Durant ties record, Thunder’s run now 5 (AP)
December 31, 2009
Nick Collison is the only player left from the last time the Oklahoma City Thunder franchise won five games in a row, more than four long, loss-filled years ago. With a crucial offensive rebound and two clutch free throws, he let his teammates find out what it feels like, too. Kevin Durant scored 31 points to tie a franchise record for consecutive 30-point games, Collison hit the tying and go-ahead...
Brooks’ 30 help Rockets top Mavs 97-94 (AP)
December 31, 2009
Aaron Brooks felt in a groove, and that was all the Houston Rockets needed to pull out another close victory over the Dallas Mavericks. Brooks scored 30 points, Shane Battier made a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 2:11 left, and Rockets beat the Mavericks 97-94 on Thursday night. "I wanted to extend the defense a little bit and open up Carl (Landry) on the inside a little bit," Brooks said.
Duncan, Spurs roll past Heat 108-78 (AP)
December 31, 2009
Manu Ginobili and the San Antonio Spurs would've been relieved to beat a winning team by even a slim margin. A blowout like this made the victory all the more satisfying. Tim Duncan had 23 points and 10 rebounds, and San Antonio beat a winning team for the first time in a month with a 108-78 victory over the Miami Heat on Thursday night -- the most lopsided Spurs victory this season.
Bulls end 8-game road skid, beat Pistons (AP)
December 31, 2009
When the Chicago Bulls won at Sacramento on Nov. 17, they were hoping they'd get their next road victory before Thanksgiving. Instead, it took until New Year's Eve. "I wasn't thinking about the streak -- I just wanted to get a win," Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro said. "This was just a nice, solid win for us." Derrick Rose scored 22 points, and Joakim Noah added 15 points...
AI, T-Mac among All-Star voting leaders (AP)
December 31, 2009
Aldridge sprains ankle in Blazers’ win (AP)
December 31, 2009
The injury bug bit the Portland Trail Blazers again Wednesday night, but they didn't let it stop them. Brandon Roy had 25 points, seven rebounds and six assists, and the Blazers beat the Los Angeles Clippers 103-99 despite losing LaMarcus Aldridge to an ankle injury, tying Denver for first place in the Northwest Division.
Iverson helps 76ers pull away from Kings (AP)
December 31, 2009
Although not the prolific scorer he was in his earlier years with the Philadelphia 76ers, Allen Iverson is still a difference maker. The 34-year-old Iverson showed he still can score, getting 11 of his 20 points in the third quarter. And his presence alone was a factor as the 76ers pulled away in the final period for a 116-106 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night.
Suns top injury-depleted Celtics 116-98 (AP)
December 31, 2009
The Boston Celtics already were in trouble without Paul Pierce. Take Kevin Garnett away, too, and it got ugly against the Phoenix Suns. Amare Stoudemire and Channing Frye scored 26 points apiece, and the Suns handed what was left of the Celtics their third straight loss, 116-98 on Wednesday night. Without Garnett to guard him, Stoudemire scored 18 on 9-of-10 shooting in the first quarter and...
Jazz avoid third straight loss to Wolves (AP)
December 31, 2009
The Utah Jazz nearly surrendered a 17-point, fourth-quarter lead and barely hung on to beat one of the NBA's worst teams. The Jazz will take any road win they can get, especially against the pesky Minnesota Timberwolves. Deron Williams had 21 points and 12 assists, and the Jazz finally beat the Wolves, 107-103 on Wednesday night.
West helps Hornets hold off Heat 95-91 (AP)
December 31, 2009
David West and Chris Paul refused to let the Hornets blow a fourth-quarter lead two nights in a row. West scored six of his 21 points in the last 55 seconds to help New Orleans hold on for a 95-91 victory over the Miami Heat after the Hornets nearly squandered a 15-point, fourth-quarter lead on Wednesday night.