In the NBA, Miami's quest to break the NBA record for consecutive wins was ended by a Chicago Bulls team that was without four key players. The final of 101-97 ended the Heat's winning streak at 27, six short of the mark set by the 1971-72 Lakers. LeBron James did his best to keep the streak going with 32 points.
J.R. Smith scored 35 points, his second straight 30-point game, and the New York Knicks withstood a furious rally to beat the Memphis Grizzlies 108-101. Carmelo Anthony added 22 points.
Reggie Evans grabbed a career-high 26 rebounds and matched his career high with 22 points, and the Brooklyn Nets beat the Portland Trail Blazers 111-93.
The Boston Celtics snapped a five-game losing streak with a 93-92 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Elsewhere, Atlanta defeated Toronto 107-88. Philadelphia bested Milwaukee 100-92. Charlotte beat Orlando 114-108. Indiana beat Houston 100-91. The Lakers topped Minnesota 120-117. The Clippers outscored New Orleans 105-91. Oklahoma City slid past Washington 103-80. San Antonio edged ahead of Denver 100-99. Utah won against Phoenix 103-88 and Sacramento beat Golden State 105-98.
Checking the NHL, Montreal slid past Boston 6-5 and Minnesota topped Phoenix 4-3.
In baseball news, Miami defeated Boston 5-1. The Angels doubled up Texas 6-3.The Mets beat Houston 6-2 and the Yankees outscored Baltimore 11-8.
Yankees pitcher Phil Hughes will join New York's disabled list for the start of the season. Hughes is expected to miss his first turn through the rotation, due to a bulging disk in his upper back.