Wolves beat Knicks 120-107 to snap 13-game skid

Source: Agencies  |   2008-12-27  |     ONLINE EDITION

THE Minnesota Timberwolves snapped a 13-game losing streak in New York as Rashad McCants notched a season-best 23 points in a 120-107 victory over the New York Knicks in the NBA yesterday.

Al Jefferson added 21 points and 15 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who rode the combination of Jefferson's inside play and some sizzling 3-point shooting to win for the first time since beating Oklahoma City on Nov. 28. They had dropped their first eight games under coach Kevin McHale, who took over when Randy Wittman was fired on December 8.

Nate Robinson and Al Harrington each scored 26 points for the Knicks, who lost their fifth straight. Wilson Chandler scored 19.?

Heat 90, Bulls 77

At Miami, Dwyane Wade scored 28 points, Daequan Cook hit three big 3-pointers in the fourth quarter as Miami pulled away, and the Heat eclipsed last season's win total by beating Chicago.

Mario Chalmers had 16 points and six assists while Michael Beasley scored eight of his 14 points in the fourth for Miami, which won its fourth straight and 16th overall.

Ben Gordon had 15 points for the Bulls, who shot just 37 percent.

Bobcats 95, Nets 87

At East Rutherford, New Jersey, Raymond Felton scored 22 points, Emeka Okafor added 21 and new-look Charlotte won for the fourth time in five games with a victory over New Jersey.

Boris Diaw and Felton hit clutch late baskets as the Bobcats held on after seeing a 15-point third-quarter lead dwindle to two points in the waning minutes.

Vince Carter had 19 points to lead the Nets.

Hornets 88, Rockets 79

At New Orleans, Chris Paul had 26 points and 10 assists as New Orleans snapped a two-game skid with a victory over Houston.

David West added 23 points for New Orleans, which led throughout. Tyson Chandler has 14 points and 12 rebounds.

Yao Ming had 19 points and 12 rebounds for Houston, which dropped its second straight game. Tracy McGrady was held to 11 points, missing nine of his 11 shots from the field.

Pistons 90, Thunder 88

At Auburn Hills, Michigan, Allen Iverson's off-balance runner with 0.2 seconds left gave Detroit a victory over Oklahoma.

Detroit has won eight straight against the Thunder, and haven't lost to them at the Palace since the then-Supersonics won on Dec. 12, 2003.

Iverson led the Pistons with 22 points. Kevin Durant had 26 points and eight rebounds for the Thunder.

Grizzlies 108, Pacers 105

At Memphis, Tennessee, O.J. Mayo scored 18 points, including two key free throws with a second left, and Memphis overcame an early 17-point deficit to beat Indiana.

Memphis took the lead with seven unanswered points late in the game and held on to snap a four-game skid.

Hakim Warrick paced the Grizzlies with 21 points off the bench, and Darko Milicic scored a season-high 14.