The Houston Rockets downed the Charlotte Bobcats 89-80 on Friday to record their 21st consecutive victory and take outright possession of the second-longest winning streak in NBA history. The win moved the Rockets out of a tie with the 1970-71 Milwaukee Bucks and they are now behind only the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers, who won 33 straight. This win also gave Houston a share of top spot in the Western Conference, equal with the Lakers, with the two teams to meet Sunday. Jazz 110, Celtics 92: In Boston, Utah snapped Boston's 10-game winning streak. Deron Williams had 32 points and eight assists and Carlos Boozer added 17 points and 12 rebounds for the Jazz. Despite the defeat, the Celtics clinched the Atlantic Division, as nearest rival Toronto also lost. Hornets 108, Lakers 98: In New Orleans, Chris Paul had 27 points and 17 assists to help New Orleans beat Los Angeles in what could prove to be a costly game for both teams. Paul hobbled to the finish after hurting his left ankle with 2:31 to go. Lakers center Pau Gasol sprained his ankle in the first quarter and David West hurt his right ankle in the final quarter. Pistons 84, Spurs 80: In Auburn Hills, Michigan, Richard Hamilton scored 25 points and made an important late three-point play, lifting Detroit over undermanned San Antonio. The Spurs were without Bruce Bowen (suspension) and Ime Udoka (right ankle). Magic 103, Heat 94: In Miami, Orlando held off a serious Miami challenge to move closer to clinching an Eastern Conference playoff spot. This was Heat's 34th loss in 37 games. The Magic swept the four-game series with their Florida neighbors for the second straight season and are now 9-1/2 games clear atop the Southeast Division. Nuggets 137, Raptors 105: In Denver, the hosts blew out Toronto to win their fifth straight at home. Allen Iverson scored 28 points despite a fractured finger and Carmelo Anthony added 22 for the Nuggets. Denver is 13-2 against the Eastern Conference at home this season. Toronto is fifth in the East's playoff standings. Mavericks 116, Pacers 97: In Dallas, Dirk Nowitzki scored 21 points, carrying Dallas past Indiana. The Mavericks have won their fourth straight, putting them seventh in the Western Conference playoff race. 76ers 110, Bulls 106: In Chicago, Philadelphia rallied from an 18-point deficit to beat Chicago. The Bulls trail New Jersey by one game for eighth and last playoff-qualifying place in the Eastern Conference. Hawks 117, Clippers 93: In Atlanta, Joe Johnson scored 21 of his 28 points in the third quarter to help Atlanta beat Los Angeles. Wolves 121, SuperSonics 116: In Seattle, Ryan Gomes led seven Minnesota players in double figures with 23 points and 15 rebounds, and Minnesota edged past Seattle. __
