SuperSonics 102, Grizzlies 99
In Memphis, Tennessee, Ray Allen and Jerome James with 22 points each as Seattle clinched a Western Conference playoff berth with a victory over Memphis.
Pau Gasol, in his best performance since returning March 20 from a foot injury, led Memphis with 24 points and eight rebounds.
Lakers 117, Knicks 107
In Los Angeles, Kobe Bryant scored 20 of his 32 points in the second half as the Los Angeles Lakers broke an eight-game losing streak with a win over road-weary New York.
New York's Stephon Marbury had a season-high 45 points, six rebounds and 10 assists in defeat.
He scored 34 in the second half, shooting 9-of-13 from the floor and 10-of-11 from the foul line.
He wound up making 12 of 22 field goals and 15 of 16 free throws in falling five points shy of his career high.
An NBA fan charged with throwing a chair during one of the worst brawls in US sports history pleaded no contest on Tuesday to felony assault.
Bryant Jackson was the only one of the 13 players and fans charged with a felony for their alleged role in the Nov. 19 melee during an Indiana Pacers-Detroit Pistons game at the Palace of Auburn Hills.
Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Rae Lee Chabot indicated she would sentence Jackson to up to three months in jail, but he could get probation if he expresses remorse at the sentencing hearing on May 3. Events at the Palace were triggered by a "mob mentality," the judge said.
Assistant county prosecutor Paul Walton, however, said his office would request a sentence of one year in jail.
"These are adults," he said. "They should be able to control themselves. If they can't, they should be in jail."
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