
The Toronto Raptors nearly had themselves a memorable comeback -- instead, it was another loss.
Danny Granger poured in 23 points as the Indiana Pacers held on to beat the Raptors 111-104. Toronto rallied from down 24 points in the fourth quarter, but couldn't convert in the final minute.
Chris Bosh had 25 points and 16 rebounds for Toronto, which has lost four in a row.
(NBA-Lakers)
Dwight Howard upstaged Kobe Bryant on his own court with another incredible performance.
Howard had 25 points and 20 rebounds as the Orlando Magic beat the L-A Lakers 109-103.
Howard's double-double was his league-leading 30th of the season.
Kobe Bryant had 28 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists for L-A but missed two jumpers in the final moments.
In other N-B-A action . . .
Antawn Jamison had a game-high 28 points in New York's 96-89 victory over Washington.
Thaddeus Young led the way with 27 points as Philadelphia routed San Antonio 109-87.
LeBron James erupted for 29 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists as Cleveland beat New Orleans 92-78.
Deron (DAYR'-uhn) Williams had 27 points and 12 assists in Utah's 101-91 triumph in Memphis.
Kevin Durant led all scorers with 32 points as Oklahoma City knocked off Detroit 89-79.
Al Jefferson scored 22 points and added 12 rebounds to lead Minnesota past Phoenix 105-103.
Michael Redd exploded for a season-high 44 points as Milwaukee outgunned Sacramento 129-122.
And Jamal Crawford had 29 points as Golden State outlasted Atlanta 119-114.
(NBA-Bobcats-Trade)
The Charlotte Bobcats have acquired centre DeSagana Diop (suh-GAH'-nah dee-YOP') from Dallas.
The 26-year-old averaged 1.6 points and 3.5 rebounds with the Mavericks this season.
Heading to Dallas are guard Matt Carroll and centre Ryan Hollins.
It's the second time in the past year that the Mavericks have traded Diop.
(NBA-Cuban)
Denver Nuggets guard J-R Smith avoided N-B-A punishment, but Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban did not.
Cuban was fined 25-thousand dollars (U-S) for charging the court during a game between the Mavs and the Nuggets.
Cuban went onto the court at halftime to complain to Smith about an elbow he threw at the Mavs' Antoine Wright.
The league informed teams in 2006 that no club personnel -- other than coaches -- were allowed on the court.
(Skating-Nationals)
Cynthia Phaneuf (fah-NOOF') and Patrick Chan lead after the short program at the Canadian figure skating championships.
Phaneuf fell during an attempted combination, but still put up a high enough score to lead Joannie (jo-AH'-nee) Rochette.
In the men's competition, Chan skated the performance of the night to take a huge lead after the short program.
Earlier in the night, Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir won the original dance program to widen their lead.
(more)