Los Angeles Lakers 103, Dallas Mavericks 99
Dirk Nowitzki and Kobe Bryant played like they were in their primes as they tried to get closer to the final playoff spot in the West.
Bryant scored 14 of his 38 points in the final quarter, going 5-5 shooting in that stretch. Nowtizki had his first double double of the season with 30 points and 13 boards.
O.J Mayo missed a three pointer with 5 seconds remaining that would have tied the ballgame. Bryant got the rebound, made one of two free throws to seal the deal for Los Angeles.
After Mark Cuban remarks in the last couple of days about how the L.A needed to consider amnestying Kobe Bryant next season, Bryant went to twitter after the game & wrote “Amnesty That” Bryant also had 12 rebounds and 7 assists.
Golden State Warriors 100, Minnesota Timberwolves 99
Ricky Rubio made two free throws cut Golden State’s lead to one with 30 seconds remaining. Jarrett Jack, who finished with 23 points and 8 boards, gave Minny chance by missing a jumper with 10 seconds left. Luke Ridnour attempted a runner as time expired and couldn’t make it.
After losing seven straight games, the Warriors have won three in a row.
Miami Heat 109, Cleveland Cavaliers 105
Miami had a 22 point lead in the third quarter after Lebron James jumper, but Cleveland responded with a 36-15 run, that included three straight three pointers by CJ Miles, that helped the Cavs go to the final period with a one point lead.
Dwyane Wade scored 11 of his 24 points in the final quarter, clinching the game with a huge slam dunk that put Miami ahead by four with 24 seconds remaining. The Heat have won 11 straight games. Dion Waiters led Cleveland in scoring with 26.
New Orleans Hornets 110, Sacramento Kings 95
New Orleans started the final quarter with a 17-7 run to distance themselves from Sacramento with a 13 point lead, giving the Kings another loss on the road. Rookie Anthony Davis 20 points and 8 rebounds led the future Pelicans to their first win since the all-star break.
Memphis Grizzlies 76, Brooklyn Nets 72
Tony Allen two free throws gave Memphis the lead. Deron Williams had a chance to tie the game but he had a turnover as he passed the ball to Mirza Teletovic and was stolen by Tayshaun Prince. The Nets fouled Mike Conley and he iced the game with two free throws. The Grizzlies are on a seven game winning streak.
New York Knicks 99, Philadelphia 76ers 93
The Knicks had a 17-2 run in the 2nd quarter and went from up two points to up 17. Philadelphia played from behind from that point on. Amare Stoudemire had a season high 22 points and Carmelo Anthony added 29. New York ended their four game losing streak.
San Antonio Spurs 97, Phoenix Suns 87
The Spurs outscored Phoenix by 16 in the second quarter and went to the break with a 14 point advantage. Phoenix trailed the entire second half by double digits. The Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard & Australian Patty Mills led them in scoring with 16 apiece.
Portland TrailBlazers 92, Boston Celtics 86
Rookie Damian Lillard had a three point play that put Portland up by three with less than 2 minutes to go. Paul Pierce missed a three pointer that would have tied the game. Wesley Matthews added to the lead by hitting a three pointer and extending their lead to six. Boston didn’t scored again. With the win, the Blazers snapped their seven game losing streak.
Oklahoma City Thunder 102, Chicago Bulls 72
Oklahoma City had no trouble beating the Bulls. The Thunder outscored the Chicago during every quarter, including a 31-18 in the third. Russell Westbrook had 23 points and 3 assists, Kevin Durant had a double double with 19 points, 16 rebounds and six assists.
