Martell Webster scored 19 points to help Portland extend their winning streak to 10 games with a 99-96 victory over Denver on Friday.
The TrailBlazers have the longest current winning streak in the NBA. Portland have not won as many consecutive games since the 2001-2002 season.
The Blazers were leading 97-94 when Allen Iverson's driving layup with 6.9 seconds left narrowed the deficit to one.
Jarrett Jack made a pair of free throws to extend the lead back to three before Linas Kleiza's three-point attempt was blocked.
Lakers 106, 76ers 101
In Philadelphia, on a night Julius Erving and Philadelphia's 1983 championship team were being honored, Andrew Bynum and the LA Lakers spoiled the celebration.
Bynum scored a career-high 24 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead Los Angeles.
Kobe Bryant took 10 of his 20 shots in the first quarter and finished with 19 points. He left his hometown with the Lakers' first regular season win in Philadelphia since 2000.
SuperSonics 123, Raptors 115
In Seattle, Washington, Kevin Durant scored 27 points and Seattle held off Toronto's late rally.
Durant scored 14 in the third quarter alone, keeping Seattle close long enough for his teammates to make a spirited run to pass and pull away from Toronto over the final 16 minutes.
Wally Szczerbiak came off the bench to score 23 points, making four three-pointers.
The Raptors dropped their second straight game on a seven-game Western Conference swing.
Celtics 107, Bulls 82
In Boston, Paul Pierce scored 15 of his 22 points in the third quarter and Boston won easily over Chicago.
Pierce went four-for-four from three-point range in the third before sitting out the fourth.
Recovering quickly from their only home loss of the season, Boston never trailed in the game and never gave up theirs double-digit lead after 10 consecutive points made it 40-22 with 7 minutes, 50 seconds left in the first half.
Mavericks 102, Clippers 89
In Dallas, Dirk Nowitzki scored 30 points to help Dallas win their fifth straight. Nowitzki has scored at least 30 in his past three games.
Dallas led by 12 at the half, but Los Angeles opened the third on a 15-6 run to briefly threaten.
Pistons 92, Grizzlies 67
In Auburn Hills, Michigan, Tayshaun Prince scored 16 points to lead Detroit over Memphis and record a fourth straight victory.
Jazz 113, Magic 94
In Orlando, Florida, Paul Millsap scored a career-high 28 points to help Utah end a seven-game road losing streak by downing Orlando.
The Magic have now lost six of eight. They have not won a home game for a month.
Hawks 97, Wizards 92
In Washington, Joe Johnson scored half his 32 points in the final quarter and Atlanta moved past Washington and into second place in the Southeast Division.
Johnson scored 10 straight Hawks points in the fourth quarter. Then, with the game tied at 86-86 and a little more than a minute to go, he set up Josh Smith's three-pointer to give Atlanta the lead for good.
Bobcats 105, Knicks 95
In Charlotte, North Carolina, Gerald Wallace scored 27 points and Charlotte dominated New York.
The Bobcats led by 24 points during the second quarter.
While the Knicks made it respectable late, the game was never in doubt as Charlotte won successive games since Michael Jordan practiced with the team.
Timberwolves 131, Pacers 118
In Minneapolis, Minnesota, playing on an injured ankle, Antoine Walker scored 23 points to help Minnesota beat Indiana.
The Pacers led by 21 points in the first half before Walker ignited the Wolves.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
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