Andrew Bogut produced a solid showing for the Milwaukee Bucks in their match against the Portland Trailblazers but it wasn't enough as Portland secured a 99-95 win at home.

Bogut spent all but five minutes on the court as he helped himself to 16 points and seven rebounds.

Portland started the match off with a bang as they led Milwaukee 30-20 at quarter-time and later extended their lead to 13 points at half-time.

However, the Bucks fought back and got within three points of the Blazers late in the final quarter but it wasn't enough as Portland held on for the win.

Brandon Roy starred for the victors with 28 points and nine rebounds whilst Zach Randolph proved a worthy partner-in-crime with 19 points and 12 rebounds of his own.

For the Bucks, Earl Boykins (28 points) and Charlie Bell (23) were the highlights.

In other matches, the NBA's three title contenders reinforced their status as the heavyweights of the competition with solid performances.

A symbolic passing on of the baton occurred in Miami as the Heat, this season's defending champions, went down to title favourites Dallas Mavericks 93-99.

Despite being outscored in the second half, the Mavericks were in control all night long as they secured their 20th win from their past 21 outings.

Dallas had plenty of contributors as Josh Howard (25 points, nine rebounds), Dirk Nowitzki (22, 11) and Jerry Stackhouse (23 points) all chipped in to further enhance the Mavericks' competition-best record to 34-8.

In what has been a recurring theme this season, Dwayne Wade was the shining light for Miami with 31 points.

Elsewhere, the Phoenix Suns treated its home fans to a 13th consecutive win as they brushed aside the Minnesota Timberwolves 131-102 in a trademark high-scoring performance from Phoenix.

The Suns settled the issue well before the final buzzer as they held a commanding 33-point three-quarter time lead thanks to an astonishing 46-point third quarter.

Shawn Marion scored 17 points for the winners and pulled down a remarkable 20 rebounds in what was a textbook all-round performance while Amare Stoudemire (25 points, eight rebounds) proved to be one of Phoenix's best.

Randy Foye was the best for the Wolves with 25 points and team-mate Troy Hudson chipped in with 22.

Finally, the San Antonio Spurs travelled to Philadelphia to take on the lowly 76ers and recorded a regulation 99-85 win.

The match was as good as over at half-time as San Antonio held a 20-point lead and, despite a second half resurgence from the home team, the Spurs did enough to ensure the win.

Tim Duncan led the way for the visitors with 17 points and 15 rebounds and he found sound support in the form of Brent Barry who netted 23 points for the match.

Andre Iguodala (20 points, six rebounds) and Steven Hunter (10, 15) held their heads high for Philadelphia.