Kings’ Pacific Dream Hits Roadblock

Joe Johnson’s three consecutive three-point baskets midway through the fourth quarter helped lift Phoenix to a 101-96 victory over Sacramento on Friday night at Phoenix, dropping the Kings into a first-place tie in the Pacific Division.

The loss, coupled with the Lakers’ 103-95 victory over Memphis, left Los Angeles and Sacramento with 54-25 records. The teams meet Sunday at Sacramento.

Johnson, who finished with 24 points, put Phoenix ahead for good, 83-81, with his first basket from long range with 7:43 remaining. His third three-point basket with 6:00 left moved Phoenix in front, 89-83.

Amare Stoudemire had 23 points and 12 rebounds for the Suns. Mike Bibby led the Kings with 26 points.

Minnesota 92, Golden State 74 -- Kevin Garnett had 29 points and 15 rebounds at Oakland to keep the Timberwolves atop the Western Conference with their seventh consecutive victory.

If the Timberwolves (56-24) finish the best regular season in franchise history with victories over Utah on Monday and Memphis on Wednesday, they’ll have home-court advantage throughout the conference playoffs.

Indiana 90, New Jersey 80 -- Ron Artest’s 24 points and four steals helped the Pacers clinch home-court advantage throughout the playoffs with the victory at Indianapolis.

The Pacers (59-21) also set their NBA franchise record for victories in a season. The Pacers can eclipse their all-time record, set in the American Basketball Assn., with a victory Monday at Philadelphia.

Houston 106, Denver 103 -- The host Rockets clinched a playoff berth for the first time in five seasons behind a season-high 33 points from Steve Francis.

Marcus Camby scored 23 points and Carmelo Anthony had 20 as the Nuggets lost for the sixth consecutive time in Houston. Denver dropped into a three-way tie with Utah and Portland for eighth place in the Western Conference.

San Antonio 84, Portland 74 -- Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili each scored 21 points at San Antonio to lead the Spurs to their eighth consecutive victory.

Portland dropped into a three-way tie with Utah and Denver for the final playoff berth in the West.

New Orleans 89, Boston 80 -- Jamaal Magloire’s 23 points and 17 rebounds and George Lynch’s defense led the Hornets past the Celtics at New Orleans.

Boston, meanwhile, inched closer to clinching a playoff berth despite the loss because its closest pursuer, Philadelphia, lost to Washington. Boston needs only one victory or a Philadelphia loss to secure a spot in the postseason.

Detroit 74, Toronto 66 -- Richard Hamilton scored 10 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter at Auburn Hills, Mich., to lead the Pistons to their sixth consecutive victory.

The Pistons were missing point guard Chauncey Billups (ankle), but won for the 14th time in 16 games, including 10 in a row at home. They also extended their NBA record by holding an opponent under 70 points for the 11th time.

Miami 106, Cleveland 91 -- Dwyane Wade scored 20 points and the Heat used a 29-8 run in the second half to pull away from the Cavaliers at Miami.

The loss eliminated LeBron James and the Cavaliers from the playoffs. Miami has won 11 in a row at home.

James led Cleveland with 24 points, eight assists and seven rebounds.

Washington 83, Philadelphia 80 -- Gilbert Arenas’ three-point basket at the buzzer lifted the Wizards past the 76ers at Philadelphia.

Larry Hughes added 19 points and Jared Jeffries grabbed a career-high 17 rebounds for Washington. Kenny Thomas led the 76ers with 24 points.

Atlanta 116, Chicago 101 -- Stephen Jackson scored 36 points, Bob Sura had his first career triple-double and the Hawks cruised to victory at Chicago. Sura had 12 points, 12 assists and 11 rebounds.

The Bulls played lackluster defense in losing for the 15th time in 19 games. Atlanta went through what amounted to a jump-shooting drill for four quarters. Kirk Hinrich scored a career-high 29 points to lead the Bulls.