NBA ROUNDUP : Spurs One Victory Away From Clinching Best Record

If the Denver Nuggets do end up meeting San Antonio in the first round of the playoffs, add Avery Johnson to the list of Spurs to worry about.

Johnson scored a career-high 29 points Tuesday night as the Spurs moved within one victory of clinching the NBA’s best record with a 107-96 victory over the Nuggets at San Antonio.

In 42 minutes, San Antonio’s point guard made 12 of 13 shots, had nine assists and committed only one turnover.

“Avery (Johnson) was great,” said Spur center David Robinson, who had 30 points and 10 rebounds. “Everybody talks about Elliot Perry (of Phoenix) as the most improved player, but here is a guy who has led this team all year long and doesn’t get any credit. He’s like a silent assassin.”

With the Spurs on the verge of clinching the Western Conference’s top spot, the Nuggets would be their first-round opponent if they can hold off the Sacramento Kings for the final spot.

Mutombo had 17 points and 16 rebounds for Denver (38-41), which has a one-game lead over Sacramento (37-42) with three games remaining for the last Western Conference playoff berth.

In his third game since returning from a shoulder injury, Dennis Rodman had 13 rebounds for the Spurs before being ejected with 1:46 remaining after drawing his second technical for shoving Rodney Rogers.

Phoenix 111, Sacramento 101--Charles Barkley had 28 points as the Suns handed the Kings their third consecutive loss at Phoenix.

Wayman Tisdale, a former King, added 18 as the Suns won for the sixth time in seven games. Phoenix (57-23) is battling Seattle (56-23) for the Pacific Division championship.

Utah 113, Minnesota 94--Karl Malone scored 32 points at Minneapolis to lead the Jazz to their fourth consecutive victory.

David Benoit added 22 points on nine-for-12 shooting as the Jazz expanded on their club-record win total with their 57th victory.

Detroit 85, Cleveland 76--Grant Hill scored 26 points and Allan Houston added 23 as the Pistons beat the Cavaliers at Auburn Hills, Mich., to end a five-game losing streak.

Bobby Phills led Cleveland, which has lost seven of its last nine games, with 17 points.

Golden State 103, Portland 102--Chris Mullin scored 24 points and Ryan Lorthridge made a key shot in the final minute at Oakland as the Warriors beat the Trail Blazers.

After David Wood converted one of two free throws to give the Warriors a 101-100 lead with 1:31 left, Lorthridge made an awkward running jumper in the lane.

Cliff Robinson scored 28 points for Portland.