An NBA daily recap of yesterday's games, all on one page. Bookmark this NBA game roundup page this page. Hit it daily. Also, read NBA game previews and daily stat leaders. And watch highlights on our NBA video page.

Gay scores 21, Grizzlies blow out Hawks 96-77 -- The AP reports: Memphis had not won a game in Atlanta in more than six years. The Grizzlies took care of that skid in a big way. Rudy Gay scored 21 points, four other teammates were in double figures and Memphis blew out the listless Hawks 96-77 Thursday night. “It was outstanding defense from the start,” said coach Lionel Hollins, whose team came up with 13 steals... Gay and the Grizzlies ran the court with abandon and slammed down several thunderous dunks. The sparse crowd at Philips Arena began booing in the third quarter, then mostly headed for home early in the fourth as Memphis stretched the lead as high as 30 points. Tony Allen and O.J. Mayo scored 18 apiece for Memphis, while Mike Conley had 15. Marc Gasol turned in a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Dante Cunningham chipped in with 10 rebounds off the bench. Josh Smith led the Hawks with 11 points, playing only 19 minutes.

Rose scores 32 points, Bulls beat Knicks 105-102 -- The AP reports: Derrick Rose and Carmelo Anthony are both All-Star starters. Only Rose is the reigning MVP, and he was the one who owned Madison Square Garden on Thursday night. Rose had 32 points, 13 assists and a basket seemingly every time the Knicks were poised to rally in the Bulls’ 105-102 victory... Rose had 15 of his points in the fourth quarter, scoring on three straight possessions during one spectacular 79-second burst. He split Anthony and Amare Stoudemire to flip in a shot from past the backboard, then hit a 3-pointer to put the Bulls up 95-88 with less than 6 minutes left. Stoudemire had a season-high 34 points and 11 rebounds but missed a shot from beyond his normal range—a 3-point attempt with 11.9 seconds remaining— that would have tied the score... Anthony had 26 points but just 4 in the fourth quarter and missed a desperation 3 at the buzzer that would have sent the game to overtime. Twice in the last 92 seconds with the Knicks trailing by 3, he had his shot blocked.

Duncan, Parker lead Spurs past Hornets 93-81 -- The AP reports: Tim Duncan may not make the All-Star game for the first time in 12 years, or even give the San Antonio Spurs much scoring on most nights. But even in back-to-backs, he can still resemble his old self. Duncan scored 19 points, Tony Parker had 18 and the Spurs ran away from the New Orleans Hornets in the fourth quarter to win their third in a row, 93-81 on Thursday night... The Hornets didn’t make it easy. Carly Landry scored 17 points and Greivis Vasquez added 16 points staring in place of Jarrett Jack, keeping New Orleans close before the Spurs blew on the game in the fourth. Jack sat out with a sore knee but the pain isn’t considered serious. The Hornets have lost 12 of their last 13... Tiago Splitter added 16 points and Danny Green had 11 off the bench for the Spurs, who improved to an NBA-best 12-1 at home. They need to stockpile all the home wins they can: After hosting the NBA-leading Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday night, the Spurs won’t be back home for three weeks.

Thornton scores 20, Kings beat Blazers 95-92 -- The AP reports: John Salmons can’t remember a worse shooting slump. He’s hoping the 19 points he scored to help the Sacramento Kings to a rare win over Portland on Thursday night will help him forget it. Marcus Thornton scored 20 points the Kings, who snapped a five-game losing streak by beating Portland 95-92 Thursday night. The Blazers had beaten the Kings in 12 of the previous 13 games, but Sacramento ran off five straight points late in the game and held off Portland, which missed two 3-pointers in the final 10 seconds, including a nice look from Jamal Crawford just prior to the buzzer soundings... LaMarcus Aldridge had 28 points and 14 rebounds for the Blazers, who have lost four straight on the road, where they are 3-9 this season. Jamal Crawford scored 17 points and Raymond Felton 15 points and 10 assists. Portland made just 8-of-16 free throws. Tyreke Evans scored 18 points, Marcus Thornton and Jason Thompson added 13 points and 12 rebounds for the Kings... Kings center DeMarcus Cousins, who averaged nearly 21 points and 12 rebounds in the previous games, was in foul trouble early. He played 14 minutes, and didn’t leave the bench in the fourth quarter, finishing with eight points and six rebounds.

Curry, Ellis lead Warriors past Jazz 119-101 -- The AP reports: Monta Ellis didn’t seem too impressed with Golden State’s best offensive performance of the season. It was the Warriors defense which had Ellis grinning in the locker room afterward—and had coach Mark Jackson propping up his backcourt as one of the top tandems in the NBA. Ellis scored 33 points, Stephen Curry added 29 points and a season-high 12 assists and Golden State capped its longest homestand of the season with a 119-101 win over the Utah Jazz on Thursday night... Curry also had a solid night shooting, going 10 of 14. He and Ellis also had three steals apiece. Lee added 23 points and 14 rebounds for the Warriors. Golden State has won two straight since losing the first four games on its six-game homestand. Paul Milsap had 15 points and 11 rebounds for Utah. The Jazz played without starting point guard Devin Harris, who was a late scratch due to a strained left hamstring, and backup Earl Watson (sprained left ankle). both were hurt in Wednesday’s loss to the Clippers.

Nuggets beat Clippers 112-91 behind Gallinari’s 21 -- The AP reports: Blake Griffin got Mozgov’d attempting one of his high-flying dunks, hitting the floor and taking the Los Angeles Clippers down with him. Timofey Mozgov’s hard foul on the All-Star came in a dominant third quarter that helped Denver win 112-91 Thursday night and end the Clippers’ season-high four-game winning streak that included a victory over the Nuggets last weekend. Danilo Gallinari scored 21 points, including all five of his 3-pointers, Ty Lawson added 18 points, Arron Afflalo 15 and Mozgov 11 for the Nuggets, who had lost two straight overall and three in a row to the Clippers, their longest active losing streak against any team. Mozgov sent Griffin to the court and he struck his head... Griffin led the Clippers with 18 points, Chris Paul added 15 points and nine assists, and Caron Butler had 11 after missing Wednesday night’s win at Utah with a sore lower back. Earlier Thursday, Griffin and Paul were voted to the starting lineup for the All-Star game, giving the Clippers two players on the team for the first time since 1976.

Now watch NBA video highlights of the above games. And discuss the action with other fans on the InsideHoops basketball message board.


NBA DAILY FOR THURSDAY, FEB. 2:
Recaps of NBA games played Wednesday

Magic snap skid with 109-103 win over Wizards -- The AP reports: The Orlando Magic came into Wednesday night playing dangerously poor basketball. For the losers of four straight games, injuries were mounting and morale was falling daily. Thankfully for the Magic, they got a visit from a Washington Wizards team that was struggling even more and hadn’t won in Amway Center for a long time. Minus a few late scares, Orlando found the remedy it was looking for in the form of a 109-103 victory. Ryan Anderson scored 23 points, including six 3-pointers, to help the Magic end their skid and earn their eighth straight win over the Wizards, which dropped to just 1-9 on the road. Dwight Howard and J.J. Redick added 21 points each in the Magic’s first 100-point game since a win at Indiana on Jan. 24. Orlando had 13 3s as a team. As good as it felt to win Anderson said afterward that no one in the Magic locker room feels like they are completely out of their funk.

The Orlando Sentinel reports: "The Magic needed everyone’s contributions, especially with their starting backcourt of Jameer Nelson and Jason Richardson out with injuries. Although Orlando raced out to a 25-14 lead with 1:22 to go in the first quarter, Washington responded. The Wizards went on a 22-5 run that ended with Kevin Seraphin following Trevor Booker’s missed layup with an emphatic dunk. The run evoked memories of last Thursday’s loss to the Boston Celtics, in which the Magic gave up a 27-point lead in the second quarter and lost at home. Once again, the Magic had problems dealing with an opponent’s fullcourt pressure, committing 11 of their 15 turnovers in the first half. This time, though, the Magic didn’t wilt."

Iguodala leads 76ers past Bulls 98-82 -- The AP reports: Fun to watch, tough to beat. The 76ers have stamped themselves as a rising threat in the East. Andre Iguodala helped the Philadelphia 76ers take down one of the NBA’s top teams, scoring 19 points and grabbing nine rebounds in a 98-82 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night. Iguodala outplayed Derrick Rose and stuffed a month’s worth of dazzling highlight video plays into one game. His one-handed dunks, around-the-back passes, and big 3s helped the Sixers lead the Eastern Conference-leading Bulls by 20 at the end of the third quarter. In front of 18,325 fans, the Sixers confidence is skyrocketing along with the crowds at the Wells Fargo Center. Thaddeus Young scored 19 points, Lavoy Allen had 15 and Lou Williams 14, all off the bench for the Sixers... C.J. Watson scored 20 points and Rose had 18 for the Bulls. Chicago’s 17 turnovers were turned into 29 points for the Sixers.

The Philadelphia Daily News reports: "I think it was a very good defensive game on both ends. We were just able to create turnovers and get out on the break and not make it a halfcourt game," said Iguodala, whose team forced 17 Bulls turnovers, which led to 29 points. "When teams like that bring that defensive intensity towards us, I think we kind of do a good job of countering, bringing the same kind of intensity. This was a good game for us in front of our home crowd. "We were just trying to set the tone in the third. I see a few things in the first half and I'm able to adjust and kind of figure the other team out. I like playing the Bulls. I think they have a really good organization, and they really play hard. You've got to be ready to play against them. They're not the No. 1 team in the league for nothing." If the Bulls are indeed what Iguodala says they are, then how far below that lofty status are the Sixers right now? It is a question no one seems to want to answer. Their mentality is just trying to win each and every game in front of them."

Williams scores 26 as Nets top Pistons 99-96 -- The AP reports: A few minutes after having another strong game, Deron Williams was asked about the importance of maintaining a positive attitude during what has been a trying season. The look on his face in response to the question was one of irritation. “I love it here,” Williams deadpanned after he scored 26 points to help the New Jersey Nets beat the Detroit Pistons 99-96 Wednesday night. It was the fifth straight game Williams scored 20 or more points as the Nets improved to 8-15. He has finished in double figure scoring in every game this season. Kris Humphries had 18 points, Jordan Farmar added 15 and Shawne Williams 15 for the Nets. “It’s big for us,” Shelden Williams said of the win. Greg Monroe and Tayshaun Prince scored 21 points each for the Pistons, who have lost 20 of 24 this season. Detroit rookie point guard Brandon Knight added 15 points, Jonas Jerebko had 14 and Walker Russell Jr. 12.

Celtics go above .500 with 100-64 rout of Raptors -- The AP reports: The compact schedule of the post-lockout NBA doesn’t offer many breaks, so the Boston Celtics created one of their own. All five Boston starters sat out the entire fourth quarter, leaving the reserves to finish off Toronto in a 100-64 rout of the Raptors on Wednesday night. The reserves didn’t let up either as the Celtics crept above .500 for the second time this season with their sixth win in seven games... The Celtics never trailed and scored at least 20 points in every quarter while holding Toronto to 19 points or fewer each period. Paul Pierce had 17 points and eight assists, Ray Allen and Brandon Bass added 12 points apiece and Avery Bradley scored 11 for the Celtics. At 11-10, the Celtics hardly appear bound to hang another banner from the Garden rafters, but they do seem to have adjusted to the quick turnaround and lack of practice time between games... Jerryd Bayless scored 14 and Ed Davis finished with 10 points and 12 rebounds for the Raptors. They were the only two Toronto players to score in double figures.

Granger’s 36 leads Pacers past Wolves, 109-99 -- The AP reports: The Indiana Pacers and Minnesota Timberwolves have been two of the league’s woebegone franchises over the past five seasons or so, both dealing with their own batch of problems that has kept them from relevance. Somehow, a heated little rivalry managed to develop anyway. Now that both franchises are on the rise, the matchups are only getting more intense. Danny Granger scored 29 of his 36 points in the second half, and a third-quarter skirmish with Kevin Love seemed to fuel the Pacers to a 109-99 victory over the Wolves on Wednesday night. Granger also grabbed seven rebounds and hit 5 of 8 from 3-point range, and Darren Collison thoroughly out-played Ricky Rubio with 20 points, nine assists and six rebounds for the Pacers, who topped 100 points for just the second time this season... “Danny took over,” said Roy Hibbert, who had 15 points, nine rebounds and three blocks. “When you get the Grange mad, that’s what you get, you know?” Love had 21 points and 17 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who were completely overwhelmed by Indiana’s size and flustered by the Pacers’ tenacity.

Bucks win 105-97, beat Heat again -- The AP reports: The Miami Heat have the stars, the sun and South Beach. Somehow, the Milwaukee Bucks have bragging rights. Brandon Jennings scored 31 points, including three 3-pointers in a critical stretch of the fourth quarter, and Milwaukee beat Miami 105-97 on Wednesday night for the Bucks’ second win over the Heat this season. Even on a huge night for LeBron James—he scored a season-high 40 points, including a powerful windmill dunk destined for the highlight reels—Jennings and the Bucks walked away with a win... Jennings also had eight assists with no turnovers while Drew Gooden added 17 points and nine rebounds for the Bucks, who have won three straight—including a victory over the Los Angeles Lakers last Saturday... Dwyane Wade added 23 points for the Heat, but it wasn’t enough.

Westbrook, Durant lead Thunder past Mavericks -- The AP reports: Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant provided the offense for Oklahoma City, and Serge Ibaka’s defense put the Thunder over the top. Westbrook scored 33 points and Kevin Durant added 23 points and 13 rebounds as the Thunder beat the Dallas Mavericks 95-86 on Wednesday night. Ibaka had a career-high 10 blocked shots, helping Oklahoma City limit Dallas to 8-for-38 shooting from the field in the second half. “He was amazing,” Thunder coach Scott Brooks said of Ibaka, who also had 11 rebounds. “He’s been playing great defense eight of the last nine games.” James Harden contributed 10 points off the bench as the Thunder bounced back from Monday night’s 112-100 road loss to the Los Angeles Clippers that snapped a four-game winning streak. Jason Terry had 26 points for the short-handed Mavericks, who snapped a three-game winning streak. Dirk Nowitzki went 2 for 15 from the floor and finished with eight points for Dallas in his third game back after a four-game absence to deal with a sore right knee and conditioning issues.

Nash leads Suns past Hornets, 120-103 -- The AP reports: Steve Nash made Phoenix Suns history for his ability to put his teammates in position to score. Yet it was Nash’s ability to hit his own shots that sank the hapless New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday night. “I guess it’s very ironic,” said Nash, who scored a season high 30 points to go with 10 assists in the Suns 120-103 victory over New Orleans. By increasing his total number of assists with the Suns to 6,522 in nine-plus seasons with the club, Nash surpassed Kevin Johnson’s mark of 6,518... Marcin Gortat had 23 points and 11 rebounds for Phoenix, which won for only the fourth time on the road this season and second time in New Orleans. Channing Frye added 16 points and Jared Dudley 15. Hornets reserve point guard Greivis Vasquez had career highs of 20 points and 12 assists for the Hornets, making him the first reserve in franchise history to hit the 20-point and 10-assist mark in a game. Jason Smith added 16 points for the Hornets, who led 57-44 late in the first half, but were outscored 76-46 the rest of the way en route to a third straight loss and 18th defeat in 20 games. Trevor Ariza added 15 points for New Orleans, while Emeka Okafor scored 11.

Duncan and Parker lead Spurs over Rockets -- The AP reports: With the Spurs on the brink of getting blown out, Tim Duncan took over and carried them to victory. Duncan scored 25 points and Tony Parker added 24 to help the San Antonio Spurs rally for a 99-91 victory over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night. The Rockets led by 18 points in the third quarter and looked poised to put the game away before Duncan led the Spurs on an 11-2 run. When he wasn’t barking directions to his younger teammates, Duncan was burying running hooks in the lane. Duncan scored 16 points in the quarter, after which the Spurs trailed only 71-67... The Spurs (14-9) have won two straight and improved to 11-1 at home. Gary Neal had 15 for San Antonio, which split the four-game season series with the Rockets (12-10), who have lost two straight. Kevin Martin scored 29 points to lead Houston but went 1 for 6 in the fourth quarter. Kyle Lowry and Courtney Lee each added 15, and Patrick Patterson had 10.

Blazers hand Bobcats 10th straight loss, 112-68 -- The AP reports: Charlotte guard Gerald Henderson said that there wasn’t much the Bobcats could do while suffering the worst defeat in franchise history. The Portland Trail Blazers led by as many as 48 points and went on to beat the Bobcats 112-68 on Wednesday night... Charlotte’s 44-margin of defeat topped the previous franchise-worst in a 120-80 loss at Denver last March 2. Jamal Crawford scored 24 points in 21 minutes for the Blazers, who improved to 10-1 at the Rose Garden this season. Gerald Wallace, traded to the Blazers from Charlotte last year, scored 23 points while LaMarcus Aldridge added 22 before Portland sat all of its starters in the fourth quarter. It was the Bobcats’ 10th straight loss, their longest losing streak since an 11-game slide from November 2007 to early January 2008.

Paul, Griffin lead Clippers past Jazz, 107-105 -- The AP reports: Chris Paul was shocked to learn the Los Angeles Clippers hadn’t won in Utah since 2003. He made sure that slate was wiped clean Wednesday night, scoring a season-high 34 points in the Clippers’ 107-105 victory over the Jazz. The win ended a string of 16 straight losses in Salt Lake City, where the Clippers had prevailed just once in the previous 39 meetings... Paul scored 12 points in the fourth quarter of a tight game. He also handed out 11 assists, with most going to Blake Griffin for dunks, including one just seven seconds into the game... Al Jefferson had 27 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Jazz. Miles added 16 off the bench, including a 3-pointer with 8 seconds left that pulled Utah to 103-102. But Chauncey Billups, who made only 1 of 8 field goals, hit two more free throws to put Los Angeles up 105-102. Devin Harris’ two foul shots cut it to one point again, but Williams made both of his free throws.

Now watch NBA video highlights of the above games. And discuss the action with other fans on the InsideHoops basketball message board.


NBA DAILY FOR WEDNESDAY, FEB. 1:
Recaps of NBA games played Tuesday

George leads Pacers past Nets 106-99 -- The AP reports: Paul George is starting to make the New Jersey Nets cringe whenever they play the Indiana Pacers. George scored a career-high 24 points to lead the Pacers to a 106-99 win over the Nets on Tuesday night. And it’s not the first time George has spoiled things for the Nets. George, who shot 8 of 11 in this one, scored 21 points to lead the Pacers to a 108-94 win against the Nets on Jan. 2... Danny Granger had 21 points and seven rebounds and Roy Hibbert had 18 points and 14 rebounds, his ninth double-double of the year. Deron Williams scored 34 points for the Nets, who have lost two straight overall and nine straight against the Pacers... But the Nets made a run back at the Pacers late in the fourth quarter and even got within three after a 15-2 run in which Anthony Morrow scored 11 of his 28 points... The Nets played without MarShon Brooks, who broke his right, little toe and didn’t play Tuesday. Brooks, who is averaging 14.8 points, missed the three previous games because of a sore Achilles. Mehmet Okur missed his third straight game because of a sore lower back. DeShawn Stevenson didn’t play because of a sore right knee.

Celtics survive Cavs’ comeback 93-90 -- The AP reports: The Boston Celtics didn’t completely collapse. They merely crumbled this time. Two days after blowing a big late lead and losing at home to Cleveland, the Celtics nearly did it again before recovering and hanging on for a 93-90 win over the scrappy Cavaliers, who trimmed a 22-point deficit to 2 in the final minutes. Paul Pierce scored 20 points, Ray Allen had 12 in the third quarter and Kevin Garnett made a key jumper down the stretch for the Celtics, who came away victorious but unfulfilled... “We just couldn’t finish it off,” said Kyrie Irving, who scored 13 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter... Garnett and Brandon Bass added 13 points apiece for the Celtics, who were again without All-Star point guard Rajon Rondo. He missed his seventh straight game with an injured right wrist, and although the Celtics improved to 5-2 without him, it was anything but easy. Anderson Varejao added 20 points and a career-high 20 rebounds for the Cavs, who were also short-handed while playing without injured guards Daniel Gibson and Anthony Parker.

Joe Johnson scores 30 as Hawks beat Raptors -- The AP reports: Joe Johnson needed just three quarters to have one of his best games of the season. Johnson matched his season high with 30 points, Tracy McGrady scored 15 against his former team and the Hawks recorded their sixth consecutive victory over the Raptors, beating Toronto 100-77 on Tuesday night. “That’s the type of player he is,” McGrady said of Johnson, who made 13 of his 18 field-goal attempts. “Once he gets that feeling, he can run off 10 or 12 points in a hurry.” ... Jeff Teague, Marvin Williams and Zaza Pachulia each scored 10 points as the Hawks won their third straight. Jerryd Bayless scored 14 points for the Raptors, who lost their third home game in a row. Toronto has gone 5-9 in playing a league-high 14 road games, but is just 2-6 at home... Ed Davis had 11 points and matched a season high with 11 rebounds, his first double-double of the season. Gary Forbes added 10 points for Toronto.

Anthony returns, Knicks rout Pistons to end slide -- The AP reports: Carmelo Anthony came back and the New York Knicks’ offensive woes went away. Anthony scored 25 points in his return to the lineup, Landry Fields added 16 of his 18 in a flawless first half, and the Knicks snapped a three-game losing streak with a 113-86 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night. Tyson Chandler had 17 points and Amare Stoudemire 15 for the Knicks, whose slumbering offense awoke in just their second victory in 11 games. They shot 60 percent from the field—amazingly the first time they bettered 50 percent all season—and fell just a point short of matching their highest scoring effort... Jonas Jerebko scored 15 points and Greg Monroe had 13 points and 12 rebounds for the Pistons (4-19), who lost their sixth straight and are struggling to even be competitive while playing without Ben Gordon, Charlie Villanueva and Will Bynum.

Mayo leads Grizzlies past Nuggets 100-97 in OT -- The AP reports: The Memphis Grizzlies went behind closed doors Monday night and held a players-only meeting to regain the focus that made them successful last season. It appears to have worked. O.J. Mayo scored 18 points, including a go-ahead 3-pointer with 35 seconds left in overtime, as Memphis rallied from a double-digit deficit Tuesday night and snapped a four-game losing streak with a 100-97 victory over the Denver Nuggets... Mayo’s basket, which came after the Grizzlies scrapped for two offensive rebounds to retain possession, gave Memphis a 98-97 lead. Two free throws by Mike Conley with 8 seconds left provided Memphis the final margin. Rudy Fernandez’s potential tying 3-point attempt in the closing seconds for Denver bounced off the rim, sending the Nuggets to their second straight loss... Rudy Gay and Marc Gasol both overcame poor shooting nights to lead Memphis with 20 points apiece, each also grabbing 13 boards as the Grizzlies outrebounded the Nuggets 48-42. Tony Allen had 17 points and four blocks, and his defensive pressure in the second half keyed a Grizzlies rally. Conley finished with 11 points. Al Harrington led Denver with 23 points, 21 after halftime, and 10 rebounds. Andre Miller had 20 points on 8 of 13 from the field. Nene scored 14 points and Ty Lawson had 12 points. Danilo Gallinari, Denver’s leading scorer with a 17.9 average, ended the night going 1 of 10 from the field, scoring only eight points.

Rush leads Warriors past Kings in Smart’s return -- The AP reports: Mark Jackson has called himself a “flow coach” since he started with the Golden State Warriors this season, imploring that he will ride whatever works no matter how unconventional it seems. Jackson proved so much against his predecessor. Brandon Rush scored 15 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter to spark a late rally, and the Warriors spoiled former coach Keith Smart’s return with a 93-90 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night. Rush finished 4 for 5 from 3-point range and highlighted a 9-0 run to start the final period that carried Jackson past the man who had his job a season ago. Jackson sat stars Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis for almost the entire fourth quarter, riding his bench with a curious move that paid off big... Tyreke Evans had 22 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists and DeMarcus Cousins added 21 points and 14 rebounds in Sacramento’s fifth straight loss. The Kings (6-15) are in last place in the Pacific Division, just behind Golden State (7-12), and 4-10 since Smart took over for the fired Paul Westphal.

Lakers dominate Bobcats in 106-73 win -- The AP reports: Having polished off their second subpar opponent in a row, the Los Angeles Lakers are turning their attention to a sore spot—the road. Kobe Bryant scored 24 points, Andrew Bynum added 20, and the Lakers beat slumping Charlotte 106-73 on Tuesday night in their final home game before beginning their annual Grammy trip on Friday at Denver. The Lakers have been a dominant 11-2 at home, but are just 2-7 away from Staples Center... Bynum had 11 rebounds, while Pau Gasol had 10 points and Andrew Goudelock keyed a big night for the bench with 12 points as the Lakers’ reserves outscored the Bobcats’ bench 48-30. Bryant, Fisher and Metta World Peace sat out the entire fourth quarter, when Bynum and Gasol each played less than five minutes... Gerald Henderson scored 14 points in his return after a two-game absence because of a lower back contusion for the Bobcats, who fell to 1-11 on the road and 3-19 overall with their ninth consecutive loss. Derrick Brown added 12 points and Kemba Walker 12 coming off his triple-double against Washington on Saturday. Boris Diaw added 11.

Now watch NBA video highlights of the above games. And discuss the action with other fans on the InsideHoops basketball message board.


NBA DAILY FOR TUESDAY, JAN. 31:
Recaps of NBA games played Monday

Iguodala shines in 76ers’ 74-69 win over Magic -- The AP reports: The 76ers had one of their worst performances of the season to open a rugged stretch on the schedule. It was good enough to beat slumping Orlando. Still, the surprising Sixers know they’ll have to play better if they want to prove they’re for real during a 10-day stretch of games against some of the top teams in the NBA. Andre Iguodala had 14 points and 11 rebounds to lead Philadelphia to its third straight win, 74-69 over the Orlando Magic on Monday night... Led by Iguodala’s burst in the third quarter, the Sixers (15-6) outlasted the stumbling Magic and won despite posting their lowest point total of the season. Dwight Howard’s 17 points and 11 rebounds weren’t enough in Orlando’s fourth straight loss. The Sixers shot 38 percent from the floor, 27 percent from 3-point range and 53 percent from the foul line, some of their worst numbers of the season.

Rose scores 35 to lead Bulls over Wizards 98-88 -- The AP reports: Derrick Rose scored a season-high 35 points to lead the Chicago Bulls to a 98-88 win over the Washington Wizards on Monday night. It came a day after the reigning league MVP missed two key free throws and a possible game-tying jumper in the final 30 seconds in a four-point loss to the Miami Heat. He got off to a hot start against the Wizards, scoring 13 points in the first quarter as the Bulls improved their Eastern Conference-leading record to 18-5. Chicago never trailed, led by as many as 22 and never let Washington get closer than eight points in the second half... Rose was 10 for 20 from the field with a 3-pointer, and hit 14 of 15 from the line. He had eight assists. Many in the season-high crowd of 18,357 were chanting “M-V-P! M-V-P!” as Rose showed off his skills. He had help from Carlos Boozer, who had 18 points— six in the first four minutes—and 12 in the fourth quarter. Kyle Korver had 17 — 14 in the first half—and five 3-pointers. Joakim Noah chipped in with 14 points, 13 rebounds and tied a career high with seven assists... John Wall led the Wizards with 20 points, while Nick Young had 17, and JaVale McGee scored 16.

Heat shake off slow start, beat Hornets 109-95 -- The AP reports: Dwyane Wade’s role as captain of the Miami Heat comes with certain privileges. For example, he can occasionally shake off calls from Heat coach Erik Spoelstra. And no one complained, either. Wade and LeBron James each scored 22 points, Mike Miller added 14 off the bench and the Heat rode the strength of a brilliant 18-minute run midway through the game to beat the Hornets 109-95 on Monday night, Miami’s eighth win in nine games. The Hornets finished with only 25 rebounds, the lowest total in the NBA this season. James had 11 rebounds—more than any two Hornets—and eight assists for Miami, which had six players in double figures and outscored New Orleans 54-23 from the midpoint of the second quarter through the end of the third... Jarrett Jack and Carl Landry each scored 14 for New Orleans, which lost for the 17th time in 19 games after a 2-0 start. Emeka Okafor scored 13 points and Greivis Vasquez added 11 for the Hornets.

Spurs hand Grizzlies 4th straight loss, 83-73 -- The AP reports: The San Antonio Spurs hardly looked like an aging team playing the second night of a back-to-back. But the Memphis Grizzlies sure appeared to be a team still in a haze from a four-game road trip. Matt Bonner scored 15 points, going 5 of 9 from outside the arc, and Tim Duncan added 14 points as San Antonio sent Memphis to its fourth straight loss with an 83-73 victory over the Grizzlies on Monday night... Rookie Kawhi Leonard had 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Spurs, who snapped a two-game skid. Richard Jefferson scored 13 points, while Danny Green finished with 11 points. Even though Parker managed only five points, he did hand out 12 assists, two less than the entire Grizzlies team. O.J. Mayo led Memphis with 17 points, shooting 7 of 11. Mike Conley had 15 points for Memphis, and Marreese Speights scored 10, all in the first quarter.

Jennings leads Bucks to 103-82 win over Pistons -- The AP reports: Brandon Jennings had 21 points, reserve Mike Dunleavy added a season-high 20 on 8-of-10 shooting and Milwaukee rolled to a 103-82 victory over the skidding Detroit Pistons on Monday night... Drew Gooden shot 7 of 9 and scored 16 points for the Bucks, including seven straight during a decisive 12-2 run to open the second half. Detroit, which has lost five straight and nine of 10, never led in falling to 4-18. Rodney Stuckey led the Pistons with 19 points, and Greg Monroe added 16 points and 10 rebounds... Tayshaun Prince had 14 points for Detroit, which dropped to 1-10 on the road. Milwaukee is 6-2 at home.

Adelman wins return to Houston -- The AP reports: Rick Adelman has mostly good memories from his years in Houston, and his new team delivered one more on Monday night. Michael Beasley scored 34 points, Ricky Rubio had 18 points and 11 assists and the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Rockets 120-108 in Adelman’s return to Houston. Kevin Love had 29 points for the Timberwolves, who blew open a close game with a franchise-record 42 points in the third, also a season high for any quarter. The 6-foot-10 Beasley, in just his third game back after missing 11 games with a sprained right foot, set a franchise record for single-game points by a reserve. He went 10 for 14 from the field and 12 for 12 from the free-throw line to finish just eight points shy of his career high... Kevin Martin scored 29 points after missing two games with inflammation in his right heel. The Rockets lost for only the second time in 11 games.

Carter, West lead Dallas rout of Nash-less Suns -- The AP reports: The Dallas Mavericks, with their offense rolling in high gear, gave Phoenix fans a glimpse of how ugly life could be without Steve Nash. With the Suns’ 37-year-old star point guard sidelined with a bruised left thigh, the Mavericks routed Phoenix 122-99 on Monday night, the third victory in a row and sixth in seven games for the reigning NBA champions... A strained right calf sidelined Dallas point guard Jason Kidd for the second night in a row, but the Mavericks were just fine without him, amassing a season-high in points for a half (66) and for a game. Delonte West scored a season-high 25 for Dallas on 9 of 12 shooting, including 5 of 6 3-pointers. Vince Carter, still being paid by Phoenix after the Suns waived him before the season began, scored 21 for the second night in a row... Longtime Sun Shawn Marion scored 20 for the Mavericks, winners of three straight and six of seven. Dirk Nowitzki had 10 points in his second game back after missing four games to rest his sore right knee. Marcin Gortat had 17 points and 10 rebounds for Phoenix. Dudley added 15 points, Sebastian Telfair 13 and Grant Hill 12.

Millsap scores 19 as Jazz rally past Blazers 93-89 -- The AP reports: Gordon Hayward certainly could have been the goat Monday night after moving over to shooting guard for the Utah Jazz and tossing up nothing but bricks early. Yet the second-year pro kept playing and hustling, and it ultimately paid off in a 93-89 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. Hayward shook off an 0-for-8 start to finish with 12 points. Late in the game, he had a block, a steal and a key rebound, and sank three of four free throws down the stretch as the Jazz prevailed... Paul Millsap led Utah with 19 points and 15 rebounds, and the Jazz held a 51-37 edge on the boards.

Griffin, Paul leads Clippers past NBA-leading Thunder -- The AP reports: Blake Griffin’s jaw-dropping one-handed jam over Kendrick Perkins sent Los Angeles Clippers fans into a frenzy, fired up his teammates, lit up the Twitterverse and burned the Oklahoma City Thunder. Griffin had 22 points to go with Chris Paul’s 26 points and 14 assists in a 112-100 victory Monday night that snapped the Thunder’s four-game winning streak in a matchup of division leaders. Griffin downplayed his monster move after the game, a sly smile only briefly breaking his serious expression... DeAndre Jordan grabbed Griffin from behind in a celebratory bear hug as the basket got replayed over and over in the third quarter. Jordan, who had 11 points and 11 rebounds, couldn’t help himself... Paul had 26 points and 14 assists, Caron Butler also had 22 points, Chauncey Billups scored 13 and Mo Williams 12 as the Pacific-leading Clippers dunked with high-flying abandon against the team with the NBA’s best record at 16-4. They won their third in a row to follow up a 109-105 victory at Denver a night earlier that began a stretch of five games in seven nights... Kevin Durant had 36 points and 13 rebounds, and Russell Westbrook added 31 for the Northwest-leading Thunder, whose league-best road record dropped to 8-3. They had won 11 of their previous 12.

Now watch NBA video highlights of the above games. And discuss the action with other fans on the InsideHoops basketball message board.


NBA DAILY FOR MONDAY, JAN. 30:
Recaps of NBA games played Sunday

James, Heat escape with 97-93 win over Bulls -- The AP reports: The odds had to overwhelmingly be in Chicago’s favor. Down by a point with 22.7 seconds left, with Derrick Rose heading to the line to shoot a pair of free throws. The reigning NBA MVP. He was a perfect 29 for 29 from the foul line in the fourth quarter this season. As if this moment needed extra significance, it was coming against the Miami Heat, the team that downed Rose and the Bulls in last season’s Eastern Conference finals by taking the series’ last four games. Rose missed the first. Missed the second, too. And missed a potentially game-tying jumper with 3.7 seconds left to boot, as somehow the Heat held on for a wild 97-93 win on Sunday. LeBron James—the player who Rose supplanted as the league MVP—scored 35 points for Miami, which never trailed yet never could relax until Chris Bosh sealed it by making two free throws with 0.1 seconds left. “This is so surreal right now knowing that I had a chance to win the game,” said Rose, emotional at his locker afterward. “And this time it didn’t work out.” Bosh scored 24 points and added 12 rebounds for the Heat (15-5), who got 15 points from Dwyane Wade and pulled within one game of the Bulls (17-5) in the East. “Like the playoffs in January,” Wade said. Richard Hamilton and Joakim Noah each scored 11 for Chicago, which got 10 apiece from Ronnie Brewer and Carlos Boozer.

The Chicago Tribune reports on Derrick Rose: "He looked downward glumly. He swore. He referenced a higher power. Rose didn't cry, although his voice caught during one answer, he stopped to compose himself during another and who knows what happened before reporters were allowed in the locker room. "It's definitely tough," Rose said. "All I can say is, I guess God does everything for a reason. To miss both and let my team down, the only thing I can do is learn from it. "This is so unreal. I had a chance to change the game. This time, it didn't work out. I know my will to win is still very high. I guarantee you next time those shots are going down."

The Chicago Tribune reports: "Avoiding a fine, Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau refused to be a whistle-blower on an inadvertent whistle that, ultimately, gave the Heat an extra possession and point in their four-point victory Sunday. "I'll just leave it alone," Thibodeau said. "I'm not going to say anything. All you have to do is look at the tape." Asked a follow-up question on what explanation officials gave him, Thibodeau remained tight-lipped. "I have no comment," he said."

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports: "In many regards," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said, "it was a typical Miami-Chicago basketball game." The odds of anyone else defeating one of these teams four times in a playoff series? Scant. The odds of these teams not beating each other to a pulp in a rematch of last season's Eastern Conference finals? Equally as remote. "Every time we play the Bulls it's going to be like that," Heat forward Chris Bosh said. "It's going to be a drag-out fight every game." No, there were no fights, but enough shoves and glares to make the remaining three games of this regular-season series equally as juicy. At one point in the fourth quarter, Heat guard Dwyane Wade even took an air swing at Bulls center Joakim Noah after a hard foul, a move that might draw Monday review from NBA discipline czar Stu Jackson."

DeRozan leads Raptors past Nets 94-73 -- The AP reports: DeMar DeRozan took over as soon as the third quarter started. DeRozan scored 19 of his 27 points in the second half, leading the Toronto Raptors to a 94-73 victory over the New Jersey Nets on Sunday night. With injuries playing a role in their 7-14 start, the Raptors received a huge lift from DeRozan. He made eight of 12 shots, and 11 of 16 free throws... Toronto led 46-41 when it scored 10 straight to go up by 15 points. DeRozan scored four free throws in the run, and Jerryd Bayless scored a couple of baskets... Bayless finished with 17 points, and the 6-foot-3 guard added six rebounds and six assists. He also spent his 34 minutes playing defense on Deron Williams.

Cavs close with 12-0 run to beat Celtics 88-87 -- The AP reports: It was the same play Cleveland ran at the end of regulation in its third game this season—the third game of Kyrie Irving’s NBA career. He missed that one. On Sunday night, Cavaliers coach Byron Scott called it again. “He (learned) not to miss the layup this time,” Scott said after Irving made a layup with 2.6 seconds left to give the Cavaliers an 88-87 victory over Boston... Irving scored 23 points, including the go-ahead layup in the final seconds as Cleveland scored the last 12 points of the game to snap Boston’s four-game winning streak. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 draft, Irving remembered missing a potential game-winner on the same play when the Cavaliers played Indiana on Dec. 30... Irving scored eight points in the fourth quarter, including six in the 12-0 run that brought the Cavs back for the win. Anderson Varejao scored 18 points and added nine rebounds for Cleveland, which had lost five of six. Ray Allen returned from an ankle injury and scored 22 points, making 4 of 6 from 3-point range. But he missed a jumper from the left corner when Boston still held a one-point lead on its second-to-last possession... Paul Pierce scored 18 points with six rebounds and five assists and seven turnovers for the Celtics. But he couldn’t get a shot off after Boston inbounded the ball with 2.1 seconds left.

Granger’s big night helps Pacers down Magic 106-85 -- The AP reports: Danny Granger scored 24 points, and David West and George Hill each had 16 as the Indiana Pacers ran past the Orlando Magic 106-85 on Sunday night. The Pacers snapped a six-game losing streak to the Magic and avoided losing consecutive games for the first time this season. Indiana had a 16-2 edge in second-chance points and got 42 points from its bench. The Pacers also went 8 for 17 from 3-point range. Dwight Howard led the Magic with 24 points and 13 rebounds, but was a dismal 4 for 15 from the free throw line. Chris Duhon added 14 points and Jason Richardson 13... Indiana’s bench was also active with 28 first-half points, led by Hill’s 13.

Mavericks beat Spurs 101-100 in OT with Terry’s 34 -- The AP reports: Jason Terry scored a season-high 34 points, including four in the last 42 seconds of overtime, as the Dallas Mavericks rebounded after blowing a big lead against San Antonio for a 101-100 victory Sunday night. Terry put Dallas back in the lead to stay when he took a pass from Dirk Nowitzki for a 12-foot baseline jumper with 42 seconds left. After Shawn Marion stole the ball from Gary Neal, Terry had two free throws with 17 seconds left to make it 101-98. Neal, who finish with 19 points, then drove for a layup and was fouled by Shawn Marion. But Neal missed a potential tying free throw that was rebounded by Ian Mahinmi, who then missed two free throw attempts. After Neal got the rebound and the Spurs called timeout, Vince Carter knocked the ball loose. Danny Green grabbed it and threw up a shot that ricocheted off the front of the rim as the game ended... Carter had 21 points, his most with the Mavericks, while Beaubois had had 14. Nowitzki, playing for the first time after a four-game hiatus to strengthen his sore right knee and do conditioning work, had 10 points on 5-of-14 shooting with 13 rebounds. Richard Jefferson, Tim Duncan and Green each had 12 points for the Spurs.

Bryant, Lakers outlast Timberwolves 106-101 -- The AP reports: Kobe Bryant had 35 points and 14 rebounds and Pau Gasol scored 28 to give the Los Angeles Lakers a much-needed road victory, 106-101 over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night. Andrew Bynum added 21 points for the Lakers, who won for just the second time in nine road games this season. They led by 18 in the third quarter, then withstood a furious Timberwolves charge to hang on for their second victory in six games. Kevin Love had 33 points and 13 rebounds and Michael Beasley added 18 points and 12 boards for the Wolves, who lost to the Lakers for the 16th straight time... Rubio finished with five points, eight assists and four rebounds. Webster had 10 points.

Teague scores 24 to lead Hawks past Hornets 94-72 -- The AP reports: Jeff Teague tied a career high with 24 points despite playing on a sore left ankle and the Atlanta Hawks beat the New Orleans Hornets 94-72 on Sunday night. Willie Green added 16 points and Marvin Williams 14 for Atlanta, which won for the fourth time in five games and handed the struggling Hornets their most lopsided loss of the season. The Hawks broke the game open with a 23-4 run during the last half of the third quarter, while New Orleans was in the midst of missing 12 straight shots. Emeka Okafor scored 13 points for New Orleans, which was as close as 53-48 on Jarrett Jack’s free throws with 5:44 to go in the third before Atlanta took over. Jack finished with 10 points in the Hornets’ 16th loss in 18 games.

Billups leads Clippers to 109-105 win over Nuggets -- The AP reports: Chauncey Billups’ homecoming couldn’t have gone better. He scored a season-high 32 points and drew a crucial foul in the waning seconds to help seal the Los Angeles Clippers’ 109-105 victory that snapped the Denver Nuggets’ six-game winning streak Sunday night... The Nuggets opened a 10-point lead early in the fourth but the Clippers used a 10-0 run to tie it at 87 with 8 1/2 minutes to go and it was close the rest of the way... Paul finished with 25 points, and Blake Griffin added 17. Billups had 15 points at the half and really got hot in the third quarter, sinking three straight 3-pointers, including one with Rudy Fernandez all over him that capped a stretch of five straight 3s for the Clippers, the other two coming from Paul.

Now watch NBA video highlights of the above games. And discuss the action with other fans on the InsideHoops basketball message board.


NBA DAILY FOR SUNDAY, JAN. 29:
Recaps of NBA games played Saturday

Hayward, Jazz spoil Jimmer’s return to Utah 96-93 -- The AP reports: Gordon Hayward scored a season-high 21 points and C.J. Miles added 20 as the Utah Jazz snapped a two-game losing streak, defeating Sacramento 96-93 and spoiling Jimmer Fredette’s return to the state where “Jimmermania” began. Fredette had a chance to give the Kings the win with 4.2 seconds left, but launched an air-ball 3-pointer. Hayward’s free throw sealed it for Utah (11-7). Tyreke Evans led Sacramento (6-14) with 31 points on 12-of-20 shooting. Fredette, a former Brigham Young star and last year’s national player of the year, finished with 14 points and 3 of 5 from beyond the arc. But he was just 5 of 13 overall. The Kings were down 13 points in the fourth quarter, but Evans and Isaiah Thomas brought them back.

Dudley shoots Suns past Grizzlies 86-84 -- The AP reports: Jared Dudley made two free throws with 3.3 seconds remaining to lift the Phoenix Suns to an 86-84 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night. Dudley finished with a season-high 20 points, Steve Nash added 21 and Marcin Gortat finished with 13 points and 12 rebounds for the Suns, who snapped a three-game losing streak. Rudy Gay and Marc Gasol had 18 points each and Mike Conley added 15 for the Grizzlies, who have dropped three straight after a season-best seven-game winning streak. The Grizzlies had a chance to win but Conley, coming off a screen by Gasol at the top right of the arc, missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer. Nash collided with Gasol on the play and limped off the court.

Bucks keep Lakers’ road woes going with 100-89 win -- The AP reports: The Milwaukee Bucks already were trying to cope with the recent loss of center Andrew Bogut to an injury. Then they lost Stephen Jackson to a suspension just a few hours before tipoff. They didn’t need either player to beat Los Angeles on Saturday night— another sign of just how bad the Lakers have been on the road this season. Drew Gooden scored 23 points and the undermanned, undersized Bucks beat the Lakers 100-89... Kobe Bryant scored 27 with nine assists and eight rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to keep the Lakers from falling to 1-7 on the road this season... Ersan Ilyasova and Dunleavy added 15 points each for the Bucks... Bynum scored 15 points with nine rebounds. Gasol had 12 points and 15 rebounds, but shot 6 for 18 from the floor.

McGee leads Wizards over Bobcats again 102-99 -- The AP reports: JaVale McGee scored 22 points and had 10 rebounds as the Washington Wizards defeated the Charlotte Bobcats for the second time in a week, 102-99 on Saturday night. The matchup between two teams tied for the fewest wins in the NBA came down to the final shot, but Matt Carroll’s 3-point attempt at the buzzer fell short. McGee had a chance to seal the game with less than 6 seconds to go, but missed two foul shots. But that was about all McGee didn’t do right, as shot 9 of 14 from the field. Like many others this season, McGee exposed Charlotte’s poor interior defense, using an effective hook shot in the lane. John Wall added 13 points and 10 assists for the Wizards (4-16). The Wizards also got 21 points from Nick Young, while reserves Trevor Booker and Jordan Crawford chipped in with 16 and 12 points, respectively. Kemba Walker became the third Bobcats (3-18) player to register a triple-double, recording 20 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists. The 6-foot-1 Walker joined Stephen Jackson and Boris Diaw as the only players in franchise history to record such a feat. Diaw, back in the starting lineup for the Bobcats, had 21 points and 10 assists. Byron Mullens scored 23 points, while Carroll and Tyrus Thomas each added 13.

Iguodala leads 76ers past Pistons 95-74 -- The AP reports: Andre Iguodala celebrated his 28th birthday with the eighth triple-double of his career. He also continued to show that he’s worthy of his first All-Star berth in eight NBA seasons. Iguodala had 10 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds for his fourth triple-double this season and the Philadelphia 76ers won their second straight game with a 95-74 victory over the struggling Detroit Pistons on Saturday night... Lou Williams scored 17 points, Elton Brand added 14 and Jrue Holiday had 13 for the Sixers, who improved to 14-6 and 10-2 at home... Greg Monroe led the Pistons with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Austin Daye added 12 points.

Budinger, Dalembert lead Rockets past Knicks 97-84 -- The AP reports: Chase Budinger scored 19 points, Samuel Dalembert grabbed 14 rebounds and the Houston Rockets beat the New York Knicks 97-84 on Saturday night for their ninth win in 10 games. Jordan Hill had 14 points and 11 rebounds, Courtney Lee scored 14 points in place of the injured Kevin Martin, and the Rockets shot 49 percent (38 of 77) to improve to 9-2 at home this season. Houston blew open a close game in the third quarter as the Knicks’ offense sputtered again without Carmelo Anthony. New York failed to reach 90 points for the fifth time in seven games. Amare Stoudemire scored 23 points and Tyson Chandler added 14 for the Knicks. New York went 5 for 26 from 3-point range a night after shooting an NBA season-high 43 times from beyond the arc in a loss to Miami.

Now watch NBA video highlights of the above games. And discuss the action with other fans on the InsideHoops basketball message board.


NBA DAILY FOR SATURDAY, JAN. 28:
Recaps of NBA games played Friday

Pierce’s 17 in 3rd leads Celtics past Indy 94-87 -- The AP reports: Paul Pierce played more than 44 minutes in Orlando on Thursday night, then boarded a plane with his Celtics teammates and arrived in Boston after 3 a.m. Friday. If he was tired, he didn’t show it. One night after helping Boston erase a 27-point deficit and beat the Magic, Pierce scored 17 of his 28 points in the third quarter as the Celtics pulled away from the Indiana Pacers to win 94-87. “I like to come out in the third quarter and just be aggressive,” said Pierce, who also had 10 rebounds and eight assists... Kevin Garnett and Mickael Pietrus added 13 points and eight rebounds apiece as the Celtics won their fourth straight game despite playing without starters Ray Allen, Rajon Rondo and Jermaine O’Neal. Pierce was 4 of 7 from 3-point range, one of them to break a 46-46 tie early in the third quarter. He added two more baskets as the Celtics ran off 11 points in a row to take the lead for good and extend it to double digits... Danny Granger scored 21 points for Indiana, which had beaten Boston both previous meetings this season—both times by more than 10 points. Paul George scored 16 with nine rebounds and David West had 14 points and eight rebounds.

Hornets end 9-game skid with 93-67 win over Magic -- The AP reports: Dwight Howard sat calmly in his locker and spoke softly, but with cutting tone as he ripped into his team for what he saw as a lack of effort. “I look at guys and they don’t look like they want to play,” Howard said following Orlando’s surprisingly lopsided 93-67 loss to a New Orleans Hornets team that came into Friday night’s meeting on a nine-game skid... Howard had 28 points and 16 rebounds, but was the only player in double figures in any statistic for the Magic, who continued to slump after blowing a 27-point lead to Boston a night earlier. Starting with the third quarter against the Celtics, the Magic have now gone six straight quarters without scoring 20 points in any of them... Carl Landry led New Orleans with 17 points, while Marco Belinelli added 15 points and Jason Smith 14. Jarrett Jack added 11 points and nine assists for New Orleans, which won for only the fourth time this season against 15 losses... The Hornets won without 7-foot center Chris Kaman, who was asked to stay home while the team tries to trade him, general manager Dell Demps said.

James, Wade lead Heat over Knicks, 99-89 -- The AP reports: The New York Knicks, they were all about the 3’s. The Miami Heat, they welcomed back No. 3. Advantage, Heat. LeBron James scored 31 points, Dwyane Wade—he of that No. 3 jersey— scored 28 in his return from a sprained right ankle, and the Heat topped the 3-point-obsessed Knicks 99-89 on Friday night. Chris Bosh scored 13 points and James finished with eight rebounds and seven assists for Miami, which plays host to Chicago on Sunday in a rematch of last season’s Eastern Conference finals... Bill Walker scored 21 points for New York, which took 43 shots from 3-point range, the most in the NBA this season and a total that had the Knicks flirting with Dallas’ NBA record of 49 set in 1996. The Knicks connected on 18 from beyond the arc, Walker making seven of them. Toney Douglas scored 16 points, Landry Fields had 14 and Amare Stoudemire finished with 12 for New York, which tried more 3’s than 2-point shots (41)... Of New York’s first 33 shots, 19 were from 3-point range. That’s right: The Knicks had exactly two 2-pointers in the first 15-plus minutes. Over a stretch of nearly 6 minutes in the first half, the Knicks had 13 consecutive 3-point attempts, nothing inside the arc.

Rubio lifts Timberwolves to 87-79 win over Spurs -- The AP reports: It was a tense tied game late in the fourth quarter, one these nervous fans were used to seeing their Minnesota Timberwolves let slip away. Ricky Rubio then splashed a 20-foot jumper through the net for a lead, and the rookie point guard raised his arms, urging them out of their seats and trying to reassure them that times are changing around here. It’s certainly starting to look that way. Rubio scored nine of his 18 points in the fourth quarter and dished out 10 assists to lift the Timberwolves to an 87-79 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night. Kevin Love had 18 points and 16 rebounds and Nikola Pekovic added 14 points and 10 boards for the Wolves, who have beaten the Spurs two straight times in the same season for the first time since 2000... Tony Parker scored 20 points and Tiago Splitter continued his strong play off the bench for the Spurs, scoring 12 points and grabbing seven rebounds.

Beaubois, Odom lead Mavs past Jazz -- The AP reports: With three starters out, the Dallas Mavericks were searching for offense from other sources. Reserve guard Roddy Beaubois and slumping Lamar Odom delivered. Beaubois had a season-high 22 points and Odom added 19 points, his most since joining the Mavericks at the start of the season, to lead Dallas to a 116-101 victory over the Utah Jazz on Friday night. Beaubois made his first start of the season, subbing for Delonte West, who was out with a strained right hamstring. “Tonight was a good night,” said Beaubois, who went 9 for 15 from the floor and also had seven assists, six rebounds and four blocked shots... Jason Terry contributed 18 points, Shawn Marion had 16 points and Brendan Haywood added 12 points and 12 rebounds for Dallas. Paul Millsap’s 20 points and Al Jefferson’s 19 paced the Jazz, who’ve lost six in a row to the Mavericks and three of four overall. Dallas starting point guard Jason Kidd left in the first quarter with a strained right calf and did not return.

76ers rout Bobcats in front of ‘Fresh Prince’ -- The AP reports: Upstaged by their A-list owner, the Sixers still had the flavor of a crowd pleaser for Will Smith. Led by Lou Williams and Jrue Holiday, the Sixers have yet to lose two straight games this season. And they’re undefeated in front of The Fresh Prince. Williams scored 17 points and Holiday had 15 to help the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Charlotte Bobcats 89-72 on Friday night. Jodie Meeks scored 14 points for the Sixers, who bounced back from a rare home loss to reach 19 games without a losing streak... The Bobcats scored only 10 points in the first quarter and lost their seventh straight game. Kemba Walker scored 14 points.

Hawks beat Pistons 107-101 in OT -- The AP reports: Joe Johnson stole the ball near his own basket and brought it up the court a bit gingerly. Something was bothering him, although it wasn’t clear what until after the game. “I jammed these two fingers on my left hand,” the Atlanta star said. “I couldn’t really get my feeling back. I thought we were going to call a timeout, but nobody called a timeout, so I just did what I could to try to get a shot off.” Johnson’s 3-pointer over Rodney Stuckey with 1.9 seconds left sent the game to overtime, and the Hawks eventually pulled away from the Detroit Pistons for a 107-101 victory Friday night. Johnson scored 28 of his 30 points after halftime... Greg Monroe scored 22 points for the Pistons and Brandon Knight added 20... Detroit was playing without Tayshaun Prince (family matter) and Ben Gordon (sore shoulder).

Williams leads Nets past Cavaliers, 99-96 -- The AP reports: The New Jersey Nets came into town battling illness and injuries. The Nets headed home with consecutive wins for the first time this season. Deron Williams scored 27 points and New Jersey held off a late Cleveland rally for a 99-96 victory on Friday night. New Jersey coach Avery Johnson wasn’t sure who would be available until about an hour before game-time. Forward Kris Humphries missed Friday morning’s shoot-around with the stomach flu, but was in the starting lineup and scored 18 points with 11 rebounds in 33 minutes. The Nets played without center Mehmet Okur (back injury) and guard MarShon Brooks (strained Achilles), but New Jersey led from wire-to-wire despite dressing only 10 players... Rookie point guard Kyrie Irving scored a season-high 32 points, including 21 in the fourth quarter, for Cleveland. The Cavaliers have lost five of six and their latest defeat left coach Byron Scott in a cranky mood... Antawn Jamison scored 20 points while Ramon Sessions added 11.

Budinger, Scola lead Rockets past Wizards -- The AP reports: Chase Budinger stayed patient and quiet, while Houston coach Kevin McHale left him on the bench over the past three games. With leading scorer Kevin Martin injured on Friday night, Budinger made the best of his chance to play again. The Rockets’ backup forward sank four 3-pointers and scored a season-high 21 points and Houston blew out Washington 103-76 on Friday night... Jordan Hill had 10 points and 10 rebounds for the Rockets, who scored 41 points off Washington’s season-high 24 turnovers. Courtney Lee scored eight points for Houston in place of Martin, who sat out with plantar fasciitis in his right foot... Luis Scola scored 10 of his 19 points in the third quarter when Houston pulled away... John Wall had 17 points, eight rebounds and six assists for Washington, playing its second game under Randy Wittman.

Rose has season-high 34, Bulls beat Bucks 107-100 -- The AP reports: Derrick Rose got motivated, got aggressive, and got the Chicago Bulls another win over the Milwaukee Bucks before a big road trip. Rose scored a season-high 34 points to lead the Chicago Bulls to a 107-100 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night... Rose outdueled Milwaukee counterpart Brandon Jennings, hitting 14 of 24 from the floor and scoring 18 of his points in the second half... Carlos Boozer had 20 points and 13 rebounds and Joakim Noah added 15 points and 16 rebounds as Chicago bounced back from its first home loss of the season against Indiana on Wednesday... Jennings led Milwaukee with 25 points and seven rebounds. Rookie Jon Leuer scored all 19 of his points in the second half.

Nuggets win 6th straight, 96-81 over Toronto -- The AP reports: Rudy Fernandez provided both the spark and the cushion for the Denver Nuggets on Friday night. Fernandez scored a season-high 23 points in his return from a sore right Achilles as the Nuggets routed the short-handed Toronto Raptors 96-81 for their sixth straight win. He also served as a barrier between Nuggets forward Al Harrington and Raptors swingman Linas Kleiza in their short skirmish in the final minute as Harrington shoved Fernandez into Kleiza... Kleiza started in place of leading scorer Andrea Bargnani, who’s out indefinitely after aggravating a strained left calf this week, and finished with just two points on 1-of-7 shooting as the Raptors shot just 39 percent and never led... Danilo Gallinari added 21 points and Nene had 20 points and 10 rebounds for the Nuggets, who also got 13 points, 12 assists and six rebounds from Andre Miller, starting in place of Ty Lawson (ankle)... Leandro Barbosa led Toronto with 19 points, and his 3-pointer early in the fourth quarter trimmed Denver’s lead to 80-74, forcing coach George Karl, who drew a third-quarter technical, to call a timeout.

Aldridge leads Blazers past Suns 109-71 -- The AP reports: The Portland Trail Blazers had their worst defeat of the season at Phoenix earlier this month. They returned the favor on Friday night. LaMarcus Aldridge had 23 points and seven rebounds and the Trail Blazers blew out the Suns 109-71 for their sixth straight win at home... Gerald Wallace added 17 points, Wesley Matthews had 16 and Nicolas Batum added 14 for the Blazers. Marcus Camby had 20 rebounds and was the only Blazers player who didn’t score on a night when both benches were emptied early. Grant Hill had 12 points for Phoenix, which was held to a season-low in scoring and suffered the third-worst defeat in its history. Sebastian Telfair had 10 and Hakim Warrick had nine. The Suns shot just 32.8 percent from the field, made four of 13 3-pointers and were 9 of 18 from the free-throw line.

Thunder top Warriors 120-109 to start road trip -- The AP reports: Kevin Durant had a season-high 37 points and 14 rebounds, Westbrook dazzled with 28 points and 11 assists and the Thunder started a critical road stretch with a 120-109 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Friday night. Weeks after a reported squabble between the dynamic duo, Oklahoma City (16-3) owns the league’s best record and only seems to be getting stronger... Harden scored 19 points off the bench and Westbrook added seven steals and six rebounds in the Thunder’s fourth straight win. Oklahoma City pulled away with a 14-3 run late in the fourth quarter to begin a string of nine of 11 away from home. Dorell Wright scored 23 and David Lee had 19 points and seven rebounds for the Warriors, who pushed another one of the NBA’s elite to the brink. While Golden State already topped Miami, Chicago and New York this season, rookie coach Mark Jackson’s bunch came up short this time... Serge Ibaka also had 20 points and 12 rebounds for Oklahoma City, which plays at the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night. The Thunder also held guard Stephen Curry, who had a season-high 32 points Wednesday night against Portland, to 15 points and six assists.

Now watch NBA video highlights of the above games. And discuss the action with other fans on the InsideHoops basketball message board.