The visitors had a 3-1 lead before Newcastle stormed back, with Harvey Barnes scoring a late double.
Howe said: "You can't underestimate the part he crowd played today.
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"When it went 3-2 there was a feeling that we could come back and get a draw. But then we scored earlier and it gave us time to get the winner. The crowd were incredible and that is as good an atmosphere I've ever experienced.
"It is a reminder that we are still fighting. We haven't given up on achieving something tangible this season. The crowd haven't either and are still with us, and that means the world to me."