Kobe Bryant scored 33 points to lead Los Angeles to a 104-97 win over Denver in the NBA on Saturday, as the Lakers almost became the first team in three years to hold Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony to single digits. Coming off a two-game suspension, Anthony scored 11 of his 13 points in the fourth quarter. He made two 3-pointers with under a minute left, extending his NBA-best streak of double-digit games to 208. Anthony hasn't been held below 10 points since 2005, when he played just 90 seconds in a game due to an ankle sprain. Anthony was held to a single score until sinking consecutive baskets which helped cut the deficit to 93-91 with 4 minutes left. Hornets 104, Cavaliers 92: In New Orleans, Chris Paul had 24 points and 15 assists as New Orleans made it three wins from as many games in the new season, beating Cleveland. Raptors 91, Bucks 87: In Milwaukee, Jose Calderon scored a career-high 25 points, including a huge 3-pointer late in the fourth quarter, to lead Toronto over Milwaukee. The Raptors spoiled new Bucks coach Scott Skiles' home debut. Toronto also improved to 3-0 for the first time for four years. Pacers 95, Celtics 79: In Indianapolis, Indiana beat Boston, ensuring the Celtics will not make a repeat of last year's 12-match winning streak to open the season. Danny Granger scored 20 points for the Pacers, as defending champion Boston fell to a 2-1 record in the new season. The Celtics had 24 turnovers and sank only 21 of 35 from the free-throw line. Bulls 96, Grizzlies 86: In Chicago, rookie Derrick Rose had his best game, scoring 26 points, as Chicago downed Memphis. Kirk Hinrich added 18 for the Bulls, who struggled at times in its half-court set but came away with the win. The Bulls trailed Memphis by eight at halftime but pulled it out thanks to Rose. The Chicago native and No. 1 draft pick scored 10 points in the second quarter to keep the Bulls close enough and kept it going in the second half. He scored four points during a 9-1 run midway through the fourth quarter that increased Chicago's lead to 90-81. Suns 107, Trail Blazers 96: In Phoenix, Amare Stoudemire scored 16 of his 23 points in the decisive third quarter as Phoenix defeated Portland. Terry Porter got his first home victory as Suns coach. In other games it was: Rockets 89, Thunder 77; Hawks 95, 76ers 88; Bobcats 100, Heat 87; Jazz 101, Clippers 79; Mavericks 95, Timberwolves 85; Pistons 117, Wizards 109; Warriors 105, Nets 97; Magic 121, Kings 103.
