In National Basketball Association action Monday, the Denver Nuggets earned their first playoff spot in nine years by beating the Sacramento Kings, 97-89. Denver, which won 17 of 82 games last season, clinched at least the eighth and final seed in the Western Conference playoffs. Marcus Camby led Denver with 12 points, 21 rebounds, seven assists and five blocked shots.
The Utah Jazz saw their playoff hopes come to an end, as they were eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves, 104-90. Latrell Sprewell led Minnesota with 24 points.
In San Antonio, Tim Duncan had 14 points and 15 rebounds to lead the host Spurs to a 78-66 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.
Bob Sura became the first NBA player in seven years to have three straight triple-doubles as he led the Atlanta Hawks past the New Jersey Nets, 129-107. Sura had 22 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds.
In Boston, Lamar Odom had 28 points and 11 rebounds as the Miami Heat upended the host Celtics, 84-77.
Rookie sensation LeBron James scored 27 points to lift the Cleveland Cavaliers over the Milwaukee Bucks, 93-89.
The Indiana Pacers won their record 60th game of the season, a 107-93 triumph over the Philadelphia 76ers. Jermaine O'Neal led Indiana with 28 points.
The Detroit Pistons won their eighth straight game, routing the Washington Wizards, 101-79.
Michael Sweetney had 16 points to lead the New York Knicks over the New Orleans Hornets, 101-97.
Juwan Howard scored 38 points as the Orlando Magic's upended the Chicago Bulls, 93-84.
Mark Jackson, who entered the game averaging only two points a game, scored 25 to lead the Houston Rockets to a 111-107 triumph over the Seattle SuperSonics.
Some information for this report provided by Reuters.