Golden State 120, Phoenix 118: Shaq didn’t play, and it’s a good thing, because he would have been gassed at the half. This is the one team that would be a horrendous matchup in the first round for the Suns. Monta Ellis continued a torrid stretch with 37, and Baron Davis added 27 points and 13 assists. Amare had 29-13 and Grant Hill added 26-15, looking kind of like his 1997 self.

San Antonio 112, Cleveland 105: Manu Ginobili: 46 points, 15-for-20 from the field, 8-for-11 from three, and 18 points in the fourth quarter. On the road. Without Tony Parker by his side in the backcourt. LeBron, who also scored 18 in the fourth, (39 overall): “It was unbelievable.”

Orlando 109, Denver 98: Perhaps Stan Van Gundy should challenge challenge Dwight Howard more often? He had 23 points and 24 boards and thoroughly dominated Marcus Camby, who lost the NBA rebounding lead to Howard.

Houston 89, Sacramento 87: Two seconds left and with their longest winning streak of the season hanging in the balance, and the Rockets turn to … Steve Novak? The Marquette grad buried the three – his only basket of the game – and Houston’s won eight in a row.

Washington 91, Los Angeles Clippers 89: An eight-game losing streak came to an end when Antwan Jamison tipped in an Antonio Daniels’ missed shot with less than a second left. More positive news: Gilbert Arenas is expected to practice with the team after the All-Star break.