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NBA ROUNDUP

Lakers light up Suns

Karl Malone went down with a knee injury, but the Lakers still won for the 12th time in 14 games, defeating the Phoenix Suns, 107-101, last night in Los Angeles behind 19 points apiece from Devean George and Gary Payton.

 

Shaquille O'Neal added 18 points and 18 rebounds as the Lakers improved the NBA's best record to 20-5.

Malone fell hard to the floor and grabbed his knee after being fouled by Scott Williams four minutes into the first quarter. After a brief delay, Malone made one of two free throws before leaving 10 seconds later and walking to the locker room.

The diagnosis was a right knee sprain, and X-rays didn't reveal any damage. Malone will undergo MRI examination today. He has missed only 11 games in his 19 NBA seasons -- six because of injuries or illness and five because of suspensions.

Stephon Marbury led Phoenix with 31 points, 11 assists, and 6 rebounds.

Magic 104, Raptors 93 -- Tracy McGrady scored 29 points and Juwan Howard had 20 points and 12 rebounds, helping visiting Orlando to its third straight victory. Drew Gooden added 14 points and 14 rebounds, and Rod Strickland had 14 points and eight assists for the Magic

Donyell Marshall had 19 points and 19 rebounds for the Raptors in their fifth loss in six games. Vince Carter added 17 points, but had five turnovers and went to the line just twice.

Pistons 96, Jazz 75 -- Detroit broke 90 points for the first time since Nov. 28, getting 19 points from both Chauncey Billups and Chucky Atkins in Auburn Hills, Mich. The win was Detroit's second in seven games, while Utah lost for the third time in its last four.

Kings 117, Trail Blazers 98 -- Peja Stojakovic hit five 3-pointers while scoring 29 points, and Vlade Divac had a season-high 26 points as host Sacramento earned its seventh victory in eight games.Mike Bibby had 18 points and seven assists, while Brad Miller had 18 points and 14 rebounds in Sacramento's 14th win in 15 home games.

Heat 104, Warriors 93 -- Rookie Dwyane Wade scored 33 points, eclipsing the career-high he set Tuesday, as Miami stopped visiting Golden State.

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