Diaw lifts Suns past Mavericks
After completing his second career triple-double, Phoenix Suns center Boris Diaw credited his defense for his strong play.
Diaw had 24 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, and helped limit Dallas’ Dirk Nowitzki to three points in the fourth quarter as the Suns extended their winning streak to a season-high 10 games with a 115-107 victory over the Mavericks on Sunday in Dallas.
“Right now the best part of my game is my defense,” said the 6-foot-8 Diaw, who had his hands full guarding the 7-foot Nowitzki. “I’m always guarding players who are bigger and stronger, so I try to use my quickness.”
Steve Nash had 25 points and 11 assists, Shawn Marion had 22 points and 10 rebounds and Leandro Barbosa scored 20 points to help the Suns end the Mavericks’ club-record 16-game home winning streak.
Timberwolves 103, Warriors 90: At Minneapolis, Kevin Garnett scored 23 points and tied his season high with 21 rebounds as Minnesota overcame a 36-point performance by Jason Richardson and defeated Golden State.
Pacers 94, 76ers 93: At Philadelphia, Stephen Jackson’s layup with 2.9 seconds left lifted Indiana to a victory over the 76ers. Allen Iverson had 33 points and nine assists, but couldn’t lead the Sixers to their third straight victory.
Cavaliers 91, Bulls 72: At Cleveland, LeBron James scored 37 points – 27 after halftime – and the Cavaliers had one of their best performances since the All-Star break.
Wizards 117, Kings 107: At Washington, Antawn Jamison had 31 points and eight rebounds, and the Wizards beat Sacramento to snap a three-game losing streak.
Grizzlies 102, Clippers 86: At Los Angeles, Pau Gasol had 17 points, seven assists and six rebounds, and Mike Miller scored 12 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter to lead Memphis to a victory over the Clippers.
Rockets 102, Trail Blazers 84: At Houston, Yao Ming had 32 points and 13 rebounds as the Rockets beat Portland for the ninth straight time. The Trail Blazers have lost eight of nine.
Raptors 111, Celtics 105: At Toronto, Morris Peterson had 27 points as the Raptors ended a six-game losing streak. Boston’s Paul Pierce had 33 points – the fifth game in a row and 11th in 12 games he has reached the 30-point mark.
Off the court
Australian center Luke Schenscher from the NBA Development League signed a 10-day contract with the Bulls. … Wolves coach Dwayne Casey said backup guard Anthony Carter would remain in the rotation despite his arrest last Friday on suspicion of drunken driving. Casey said the team would wait to impose any disciplinary action until the legal process is complete. … Houston’s Tracy McGrady left in the third quarter due to recurring problems with his back and did not return. McGrady has missed a total of 18 games in three stretches due to back spasms.