Timberwolves fall in overtime to Pistons

Chauncey Billups made a tying three-point basket with 3.3 seconds left in the first extra period to help the Detroit Pistons defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves, 104-98, in double overtime Friday night at Minneapolis.

Detroit, which won for only the fourth time in its last 12 games, handed Minnesota its first loss in five overtime games this season.

The Timberwolves scored eight consecutive points in the first overtime -- including tightly guarded three-point baskets by Randy Foye and Mike James.

The shot by James with 13.8 seconds left gave Minnesota an 89-86 lead. But Richard Hamilton made a layup. After two free throws by Foye, Billups made his three-pointer from the top of the key to tie the score at 91-91. Rasheed Wallace opened the second overtime by making a jump shot, and he made a turnaround hook about two minutes later that gave the Pistons a 99-93 lead.

With 5:18 left in regulation and the score tied at 70-70, Antonio McDyess knocked Mark Madsen over with a forearm. Kevin Garnett threw the ball at McDyess -- who charged Garnett with his fist cocked. Garnett took a swing at McDyess as he partially retreated, but teammates and officials stayed between the two and no blows were landed.

Utah 102, Toronto 94 -- Andrei Kirilenko, who has complained about his role in the Jazz’s offense, had eight points and a key steal down the stretch at Toronto. He stole the ball from Morris Peterson and passed to Matt Harpring for a dunk that gave the Jazz a 100-92 lead with 51 seconds left.

Philadelphia 98, Miami 95 -- The 76ers held on after blowing a 17-point lead to beat the Heat in overtime at Philadelphia. Dwyane Wade, who had 28 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists for the Heat, made two free throws with 2.1 seconds left in regulation to send the game to overtime.

Sacramento 96, Boston 91 -- The Kings outscored the Celtics, 34-24, in the fourth quarter at Boston to end a seven-game losing streak. The Celtics lost their sixth in a row and fell to an NBA-worst 4-14 at home.

San Antonio 99, New Orleans 86 -- Former Laker Jannero Pargo made three consecutive baskets for the Hornets to cut the Spurs’ lead to eight with 7:08 left in the fourth quarter at San Antonio. But the Hornets would get no closer.

Washington 114, Orlando 93 -- The Wizards dealt the host Magic its fourth consecutive loss in a skid that dropped it from the atop the Southeast Division. Washington, which took the lead after beating New York on Wednesday, now has a 1 1/2 -game lead.

Charlotte 96, Atlanta 75 -- Gerald Wallace, making his first appearance since suffering a separated right shoulder on Dec. 30, had 18 points and 15 rebounds to spark the Bobcats at Atlanta.

New Jersey 101, New York 100 -- The Nets’ Clifford Robinson tipped in a missed shot with 2.8 seconds left at Madison Square Garden. David Lee’s basket gave the Knicks a one-point lead with 9.7 seconds left.

Phoenix 106, Portland 101 -- Steve Nash had six points in the final 1:17 at Phoenix to help the Suns win their 12th win in a row. Zach Randolph matched his season-high with 36 points for the Trail Blazers.

Seattle 99, Milwaukee 72 -- Ray Allen scored 21 points in 28 minutes at Seattle, leading the SuperSonics to their third consecutive victory -- matching their longest streak of the season.

Denver 110, Cleveland 99 -- LeBron James had 30 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds for his first triple-double of the season, but it wasn’t enough for the Cavaliers, who have lost six of their last seven games at Denver.