Enquirer wire services

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - Michael Finley had his way against the league's best defensive team while leading the unbeaten Dallas Mavericks within one victory of making NBA history.

Finley was unstoppable Wednesday night, scoring a career-high 42 points before leaving for good with more than eight minutes left as Dallas defeated the Detroit Pistons 102-82.

With a record of 14-0, the Mavericks will be looking to match the best start in NBA history - 15-0 by Washington in 1948-49 and Houston in 1993-94 - when they play at Indiana today.

76ers 83, Heat 74

PHILADELPHIA - Allen Iverson scored 13 of his 36 points in the fourth quarter as Philadelphia won its fifth straight game.

Brian Grant had 17 points and 18 rebounds and Eddie Jones added 16 points for Miami.

Magic 112, Lakers 102

ORLANDO, Fla. - Tracy McGrady had 38 points and nine assists, and Mike Miller added 22 points as Orlando broke a seven-game losing streak against Los Angeles.

Kobe Bryant had 38 points and 10 rebounds for the Lakers, who lost their seventh straight road game while allowing the most points by an opponent this season. He put up 31 shots, making 14, while hitting 10 of 13 free throws.

Bucks 112, Cavaliers 80

MILWAUKEE - Sam Cassell scored 30 points as Milwaukee sent Cleveland to its 12th straight loss. Michael Redd added a season-high 25 points for the Bucks.

Cleveland, which is 1-9 on the road and has not won since Nov.5, was led by Ricky Davis' 23 points.

Timberwolves 90, Kings 74

MINNEAPOLIS - Kevin Garnett had 20 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists for his second triple-double of the season as Minnesota snapped Sacramento's six-game winning streak.

Chris Webber had 19 points and 11 rebounds for Sacramento, which has lost nine of its last 10 games in Minnesota.

Knicks 87, Raptors 81

TORONTO - Allan Houston scored 30 points and Lee Nailon had 10 of his 15 in the fourth quarter as New York won its first road game of the season and spoiled Vince Carter's return to the Toronto lineup.

Carter scored 16 points in his first game after missing 10 because of a strained quadriceps tendon in his left knee.

Celtics 92, Bulls 82

BOSTON - Paul Pierce scored 30 points as Boston won its fourth straight game.

Jalen Rose scored 14 points on 6-of-17 shooting and had nine turnovers for Chicago, which has lost nine straight games on the road and five in a row overall.

WARRIORS: Guard Earl Boykins signed with Golden State, his fourth NBA team in four years.