Kobe's late show wins it for Lakers

Kobe Bryant returned from injury to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 99-98 win at the Memphis Grizzlies.

Bryant had missed the past five games with an ankle injury and proved his class by hitting a three-pointer with 4.3seconds remaining to consign the Grizzlies to a fifth consecutive home loss.

Bryant, playing his 1,000 regular season game, finished with 32 points and scored his teams final nine points.

The Boston Celtics overcame the absence of Paul Pierce to inflict an eighth consecutive defeat on the New York Knicks 110-106.

Star man Pierce was ordered to stay at home as he recovers from flu and without him Ray Allen poured in 24 points while Rajon Rondo added 15 points and 16 assists to spearhead the Celtics' win.

The Minnesota Timberwolves took full advantage of a Miami Heat team with Dwayne Wade to secure a rare away win 91-88.

Kevin Love led the way with 15 points and 12 rebounds as the Timberwolves won on the road for just the fifth time this season.

Jason Richardson hit a floater from the free-throw line with 0.7secs remaining as the Phoenix Suns rallied from a 10-point deficit to snap the Oklahoma City Thunder's nine-game winning streak 104-102.

The Portland Trail Blazers beat the New Jersey Nets 102-93 while the Detroit Pistons were 101-89 winners over the Sacramento Kings.

Louis Williams hit 26 points as the Philadelphia 76ers held off the Golden State Warriors 110-102.