Mavericks 104, Lakers 108: Kobe Bryant scored 52 points, 22 of them coming in the fourth quarter, and eight coming in overtime, to lead the Lakers over the Mavs. Dirk Nowitzki led all Mavs with 30 points, and Jason Kidd chipped in with 15 points and 11 assists. The Lakers are tied with San Antonio for the No. 1 spot in the Western Conference.

Hawks 88, Celtics 98: Just when the Hawks looked as if they were going to turn their losing season around, they ran into Boston, who’s been quite the buzzsaw this year. The Big Three comined for 67 points for Boston, and that was all that was really needed against the outmatched Hawks.

Spurs 93, Nets 83: You get the feeling the Spurs don’t really care during the regular season, yet they still manage to win games and rattle off consecutives. It was the ninth win in a row for San Antonio, who coasted to victory over New Jersey, thanks in part to Tony Parker’s team-high 25 points. Tim Duncan finished with 13 points and 14 rebounds. Vince Carter had 21 points for the struggling Nets, who have traded Jason Kidd, are ready to focus on the future, and are still in the playoff picture, like every team in the East.