It was the Tracy & Troy Show again that dominated the game, but veteran Tim Hardaway provided the Friday night fireworks when he heaved a television monitor across midcourt to protest his third-quarter ejection.

It was the only time the Denver Nuggets really threatened.

The Magic led comfortably from start to finish, winning their fourth consecutive game, 124-102, getting a good laugh from Hardaway's antics, which are sure to earn him a stiff fine from the league office today.

"He must have done that in honor of Season on the Brink," said Magic guard Monty Williams, referring to the current movie about legendary hothead Bobby Knight. "I can't say I've ever seen that before."

Hardaway was ejected after his second technical foul, a result of a verbal battle with Williams. A few minutes earlier, he was given his first technical foul for jawing with Darrell Armstrong.

Hardaway had to be restrained from charging after official Marc Davis, who ejected him. As he was being led off the court, he grabbed the television monitor that was resting on a courtside table, then heaved it toward Davis.

Like the only two shots he took during the game, this toss also missed the mark.

"It was wrong for them to kick me out. They called the technicals on the wrong guy," Hardaway said. "I was just looking to get my point across. I threw that thing a long way. I'm a strong guy."

While the crowd was booing Hardaway, Armstrong picked up the television monitor, put it back on the table and plugged it in, which drew considerable applause and laughter. After the game, both Armstrong and Hardaway signed the monitor, which will be auctioned off for charity.

"They said the TV was working again," Armstrong said. "Maybe I've got a future in TV repair. I don't know how it didn't break. It did about 10 flips across the court. What a night of basketball, the same night that Bobby Knight plays in the NCAA Tournament."

Tracy McGrady and Troy Hudson had 30 and 24 points, respectively, leading the Magic together for the second consecutive game. They had 35 and 34 points, respectively, in Wednesday's victory over Phoenix.

The victory moved the Magic (35-30) up to the No. 5 spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race, a half-game ahead of the Philadelphia 76ers, who are Sunday's opponent.

It also was the Magic's eighth consecutive victory at the TD Waterhouse Centre. It came on a night when they shot extremely well (54.8 percent), but rebounded poorly. The Nuggets held a 43-27 rebounding advantage. And the Magic narrowly missed a franchise low (25) for rebounds in a game.

The Nuggets (19-43) lost their seventh consecutive road game, falling further in the tough Western Conference. The Magic got another big game from Monty Williams, who has played well since replacing Mike Miller in the starting lineup earlier this month. Williams made all eight of his shots and both of his free throws for 18 points. Pat Garrity also had 18 points.

McGrady's scoring was only part of his dominating performance. He had nine assists, seven rebounds, six steals and two blocked shots.

Veteran Dee Brown, who came out of the Magic front office to sign a 10-day contract earlier this week, hit his first basket of the season late in the third quarter, a 3-pointer for the 91-82 lead.

The Magic led by as many as 12 points in the first half. They led by 16 in the third and by 25 points in the fourth.

McGrady carried the Magic early with 19 points and five steals in 19 minutes. Hudson continued his much-improved play with 14 points in the first two quarters.