers 75

Cleveland — Mike James made two free throws with 0.4 seconds left and Miami snapped a four-game losing streak despite scoring just 10 points in the fourth quarter. James hit his free throws after being fouled by Cavs guard Ricky Davis, who got faked into the air and fouled James as the Heat guard was attempting a 3-pointer. James intentionally missed his third attempt, and the final horn sounded before the Cavs could get off a shot.

Grizzlies 87, Knicks 85

New York — Jason Williams scored 15 points and hit the game-winning shot with 1.4 seconds left to lift Memphis past New York. With the game tied at 85, Williams missed a jumper with 19.7 seconds left, but got the rebound after Pau Gasol tipped it out. Williams shook Howard Eisley and hit an off-balance jumper to win it.

Allan Houston missed a three-pointer as time expired.

Stromile Swift had his fourth double-double in a row with 20 points and 14 rebounds, and Gasol added 17 points and 11 rebounds for the Grizzlies, who have won four in a row.

Warriors 113, Suns 98

Oakland, Calif. — Antawn Jamison had 23 points and 11 rebounds and Golden State defeated Phoenix to snap a three-game losing streak. Golden State picked up a half-game on idle Houston and moved within 21¼2 games of Phoenix for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Even to be in the mix for a possible postseason berth is amazing for this team, which hasn’t been to the playoffs in nine years. The Warriors’ 31 wins are the most for the franchise since going 30-52 in 1996-97.

Hornets 81, Pacers 71

Indianapolis — Baron Davis scored 20 points in his first game in over six weeks and New Orleans extended its winning streak to nine games. The Hornets avoided a four-game season sweep by Indiana and gained a game on the Pacers in the Central Division. The Hornets haven’t lost since Feb. 18, pushing them into contention for first place in the Eastern Conference.

Spurs 105, Bucks 102

Milwaukee — Malik Rose scored a career-high 34 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter, and Tim Duncan added 25, including four free throws to seal the victory. Duncan grabbed 15 rebounds and Tony Parker had 13 points as the Spurs snapped the Bucks’ six-game winning streak against them. San Antonio has won 15 of its last 17. Sam Cassell had 26 points, Desmond Mason and Toni Kukoc each had 24 and Gary Payton added 20 for the Bucks.