A double-double from Carlos Boozer and 22 points from Andrei Kirilenko saw Utah Jazz to a 116-106 win over the Denver Nuggets.

The free-scoring duo sat out with ankle injuries, while Boozer re-emerged with 19 points and 13 rebounds as the Jazz triumphed despite seeing a 17-point lead at one stage cut to three before they pulled away again in the fourth quarter.

LeBron James scored 24 straight points for Cleveland Cavaliers on his way to a haul of 47 overall, also leading the team in assists and rebounds in a 113-106 win over New York Knicks.

Chicago Bulls kept pace with the Cavs in the Central Division thanks to a 95-91 win over Miami, Great Britain's Luol Deng top-scoring with 25 points.

Elsewhere in the Heat's South-East Division, Atlanta's road game at Washington was postponed due to the blizzard conditions in the capital while Charlotte Bobcats lost 104-99 to New Orleans Hornets of the South-West.

Los Angeles Lakers overcame the absence of Kobe Bryant (ankle) to beat Portland Trail Blazers 99-82, replacement Lamar Odom contributing a double-double of 10 points and a joint career-high 22 rebounds.

City neighbours the Clippers, meanwhile, went down 98-81 to San Antonio as Spurs guard George Hill poured in 22 points.

Thaddeus Young scored 17 points from reserve as Philadelphia 76ers won 102-95 at Houston Rockets despite Aaron Brooks' 34.

Andrew Bogut's 21-point haul helped Milwaukee Bucks to a 93-81 win over Central rivals Indiana Pacers, while the division's basement side Detroit Pistons inflicted New Jersey Nets' 46th defeat of the season by a 99-92 margin.

Oklahoma City Thunder boosted their play-off hopes with a 104-95 win over Golden State Warriors, Kevin Durant leading the way as ever with 29 points, while Ryan Gomes (26) and Al Jefferson (23) inspired Minnesota Timberwolves to a fourth straight win, 109-102 against Memphis Grizzlies.