Struggling 76ers no match for Bulls

Ben Gordon scored 9 of his 21 points during a 16-point third-quarter run, and the Bulls had their most lopsided victory of the season, beating the Philadelphia 76ers, 117-84, last night in Chicago.

Chicago entered the All-Star break two games behind the struggling 76ers in the race for the Eastern Conference's eighth and final playoff spot.

Kirk Hinrich scored 18, and reserve forward Malik Allen added a season-high 16 for the Bulls. Andres Nocioni scored 16, and Tyson Chandler grabbed 11 rebounds, his 11th consecutive game in double figures.

Allen Iverson scored 18 points and Chris Webber added 14 for Philadelphia, which has lost six of eight.

After rallying to beat San Antonio in overtime Wednesday, the Sixers played with little energy. They shot just 26 for 76, while the Bulls were 46 for 88.

Suns 109, Rockets 75 -- Steve Nash scored 21 points and had eight assists and fellow All-Star Shawn Marion had 16 points and 12 rebounds as host Phoenix won its fourth straight.

The Suns go into the All-Star break with a 35-17 record and a 4 1/2-game lead over the Los Angeles Clippers in the Pacific Division. Phoenix is 18 games over .500 for the first time this season, after winning seven of its last eight games.

The Rockets, who had won three straight and seven of eight, fell to 22-31 and are in last place in the Southwest Division. Prior to this game, Houston had held nine consecutive opponents under 100 points, but couldn't withstand the fast-breaking Suns, who outshot, outhustled, and wore the Rockets down.