Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, left, successfully puts up a shot from behind the backboard as Oklahoma City Thunder guard James Harden defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, in Los Angeles.

Mark J. Terrill/AP Photo

Lakers beat Thunder for 11th straight time

More than two decades ago, after Larry Bird made a shot from behind the backboard that didn't count in a preseason game, the NBA changed the rule on plays like that. Kobe Bryant was glad they did. 1258966710

Recap: LA Lakers vs. Oklahoma City

Kobe Bryant scored 26 points, yanked down six rebounds and had seven assists as the Los Angeles Lakers used a strong first half to run past Oklahoma City, 101-85, at Staples Center. 1258954709
Stoudemire, Nash lead Suns past Pistons, 117-91

Amare Stoudemire scored 21 points and Steve Nash added 20 for Phoenix, then sat out the fourth quarter to watch the Suns rout road-weary Detroit 117-91 Sunday night for the Pistons' fifth straight loss. 1258963446
Haslem's jumper leads Heat past Hornets, 102-101

Dwyane Wade had 31 points, and Udonis Haslem hit a jumper with 15.4 seconds left to lift the Miami Heat past the New Orleans Hornets 102-101 on Sunday night.
Bobcats beat Pacers 104-88 to end 7-game slide

Nazr Mohammed scored 18 points, Boris Diaw added 17 and the Charlotte Bobcats beat the Indiana Pacers 104-88 on Sunday to snap a seven-game losing streak.
Garnett's jumper gives Celtics OT win over Knicks

Kevin Garnett made a jumper to beat the overtime buzzer, giving the Boston Celtics a 107-105 victory over the New York Knicks on Sunday.
Carter scores 24 as Magic beat Raptors 104-96

Vince Carter scored 24 points, Dwight Howard had 17 points and 12 rebounds and the Orlando Magic won their fifth straight game, 104-96 over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday.
Webster, Trail Blazers rout Timberwolves

Martell Webster had 21 points and 13 rebounds, Brandon Roy added 18 points, and the Portland Trail Blazers beat Minnesota 106-78 on Saturday night, handing the Timberwolves their 12th straight loss.
Boozer, Kirilenko help Jazz beat Pistons

Carlos Boozer scored 18 of his 22 points in the second half and overtime to lead the Utah Jazz to their fourth straight victory, 100-97 over the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night.
Recap: Phoenix vs. Detroit

Amare Stoudemire scored 21 points and Steve Nash tallied 20 points and nine assists in Phoenix's 117-91 blowout of the Detroit Pistons.
Recap: Miami vs. New Orleans

Udonis Haslem's jumper with 15.4 seconds left in the game gave the Miami Heat a 102-101 victory over the New Orleans Hornets.
Recap: Charlotte vs. Indiana

Nazr Mohammed posted 18 points and Boris Diaw added 17 to help the Bobcats ease past the Pacers, 104-88, to snap their seven-game losing streak. 1258959897
Recap: New York vs. Boston

Kevin Garnett hit the game-winning bucket at the overtime buzzer, as the Celtics escaped Madison Square Garden with a 107-105 victory over the Knicks.
Recap: Toronto vs. Orlando

Vince Carter scored 24 points and pulled down eight rebounds, as the Orlando Magic took their fifth win in a row with a 104-96 final over the Toronto Raptors.
Becoming special sheriff won't be easy for Shaq

Becoming one of Ohio's uniformed officers won't be a cakewalk for Shaquille O'Neal.
D'Antoni: Nate not benched for shot at wrong hoop

Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni says Nate Robinson was not benched for taking a shot at the wrong basket Saturday.
Orlando Magic (10-3) at Toronto Raptors (6-7), 12:30 p.m.

Vince Carter and the Orlando Magic shoot for their fifth straight win Sunday afternoon when they visit the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre.
Detroit Pistons (5-8) at Phoenix Suns (10-3), 8 p.m.

The Detroit Pistons hope to salvage the finale of a four- game road trip Sunday when they take on the Pacific Division-leading Phoenix Suns.
Boston Celtics (9-4) at New York Knicks (3-9), 1 p.m.

Atlantic Division rivals meet in the world's most famous arena Sunday afternoon as the Boston Celtics pay a visit to the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
Oklahoma City Thunder (7-6) at Los Angeles Lakers (9-3), 9:30 p.m.

Pau Gasol aims to build on an impressive season debut tonight when his Los Angeles Lakers play host to the much-improved Oklahoma City Thunder at Staples Center.