New Orleans 100, Cleveland 99: CP3 drove into the lane in the waning seconds, watched as three defenders collapsed around him, and then passed back to David West, who calmly sank a 15-footer with less than a second left. Paul had 20 assists, and the Hornets made 11-of-22 three’s to offset a massive rebounding advantage (48-33) for the Cavs, who shot 50 percent from the field. With the Lakers getting drilled at home by Charlotte, the Hornets lead Rockets and Kobe Bryant’s by a game in the Western Conference.

Boston 117, Phoenix 97: We remain confident that the Suns can win in the postseason if they play at a slower pace. They will not reach the Finals if they try to keep up in these run-and-shoot affairs, like last night. They’re forcing tempo and coughing it up (21 turnovers). KG had 30 and Pierce had 27.

Washington 104, Seattle 99: A night after getting drilled in Portland, the Wiz needed a late outburst from former UVa. star Roger Mason – five three’s in the fourth – to put away Kevin Durant (32 points) and the Sonics.

Toronto 89, Detroit 82: No Rip Hamilton, no shot on the road. Our old pal TJ Ford returned to the starting lineup (Calderon came off the bench and played 24 minutes) to inject some life into the listless Raptors, and he came through with 13 points and nine assists.

New Jersey 124, Indiana 117: Late in the season, defense is optional – four Nets scored 20 or more points, led by Josh Boone’s career-high of 26. Mike Dunleavy went for 33 for the Pacers, who are now 2.5 games back of Atlanta (which destroyed Milwaukee) for the 8th spot in the East.