MEMPHIS: The Memphis Grizzlies strengthened their grip on an NBA playoff spot with a 111-104 win over the San Antonio Spurs Sunday in what could be a precursor to a possible postseason matchup. Tony Allen and Zach Randolph had 23 points apiece for Memphis, which currently holds the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. If the Grizzlies earn the No. 8 seed, they will likely face the NBA-leading Spurs in the opening round of the playoffs. George Hill matched his career high with 30 points on 9-of-12 shooting for the Spurs, who slumped to a third straight loss. Lakers 102, Hornets 84: In Los Angeles, Los Angeles inched closer to the top of the overall NBA standings with a comfortable win over New Orleans. Kobe Bryant scored 30 points and Pau Gasol had 23 points and 16 rebounds as the Lakers made it 15 wins from 16 games. The two-time defending NBA champions jumped to an 18-point lead in the first half and weathered the Hornets' fourth-quarter rally to sweep the four-game season series with a possible first-round playoff opponent. Carl Landry had a season-high 24 points and 10 rebounds in New Orleans' second game without injured scoring leader David West. Thunder 99, Trail Blazers 90: In Oklahoma City, the hosts secured their second straight playoff berth by defeating Portland. Russell Westbrook hit three late 3-pointers, including the clincher with 21 seconds left. Heat 125, Rockets 119: In Miami, three Miami players reached 30 points and 10 rebounds as the Heat downed Houston. LeBron James had 33 points and 10 rebounds, Chris Bosh added 31 points and 12 rebounds, and Dwyane Wade shook off a bruised tailbone to finish with 30 points and 11 boards as Miami made it eight wins in nine games. Mavericks 91, Suns 83: In Phoenix, Dallas pulled out a victory over Phoenix that may have dropped the curtains on the Suns' hopes for a playoff berth. Celtics 85, Timberwolves 82: In Minneapolis, Boston nearly gave away another huge lead in a victory over Minnesota. Kings 114, 76ers 111, OT: In Philadelphia, Marcus Thornton scored 32 points and former Philadelphia center Samuel Dalembert made two free throws in the closing seconds of overtime to lift Sacramento over Philadelphia. Hawks 99, Cavaliers 83: In Cleveland, Marvin Williams scored a season-high 31 points to help Atlanta beat Cleveland. Warriors 114, Wizards 104: In Oakland, Monta Ellis had 37 points and 13 assists, leading Golden State past road-weary Washington.
