NBA

Rasual Butler scored a season-high 27 points to help the Clippers take down the Denver Nuggets, 106-99, at Staples Center.

Monta Ellis played all 48 minutes and carried Golden State with 34 points, eight assists and six steals, as the Warriors topped the Trail Blazers, 108-94, despite playing just eight players.

New Jersey Nets guard Devin Harris is expected to return Saturday against the Knicks.

Brandon Jennings continued his standout rookie season with 29 points and seven assists, as Milwaukee defeated Charlotte, 95-88, at Bradley Center.

Jason Terry and Kris Humphries sparked Dallas off the bench with 20 and 15 points, respectively, as the Mavericks won their fifth straight game behind a 104-102 decision over the Sacramento Kings.

Vince Carter finished with 26 points, six rebounds and six assists, as the Orlando Magic pulled out an 83-78 victory over Boston in a rematch of last year's Eastern Conference semifinals.

Kevin Durant led all scorers with 35 points, grabbed six rebounds and dished out six assists, as the Oklahoma City Thunder earned a 127-108 win over the Washington Wizards at the Ford Center.

Josh Smith skied to slam home Mike Bibby's missed jump shot with 0.7 seconds left, giving the Hawks their seventh straight win, 105-103, over the Houston Rockets at Philips Arena.

Chris Bosh scored a team-high 29 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, as the Toronto Raptors held on for a 120-113 win over the Miami Heat at Air Canada Centre.

LeBron James finished with 40 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, and made key shots down the stretch to help the Cavaliers to a 105-95 victory over the Indiana Pacers.