Mavericks sunk by late Lakers blitz

It was the 24th successive home victory for the Lakers over the Mavericks, who last won in Los Angeles in 1990.

Kobe Bryant had 27 points to pace the Lakers, with Shaquille O'Neal getting 26 and 11 rebounds.

Nick Van Exel paced Dallas with 25 points, team mates Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki also topping 20. The Mavericks, whose two losses this season have both been on the road, led 64-36 at the half.

The Lakers remain five games under .500 despite the win.

Magic 88 Wizards 78

In Orlando, NBA scoring leader Tracy McGrady netted 27 points to carry the Magic to an 88-78 win over the Washington Wizards.

McGrady also pulled down seven rebounds and dished out nine assists, falling just short of a triple-double. He was going head-to-head with Michael Jordan, who has topped league scorers a record 10 times.

Jordan, in his final season before retiring, recorded 16 points in 39 minutes on the floor. Team mate Jerry Stackhouse had 23 points, 11 in the final 12 minutes.

Raptors 103 Bulls 89

In Toronto, the Raptors led almost all the way in a 103-89 victory over the hapless Chicago Bulls.

It was Toronto's 16th successive win over the Bulls, who are 4-15 on the season.

Voshon Lenard paced the Raptors, who won for the seventh time this season, with 23 points. Vince Carter and Alvin Williams each had 20 points.

Eddy Curry had 19 points in a losing cause. Bulls team mate Donyell Marshall collected 14 points and 11 rebounds.

Celtics 91 Knicks 80

In Boston, the Celtics gained 25 points from Antoine Walker and 20 from Tony Delk in a 91-80 decision over the fading New York Knicks.

Paul Pierce chipped in with 19 points, nine boards and eight assists. Latrell Sprewell's 15 points paced New York, which fell to 5-12 on the season.

Hornets 98 Rockets 96 (OT)

In New Orleans, the Hornets stayed perfect at home with a thrilling 98-96 overtime victory over the Houston Rockets.

The Hornets, who relocated this year from Charlotte, have now won their first 11

Jamal Mashburn had 25 points for New Orleans. Kenny Thomas and Steve Francis topped 20 for the Rockets.

Jamaal Magloire also played a major part for the Hornets, pulling down a career-high 17 rebounds.

Spurs 98 76ers 93

In San Antonio, the Spurs beat the Philadelphia 76ers for the 16th consecutive time, winning 98-93.

Tim Duncan notched 29 points and Stephen Jackson 24 for the Spurs. Allen Iverson was the only Sixer to top 20.

The Spurs have not lost to the Sixers at home since early 1986 when Julius Erving and Moses Malone were wearing Philadelphia's colors.

Jazz 104 Grizzlies 71

In Salt Lake City, the Utah Jazz toyed with the overmatched Memphis Grizzlies, romping home 104-71.

The Jazz are now 8-1 in Salt Lake while Memphis is 0-10 away from home -- the only winless road team in the league. The Grizzlies are a league-worst 2-18 overall.

Andrei Kirilenko led the Jazz with 15 points. Stromile Swift had 14 for Memphis.

Suns 102 Pacers 96

In Phoenix, the Indiana Pacers fell for just the fourth time this season, losing 102-96 to the Suns.

Penny Hardaway netted five of his 18 points in the final three minutes to spark the hosts. Team mate Stephon Marbury went one better, notching 19 points.

Jermaine O'Neal collected 25 points for Indiana, with Jamaal Tinsley getting 16 plus 10 assists.

Kings 98 Nuggets 77

In Sacramento, the Kings improved to 11-0 at the Arco Arena with a lopsided 98-77 win over the Denver Nuggets.

Doug Christie and Bobby Jackson both topped 20 points for the Kings. Chris Webber added 17, plus 11 rebounds.

James Posey had 22 points for Denver.

Trail Blazers 88 Heat 69

In Portland, the Trail Blazers got back on track after a 1-3 start to their homestand with an 88-69 victory over the Miami Heat, who set a franchise record with just 22 first-half points.

Bonzi Wells paced Portland with 17 points. Eddie House led the way for the Heat with 15.