Kobe turns back the clock to avoid Lakers unwanted record, Harden guides Rockets past Heat

A season-high 38 points from Kobe Byrant helped the Los Angeles Lakers to a 119-115 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday.

The 37-year-old turned back the clock as the Lakers avoided an unwanted franchise record of 11-straight defeats in a season.

Louis Williams had 20 points for the Lakers, while Andrew Wiggins top-scored for the Timberwolves with 30 points.

The Houston Rockets ended a three-game losing streak thanks to a 115-102 win over the Miami Heat on Tuesday.

James Harden continued his fine form for the Rockets, scoring 26 points and tying his career-high total of 14 assists in a game.

It was the second time in eight games that Harden has reached 14 assists.

The Heat were led by Luol Deng’s 17 points, while Dwyane Wade helped with 16.

The Toronto Raptors responded from Monday’s loss to the Denver Nuggets with a 104-97 victory against the Phoenix Suns.

Kyle Lowry scored 26 points for the Raptors, which included five three-pointers, while DeMar Rozan added 22.

Markieff Morris had 30 points for the Suns – 14 of those coming in the first quarter – but the side fell short of giving interim coach Earl Watson a win in his first game in charge.

In other results, the Boston Celtics secured a 97-89 win against the New York Knicks, while the Portland Trail Blazers made it five straight wins with a 107-95 victory against the Milwaukee Bucks.