Nene carries the Nuggets past the Jazz, 117-97

at Denver 117, Utah 97: Nene tied his career high with 28 points and J.R. Smith scored 13 of his 22 points in the first quarter as the Nuggets routed the Jazz. Nene made all 12 of his shots and didn’t play the final six minutes.

at Boston 124, Dallas 100: Ray Allen scored 20 of his 23 points in the first half, when the Celtics opened a 27-point lead, and Eddie House made seven three-point shots as Boston won its eighth in a row. Dirk Nowitzki missed 13 of 17 shots for the Mavericks.

Houston 108, at Detroit 105: Ron Artest returned to the lineup and scored 24 points for the Rockets, who also got Tracy McGrady back but played without Yao Ming (knee). The Pistons lost for the eighth time in 11 games.

Phoenix 104, at Atlanta 99: Amare Stoudemire scored 23 points and Shaquille O’Neal had 19 points and 11 rebounds, helping the Suns end a losing streak at three games.

at Minnesota 109, Chicago 108 (OT): Al Jefferson scored a season-high 39 points and the Timberwolves won for the ninth time in 11 games. Rookie Kevin Love had 19 points and a career-high 15 rebounds for Minnesota.

at Indiana 98, Charlotte 93: Danny Granger scored 27 points and the Pacers won their fifth in a row at home. Raja Bell and Boris Diaw had 18 points apiece for the Bobcats.

at Toronto 113, Sacramento 97: Chris Bosh scored 31 points, Andrea Bargnani had 24 and the Raptors handed the Kings their fifth straight loss. Sacramento is 0-18 against Eastern Conference teams this season.

at Lakers 99, San Antonio 85: The Lakers evened the season series with one game to play.

at Golden State 107, Clippers 92: Corey Maggette scored 20 points for the Warriors.