NBA: Nuggets deal Boykins, Hodge

The Denver Nuggets traded fan favorite Earl Boykins, along with Julius Hodge and cash, to the Milwaukee Bucks for Steve Blake on Thursday.

Blake averaged 3.6 points and 2.5 assists in 33 games for the Bucks this season.

“We’re getting a classic point guard,” Nuggets vice president of basketball operations Mark Warkentien said. “He’s an outstanding shooter and solid floor leader.”

Boykins played a little more than three years for Denver and was averaging 15.2 points this season. He picked up his play with Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith serving suspensions for their roles in a brawl against the New York Knicks, but his future became unclear when Denver obtained high-scoring guard Allen Iverson in a trade.

“Earl’s performance during our ‘suspension season’ has been sensational,” Warkentien said. “He’s done a heck of a job.”

Hodge recently returned to the lineup after being shot five times last April when a gunman pulled up alongside him, spraying his vehicle with bullets. He’s played in four games this season.

76ers waive former All-Star Webber

The Philadelphia 76ers waived forward Chris Webber, making the five-time All-Star eligible to sign with another team after clearing waivers.

“Boston Celtics guard Tony Allen will miss the rest of the season with two torn ligaments in his left knee.

“Shaquille O’Neal practiced for the first time since tearing cartilage in his left knee Nov. 12, and forwards Antoine Walker and James Posey also rejoined the Miami Heat.

On the courts

Nets 86, Bulls 83: At Chicago, Jason Kidd recorded his 82nd career triple-double, and New Jersey erased an 18-point deficit against Chicago for the second time in a week.

Suns 109, Cavaliers 90: At Phoenix, Steve Nash had a season-high 21 assists, becoming the first player in nine years with two 20-assist games in a season and leading the Suns past Cleveland for their eighth straight victory.