NBA: Pacers win tight one over Jazz

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

INDIANAPOLIS -- Indiana's Danny Granger scored 12 of his 16 points in a tightly contested fourth quarter, helping the Pacers to a 104-99 win over Utah Jazz in Tuesday's (US time) NBA action.

Indiana led by seven points at the start of the last quarter before the Jazz scored eight straight to take a lead, but they were overtaken again by the hosts.

Darren Collison had 25 points, shooting 10 of 14 from the floor for the Pacers, and added five assists.

Paul Millsap had 18 points and 10 rebounds for the Jazz.

Heat 107, Cavaliers 91

In Miami, Dwyane Wade scored 26 points as Miami tuned up for a road trip with a victory over Cleveland.

LeBron James added 24 against his former team as the Heat made it 11 wins from 13 games. They will play five road games in the next seven days.

Antawn Jamison scored 25 points and had nine rebounds for Cleveland.

Timberwolves 86, Kings 84

In Minneapolis, Nikola Pekovic had 23 points and 10 rebounds to lead Minnesota to a narrow win over Sacramento, just squeaking past modest opposition in the first game without the suspended Kevin Love.

Michael Beasley added 17 points and 14 boards for the Timberwolves, who notched a third straight win.

DeMarcus Cousins had 10 points and 11 rebounds for the Kings while battling foul trouble for most of the game.

Suns 107, Bucks 105

In Milwaukee, Steve Nash hit a driving layup with 5 seconds left to give Phoenix victory over Milwaukee.

Michael Redd scored 14 points and came away with a win against his former team, but it wasn't easy. The Suns blew a big lead in the second half and had to scrap at the end to get their third straight win.

Drew Gooden scored a season-high 25 for the Bucks, who have lost three straight.

Celtics 94, Bobcats 84

In Boston, Paul Pierce passed Larry Bird for No. 2 on the Celtics' career scoring list as Boston downed lowly Charlotte and increased its winning streak to five.

Pierce hit a 3-pointer in the third quarter to pass Bird's total of 21,791. He nearly celebrated the milestone with a triple-double, coming up just short with 15 points, nine assists and eight rebounds.

Rajon Rondo added 14 assists and 10 points for the Celtics.

Reggie Williams scored 21 for the Bobcats, who were competitive but still lost their 12th straight. (AP)