Associated Press
CHARLOTTE ó Gerald Wallace had 31 points and 14 rebounds while outplaying LeBron James, and the Cleveland Cavaliers looked disjointed in Shaquille O’Neal’s return from injury in a 94-87 loss to the Charlotte Bobcats on Friday night.
The surprising Bobcats won their third straight game following a seven-game losing streak behind Wallace, who beat James in numerous 1-on-1 matchups in the post. Wallace topped 30 points for the second straight game, while James scored 25.
Wizards 94, Heat 84
MIAMI ó Antawn Jamison scored 24 points, Nick Young added 22 and Washington beat Miami for the first time in seven tries.
Jamison, playing for the first time this season against the Heat after missing the first two meetings because of a shoulder injury, scored his 16,000th career point.
Spurs 92, Rockets 84
HOUSTON ó Tim Duncan and Antonio McDyess recorded double-doubles, Tony Parker had 19 points and seven assists, and the San Antonio Spurs earned their first road win of the season with a 92-84 victory.
Hawks 100, 76ers 86
PHILADELPHIA ó Jamal Crawford scored 11 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter, Mike Bibby added 21 and Atlanta snapped a two-game losing streak.
Josh Smith scored 20 and Al Horford had 15 for the Hawks.
Celtics 116, Raptors 103
BOSTON ó Ray Allen scored 20 points, Paul Pierce and Kendrick Perkins had 18 apiece, and the Boston beat Toronto 116-103.
Rajon Rondo had 12 points and 11 assists as the Celtics won three in a row for the first time since opening the season with six straight victories.
Nuggets 128, Knicks 125
DENVER ó Carmelo Anthony scored a career-high 50 points, and the Denver Nuggets beat the New York Knicks 128-125 for their 17th straight regular-season home win.
Mavericks 113, Pacers 92
INDIANAPOLIS ó Dirk Nowitzki scored 31 points to lead Dallas over Indiana.
Nowitzki, who entered the night sixth in the NBA at 26.9 points per game, made 10 of 14 field goals and 11 of 13 free throws.
Clippers 104, Pistons 96
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. ó Chris Kaman scored 26 points and Baron Davis added 25.
Suns 120, T’wolves 95
MINNEAPOLIS ó Jason Richardson scored 22 points to help Phoenix send Minnesota to its 15th straight loss.