Kevin Durant's 30 points helped the Oklahoma City Thunder power past the Denver Nuggets 105-93, notching a seventh straight win to keep them within a game of the NBA Northwest Division lead on Tuesday.
Oklahoma City stayed on the tail of division leader Portland, which needed a last-gasp basket to win at Cleveland, while Golden State welcomed back Andre Iguodala with a victory over undermanned New Orleans.
Durant reached the 30-point mark for the 12th time this season, the most in the NBA. He also has the league lead in points per game, averaging 28.6.
Russell Westbrook added 21 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists for the Thunder.
Denver's J.J. Hickson had 20 points and 14 rebounds.
Portland's Damian Lillard made a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 0.4 seconds remaining to give the Trail Blazers a 119-116 win at Cleveland.
Lillard had a career-high eight 3-pointers while scoring 36 points. The 2013 NBA Rookie of the Year also sank a winner as time expired to beat Detroit on Sunday.
Portland's 22-4 record leads the NBA and the Blazers are 11-0 against Eastern Conference opponents. They have won five straight and are 12-2 on the road.
The Cavaliers had a one last chance to tie it but Kyrie Irving 3-point attempt bounced off the back of the rim at the buzzer. Irving and Dion Waiters scored 25 points apiece for Cleveland.
Golden State's Andre Iguodala returned after missing 12 games with a hamstring strain, and helped his team beat New Orleands 104-93.
Stephen Curry had 28 points and 12 assists for the Warriors, who were in control throughout, leading by 26 points after three quarters before easing up.
The Pelicans played without injured starters Anthony Davis and Tyreke Evans. Ryan Anderson had 21 points and six rebounds.
Los Angeles' Kobe Bryant scored 21 points as the Lakers closed out a four-game road trip with a 96-92 victory over Memphis.
Charlotte's Kemba Walker scored 24 points, helping the Bobcats snap a three-game losing streak with a 95-87 win over Sacramento.
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