LeBron James shot 32 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers claimed their 12th straight win by beating the New Jersey Nets.

The game ended 104-97 in favour of the Cavaliers.

James added 11 assists and Jawad Williams netted 17 points off the bench as the Cavaliers triumphed to stay top of the Eastern Conference.

The Utah Jazz won their ninth straight game as Carlos Boozer scored 34 points and pulled down 14 rebounds in the 109-99 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Sacramento Kings secured a 118-114 overtime victory over the New York Knicks, with Tyreke Evans contributing 27 points leaving Wilson Chandler's game high 35 points for the Knicks in vain.

The Denver Nuggets were convincing 127-91 victors over the Dallas Mavericks, with Nene leading seven players in double figures with 21 points and Carmelo Anthony netting 19 on his return from an ankle injury.

Elsewhere, the Miami Heat were too hot for the Houston Rockets, winning 99-66, and Jamal Crawford poured in 28 points as the Atlanta Hawks beat the Memphis Grizzlies 108-94.

Stephen Jackson scored 22 points as the Charlotte Bobcats beat the Washington Wizards 94-92, Luol Deng scored 23 points and grabbed 11 rebounds as the Chicago Bulls claimed a 109-101 success over the Indiana Pacers and Philadelphia 76ers defeated Minnesota Timberwolves 119-97.

Kevin Durant poured in 33 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder emerged 89-77 winners over the Portland Trail Blazers and the Detroit Pistons beat the Milwaukee Bucks 93-81.