NBA: Brilliant Bryant

Kobe Bryant led the way once again as LA Lakers recorded their ninth straight victory over New York Knicks with a 99-82 success.

The Lakers have now won every meeting between the two rivals since February 2007 - with Bryant averaging 34 points a game.

The 33-year-old, who had been struggling with a wrist injury, was slightly below his average on Thursday night, but his 28-point haul was still enough to seal the win.

Pau Gasol also weighed in with 16 points, 10 rebounds and five assists as the Lakers recorded their second victory of the season.

Carmelo Anthony scored 27 points for the Knicks, while Amare Stoudemire had 15 points.

Oklahoma City Thunder's Kevin Durant topped a superb display with a three-pointer at the final buzzer to secure a 104-102 victory over the Dallas Mavericks.

Dallas had thought they had won it when Vince Carter landed a three-pointer with 1.4 seconds remaining - however Durant (30) had other ideas as he ensured Thunder remain unbeaten.

Dirk Nowitzki picked up 29 points but the Mavericks remain winless after three matches.

Wesley Matthews scored 25 points - including five three-pointers in the second half - as the Portland Trail Blazers saw off the Denver Nuggets 111-102.

Raymond Felton also picked up 23 points as Portland remained unbeaten this season.

The Nuggets, who saw Ty Lawson land 25 points, had been level at 98-98 but crucially fell away late on.

A rapid start from the Chicago Bulls helped lay the foundations for a 108-98 victory over the Sacramento Kings.

The Bulls rattled off 15 straight points early on and never looked back - with Derrick Rose (19 points), Carlos Boozer (16) and Richard Hamilton (16), Ronnie Brewer (12) and Luol Deng (12) all getting into double figures.

Marcus Thornton scored 20 points and Tyreke Evans registered 19 for Sacramento but it was not enough to prevent them slumping to a second defeat.

Kevin Martin scored 25 points to guide Houston Rockets to a comfortable105-85 win over San Antonio Spurs, while Ryan Anderson's 22-point haul provided the platform for Orlando Magic's 94-78 victory against New Jersey Nets.