Monday, Feb. 6, 2012

SAN ANTONIO — Tony Parker wasn't playing for an All-Star invitation. He made a strong case just the same.

Love and happiness: Rockets center Luis Scola is fouled by the Timberwolves' Kevin Love on Saturday in Minnesota. The Timberwolves won 100-91. AP

Putting together his most dazzling game in three years — and doing it against the NBA's hottest team, no less — Parker scored 42 points and became the all-time franchise assists leader for the San Antonio Spurs in a 107-96 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday night.

His nine assists moved him past Avery Johnson in Spurs history, but this night wasn't about his passing. Parker joined Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard, Anthony Morrow and LeBron James as the only NBA players to eclipse 40 points in a game this season.

Bryant, Howard and James were chosen All-Star starters this week. Reserves are announced Thursday.

If Parker's name wasn't in the mix before, it certainly is now.

"I would like to go again eventually," said Parker, a three-time All-Star who hasn't been since 2009. "We'll see what happens."

Kings 114, Warriors 106 (OT)

In Sacramento, Marcus Thornton scored 28 points and Tyreke Evans had 26 points and nine assists.

Bulls 113, Bucks 90

In Milwaukee, Derrick Rose scored 26 points and had 13 assists, and Luol Deng added 21 points in his return after missing seven games due to injury.

Knicks 99, Nets 92

In New York, Jeremy Lin scored a career-high 25 points as the Knicks salvaged the finale of a back-to-back-to-back set against New Jersey.

Clippers 107, Wizards 81

In Washington, Blake Griffin had 21 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists, and DeAndre Jordan had 18 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Clippers past the Wizards.

76ers 98, Hawks 87

In Atlanta, rookie Nikola Vucevic set a career high with 15 points to lead six Philadelphia scorers in double figures.

Cavaliers 91, Mavericks 88

In Cleveland, rookie Kyrie Irving made a driving layup in traffic with 15.8 seconds left to give the Cavaliers a win over defending NBA champion Dallas.

Timberwolves 100, Rockets 91

In Minneapolis, Kevin Love had 25 and 18 rebounds, and Luke Ridnour added 22 points to help Minnesota win for the fifth time in seven games.

Magic 85, Pacers 81

In Indianapolis, Dwight Howard had 27 points and eight rebounds to lift Orlando over Indiana after the Magic were forced to stay in Cincinnati because of the Super Bowl.

Pistons 89, Hornets 87

In Auburn Hills, Michigan, Greg Monroe had 24 points and 16 rebounds as Detroit won a matchup of two of the NBA's worst teams.

Suns 95, Bobcats 89

In Phoenix, rarely used Robin Lopez scored nine consecutive points to spark a 12-2 run starting the fourth quarter as the Suns handed Charlotte its 11th consecutive loss.

Jazz 96, Lakers 87

In Salt Lake City, Al Jefferson scored 18 points, Paul Millsap had 16, and Earl Watson keyed a game-clinching 14-0 fourth quarter run for Utah.

Trail Blazers 117, Nuggets 97

In Portland, Nicolas Batum set a Trail Blazers record with nine 3-pointers and scored a career-high 33 points.

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