Odom Does His Part to Stop the Grizzlies

If not for Lamar Odom, the Memphis Grizzlies might have laid claim to the longest winning streak in franchise history.

Odom scored a season-high 29 points and the Miami Heat held off a rally Friday night at Miami to defeat the Grizzlies, 91-88, preventing them from winning their seventh in a row.

Rookie Dwyane Wade scored 14 points and Brian Grant had 11 points and 13 rebounds for Miami, which has won six of eight home games. The Grizzlies, trying to move five games above .500 for first time in team history, led only once in the game.

“You have to defend your home turf,” said Odom, who was coming off a career-high 17-rebound effort in Tuesday night’s win against Phoenix. “It’s definitely important for us to win these games. You want to win at home then get some on the road.”

Boston 114, Toronto 111 -- Paul Pierce had 33 points and 11 rebounds at Boston, leading the Celtics to their fourth straight win. The loss ended the Raptors’ five-game winning streak. Vince Carter, who scored 35 points, missed a three-point shot at the buzzer that would have tied it. The Raptors yielded 100 points for the first time in 23 games.

Denver 86, Philadelphia 77 -- The 76ers didn’t get much help from Allen Iverson and Glenn Robinson, and couldn’t overcome the Nuggets at Philadelphia. Iverson, who sat out one game with a knee injury, missed 16 of 22 shots and finished with 18 points. Robinson, sidelined the last 15 games with a sprained left ankle, had six points.

Minnesota 110, Washington 91 -- Sam Cassell scored 25 points and Kevin Garnett had 23 points and 16 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who made 17 of their first 22 shots and recorded their fourth consecutive road victory.

Indiana 103, Atlanta 92 -- Fred Jones took over after Al Harrington left with an injury, scoring a career-high 18 points to lead the Pacers at Indianapolis.

Seattle 93, Detroit 72 -- Rashard Lewis scored 33 points to lead the SuperSonics, who led by as many as 24 down the stretch. The Pistons’ point total matched the lowest for a home game in club history.

New Jersey 99, Orlando 95 -- Kerry Kittles made three three-point shots in the final four minutes at Orlando, helping the Nets to their fourth straight victory. The Magic had won two in a row after 19 straight losses.

Milwaukee 109, Chicago 95 -- At Milwaukee, the Bucks used a late 16-2 run to drop the Bulls to 1-4 since Scott Skiles became coach Dec. 1.

Sacramento 100, Utah 93 -- Peja Stojakovic scored 13 points in the last five minutes, including seven straight free throws in the final 2:37, to help the Kings win for the eighth straight time in Salt Lake City.

New Orleans 96, Golden State 85 -- At Oakland, Baron Davis had 27 points and 12 assists and David Wesley had 23 points to help the Hornets win their fourth in a row.

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Chicago Bull forward Scottie Pippen is expected to be sidelined four to six weeks after undergoing surgery on his left knee. Pippen, 38, has been limited to 12 games this season because of swelling and pain in the knee.... Center Michael Olowokandi of the Minnesota Timberwolves underwent surgery on his right knee and will be sidelined six to eight weeks.