Kobe Drops 47 In Win – NBA Roundup For April 11th

UNDATED (AP) — Miami's B-team has given the Heat home-court advantage throughout the NBA playoffs.

With LeBron James and Dwyane (dwayn) Wade chilling on the bench to rest minor injuries and Chris Bosh home with flu-like symptoms, the Miami Heat clinched the best record in the NBA by beating Washington 103-98. Ray Allen led the Heat with 23. The Heat overcame 25 turnovers but still managed to assure they'll finish ahead of San Antonio in the race for best record in the NBA.

In other NBA action:

— Kobe Bryant poured in a season-high 47 points in leading the L.A. Lakers past Portland 113-106 and improve their postseason chances. The victory moves the Lakers one game ahead of Utah in the race for the final playoff spot in the West. Bryant also had eight rebounds and four blocks.

— P.J. Tucker scored 17 points, including two key baskets in the closing minutes and the Phoenix Suns beat the Dallas Mavericks 102-91. The Mavs are out of the playoffs for the first time since 2000.

— Wilson Chandler scored 29 points and Corey Brewer had 28 as the Denver Nuggets posted their franchise-record 21st straight home win, 96-86 over the San Antonio Spurs.

— Blake Griffin and Chris Paul led seven players in double figures with 19 points apiece, and the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 111-95 for their franchise-record 31st home win of the season.

— Deron (DEHR'-ihn) Williams had 29 points and 12 assists to lead the Brooklyn Nets to a 101-93 win over the Boston Celtics.

— Josh Smith had 28 points and 12 rebounds, John Jenkins added 21 points and the Atlanta Hawks blitzed the Philadelphia 76ers 124-101.

— Andre Drummond scored a career-high 29 points and the Detroit Pistons won a second straight game for the first time in two months with a 111-104 victory over Cleveland.

— Nik Vucevic had 30 points and 20 rebounds, Tobias Harris added 30 points and 19 rebounds, and the Orlando Magic rallied for a 113-103 overtime victory over Milwaukee.

— Sacramento downed New Orleans 121-100. John Salmons led the way with 22.