Basketball

PHOENIX (AP) — Devin Booker stepped back for a 3-pointer in the closing minute of the third quarter as Golden State's Stephen Curry gamely tried to stay with him, putting a hand in his face.

DENVER (AP) — Julius Randle scored a season-high 34 points and the New York Knicks took advantage of Nikola Jokic's absence to win in Denver for the first time in 16 years, rallying past the Nuggets 106-103 on Wednesday night.

DALLAS (AP) — Kevin Porter Jr. had 17 points and 11 rebounds and eight assists, and the last-place Houston Rockets took advantage of Luka Doncic's absence in a 101-92 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night.

PHOENIX (AP) — Cameron Payne scored a career-high 29 points, Devin Booker added 27 and the Phoenix Suns easily overcame Stephen Curry’s 50-point night to beat the Golden State Warriors 130-119 on Wednesday.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — CJ McCollum scored 23 points, Jonas Valanciunas added 22 and the New Orleans Pelicans won their second straight game without Zion Williamson in the lineup, beating the Chicago Bulls 124-110 on Wednesday night.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Brook Lopez understands that playing alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo is going to create plenty of open looks. His improved 3-point shooting is helping the Milwaukee Bucks' 7-foot center capitalize more than ever.

TORONTO — Kyle Lowry said he both loves and hates playing against former Toronto Raptors teammate Fred VanVleet. Wednesday, it was more hate than love.

ATLANTA (AP) — The Boston Celtics were missing two key members of their rotation. There was no shortage of players to fill the void.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — LaMelo Ball’s first home game of the season didn’t go anywhere near as well as the All-Star point guard hoped.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hit a 3-pointer with 1.1 seconds remaining and matched a career high with 42 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Washington Wizards 121-120 on Wednesday night.