It’s Closer, but Kings Still Handle the Nets

Chris Webber had 36 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists and all five Sacramento starters scored in double figures, leading the Kings to a 109-102 victory over the visiting New Jersey Nets on Tuesday night.

Peja Stojakovic scored 12 of his 26 points in the third quarter. He is averaging 26.1 points in his last seven games for the Kings, who improved to 18-2 at home.

Mike Bibby had 13 points and 10 assists and Vlade Divac and Doug Christie each scored 11.

Jason Kidd led New Jersey with 27 points, and also had five rebounds, five assists and three steals in another frustrating night for the Atlantic Division leaders against Sacramento.

This one wasn’t nearly as bad as the previous meeting, however.

The Nets lost by 36 points at home to the Kings on Jan. 9 in a game that had ended New Jersey’s 10-game winning streak.

The Kings used a 10-0 run to build a 20-6 lead and held a 54-45 advantage at halftime. Sacramento shot 64% in the first half and 58% overall.

Dallas 107, Houston 86 -- Dirk Nowitzki scored 12 of his 26 points during the second quarter and Raef LaFrentz contained Yao Ming, helping the Mavericks end a three-game losing streak with a victory over the Rockets at Dallas.

Returning home from a dismal West Coast trip, Dallas made its first four shots -- all long jumpers -- and led by 12 points early.

Orlando 103, Cleveland 94 -- Tracy McGrady scored 35 points for the Magic at Cleveland to spoil Keith Smart’s coaching debut with the Cavaliers.

Zydrunas Ilgauskas led Cleveland with a career-high 35 points, but the Cavaliers have lost 11 of 13.