Good news, bad news for Shaquille O’Neal

Dallas 122, at Phoenix 117: Dirk Nowitzki scored 23 of his 34 points in the second half, and the Mavericks widened their lead over the Suns for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Shaquille O’Neal scored 21 points on nine-for-10 shooting for Phoenix to pass Elvin Hayes for sixth on the NBA’s career scoring list. Steve Nash had 23 points and 13 assists for the Suns. Matt Barnes scored 21 points.

at San Antonio 100, Charlotte 86: Tim Duncan had 18 points and 11 rebounds, and the Spurs stopped the Bobcats’ franchise-record winning streak at six games. Raja Bell and Emeka Okafor each had 16 points for the Bobcats.

New York 120, at Milwaukee 112: Nate Robinson scored 10 of his 32 points in the final five minutes to help the Knicks to a rare road victory. Larry Hughes had a season-high 39 for the Knicks, who have won only eight road games all season.

Oklahoma City 99, at Sacramento 98: Jeff Green and Russell Westbrook each scored 24 points as the Thunder won for the fifth time in six games during their best stretch of the season. It was only the Thunder’s fifth road victory this season.

Cleveland 87, at Clippers 83: The Clippers can’t hold on to a 19-point, fourth-quarter lead.