Josh Howard, Mavs
104-97 win at Hawks
28 pts, 9-14 FG, 3-3 3-pt FG

Mike Bibby, Kings
107-100 win vs. Suns
37 pts, 13-23 FG, 9-12 3-pt FG, 2-2 FT

Manu Ginobili, Spurs
120-79 win at Sonics
19 pts, 6-11 FG, 5-9 3-pt FG

Allen Iverson didn't put up the gaudy offensive numbers that usually occupy his stat line on Sunday, but he still did enough to get the job done. He finished third on the Nuggets in scoring with 18 points on efficient 7-of-13 shooting from the floor. He also dished out 12 assists and grabbed four rebounds as Denver turned up the defensive intensity late, holding the Cavs scoreless over the final 3:42 in a 105-93 win at Cleveland.

Jamaal Tinsley, Pacers
92-90 loss vs. Bulls
2-11 FG, 0-3 3-pt FG, 4 pts

Damien Wilkins, Sonics
120-79 loss vs. Spurs
3-12 FG, 1-3 3-pt FG, 7 pts

Jason Richardson, Warriors
115-113 loss at Lakers
2-12 FG, 2-9 3-pt FG, 9 pts

It couldn't go on forever, could it? Kobe Bryant's fantastic scoring run finally came to an end on Sunday, but he did not go quietly into the night. He came out of the gate on fire, scoring nine in the game's first 2:10 and 17 by the end of the first period. It looked like he had a good chance of extending his streak of 50-point games to five and making a serious run at Wilt Chamberlain's record of seven straight. A four-point second quarter slowed down his pace dramatically, and he entered the fourth quarter needing 19 points to reach the half-century mark. He came up a bit short with 43, but did help the Lakers use a late rally to pick up their season-high fifth straight victory, edging the Warriors, 115-113. Bryant is still averaging an astonishing 53.6 points over his last five games. With the win, the Lakers maintained their lead over Denver for the sixth spot in the West and locked up a playoff berth for the Jazz.

The Kings and Hornets both entered Sunday in very similar situations. Lose and their already dim playoff hopes would be dealt another serious blow. Both teams also faced uphill battles at home against playoff-bound teams. Phoenix held a five-point lead over Sacramento early in the fourth quarter, while New Orleans/Oklahoma City found itself trailing Houston by 12 just minutes into the second half. Both teams were able to dig out and remain in the playoff hunt, and they both rode the backs of their point guards. Mike Bibby put on a show from behind the arc, knocking down a career-high nine 3-pointers en route to 37 points in a 107-100 win over the Suns. For the Hornets, it was a much younger floor general leading the way. Second-year sensation Chris Paul scored 20 of his 28 points after halftime, helping his team outscore the Rockets by 20 in the second half of a 106-94 win.

So much attention is given to Detroit's starting five, but the Pistons showed Sunday that they have plenty in reserve as well. With Chris Webber limited by an illness, Antonio McDyess stepped in and recorded 20 points on 9-of-13 shooting from the floor in a 121-95 victory at Milwaukee. While McDyess excelled in his usual role, two other regular reserves were thrust into the starting lineup due to Richard Hamilton's illness and Rasheed Wallace's one-game suspension for accumulation of technical fouls. Jason Maxiell established new career highs in Wallace's place with 19 points and 15 rebounds, while adding four blocks. Flip Murray took over for Hamilton and scored 16.

By starting in his 40th game this season Sunday, Ben Gordon has nearly done away with the "Sixth Man" label. He is, however, holding on to the title of one of the league's most clutch players. Gordon scored half of Chicago's 22 points in Sunday's fourth quarter, including the game-winner with 2.8 seconds to play in a 92-90 triumph over the Pacers. Gordon finished with 31 points, helping the Bulls overcome a marvelous 39-point, 14-rebound effort from Jermaine O'Neal. "Gordon is as good a go-to guy as there is in this league right now,'' Indiana coach Rick Carlisle said. "I can't imagine Mike (Dunleavy) playing him any better. He just changed the angle and made the shot.''

Kevin Garnett will steal all the headlines for the buzzer-beater in Minnesota's 94-93 win over Portland. But if it wasn't for Randy Foye's fourth-quarter heroics, the Timberwolves would have not been in position to win on Garnett's jumper. Foye scored 13 of his 17 points in the final period, helping his squad rally from five points down with three minutes to go. He shot 7-of-10 from the field, including 3-of-4 on treys.

Scooter McFadgon did not provide the best encore to Wednesday night's 48-point performance, scoring just 11 points Saturday. He found his scoring touch again on Sunday as he poured in a game-high 30 points for the Bakersfield Jam in a 103-92 win over the L.A. D-Fenders. He finished 10-of-17 from the field and 10-of-12 from the line. Golden State rookie Patrick O'Bryant added 22 points and 11 rebounds.