Phoenix Suns edged out Orlando Magic 106-103 to remain on the tail of Pacific Division leaders Los Angeles Lakers.

Two-pointers from Grant Hill and Amar'e Stoudemire settled the match, Stoudemire top-scoring with a double-double of 28 points and 10 rebounds.

Rashard Lewis (24) and Mickael Pietrus (23) led the way for South-East Division leaders Orlando, who nonetheless suffered a sixth defeat of the season.

LeBron James starred as Cleveland Cavaliers ended a two-game losing streak with a hard-fought 104-99 success against Portland Trail Blazers.

The fans' favourite contributed 33 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and, crucially, a towering leap to swat away Brandon Roy's shot in a nervy final quarter and preserve his side's advantage.

South-West division leaders Dallas Mavericks had a more comfortable time, beating Miami Heat 106-93 after taking a 12-point first-quarter lead. Dirk Nowitzki and Erick Dampier led the way with 25 and 20 points respectively.

Kobe Bryant poured in 20 points and Pau Gasol added 17 and an astonishing 20 rebounds as the Lakers eased past Minnesota Timberwolves 104-92.

Joe Johnson scored 20 points as Atlanta Hawks cruised past Toronto Raptors 111-89, while a 28-13 third quarter helped Houston Rockets sink Philadelphia 76ers 96-91.

Elsewhere, Chicago Bulls beat Golden State Warriors 96-91, Oklahoma City Thunder saw off Memphis Grizzlies 102-94 and there were comfortable wins for New York Knicks (113-96 over New Orleans Hornets), San Antonio Spurs (104-85 against Charlotte Bobcats) and Indiana Pacers (107-91 over the hapless New Jersey Nets).