NBA: Block on buzzer gives Lakers win over Celtics

Friday, February 10, 2012

BOSTON -- Los Angeles' Pau Gasol blocked Ray Allen's putback attempt at the buzzer in overtime as the Lakers held on to beat the Boston Celtics 88-87 in Thursday's (US time) clash of the NBA's old rivals.

Kobe Bryant had 27 points, Gasol finished with 25 points and 14 rebounds for the Lakers, who had lost six of seven on the road going into this game.

Allen scored 22 points for the Celtics, who had won five in a row. But Kevin Garnett was 6 for 23 from the field and Paul Pierce was 7 for 18, including a clean-look jump shot at the end of overtime. It rimmed out and Allen tried to push the rebound in, but Gasol got his fingertips on it and it floated away as the buzzer sounded.

Rockets 96, Suns 89

In Phoenix, Houston made it three straight wins by downing Phoenix.

Luis Scola scored 16 points and Patrick Patterson added 14 for the Rockets, who had a 57-13 edge in scoring from bench players.

Channing Frye scored a season-high 21 points for the Suns, whose own three-game streak was ended.

Warriors 109, Nuggets 101

In Denver, Stephen Curry scored a season-best 36 points as Golden State handed fading Denver its fifth straight loss.

The Nuggets are on their longest skid for five years, and have also lost five in a row at home.

Klay Thompson added 19 points for the Warriors.

Arron Afflalo led the Nuggets with 26 points. (AP)