The Seattle Supersonics downed New York in a dramatic finish, 100-99, when the Knicks' Stephon Marbury missed a free throw with 0.9 seconds left on the clock.

Marbury scored a game-high 40 points - the third consecutive time above 30 points - but when his second free-throw attempt bounced out after he was fouled on a drive to the hoop it simply added to New York's woes from the line.

Ray Allen shot 29 points, while Rashard Lewis had 24, including a three-pointer with 4.8 seconds remaining that put the Sonics in front.

It was the Knicks' first loss in seven home games, while Seattle won its fourth game in five attempts.

The Dallas Mavericks secured a playoff berth and increased their winning streak to 16 games after beating the New Jersey Nets 102-89.

Dirk Nowitzki scored 22 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, while Jason Terry had 24 points as the Mavs improved their record to a league-best 51-9.

Vince Carter was the top scorer for the Nets with 32 points.

In Sacramento, the Kings won their first game since Ron Artest's arrest for domestic violence with a 102-98 victory over the Indiana Pacers.

Sacramento had led by 20 points during the second half before withstanding a late Pacers fightback.

Allen Iverson scored 25 points and Carmelo Anthony added 21 as the Denver Nuggets beat the New Orleans Hornets 106-91.

Denver led by 23 points with just over three minutes remaining in the third quarter, before the Hornets clawed their way back to 96-88 with 4:58 on the clock.

The Nuggets scored seven straight points to secure the victory.

Minnesota overcame the LA Lakers 117-107 in a dramatic double-overtime victory as Timberwolves centre Mark Blount shot three consecutive three-pointers in the last 2:20 of regulation time to help tie the game up.

Kobe Bryant scored 40 points for the Lakers.

In Washington, the Wizards defeated the Toronto Raptors 129-109.

Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison each scored 25 points for Washington, while Antonio Daniels added 18.

San Antonio scored five three-pointers in a row to overrun the Portland Trailblazers 99-94 and rack up their 10th straight victory.

Tim Duncan shot 24 points, with Manu Ginobili adding 23 and Michael Finley 20.

Portland led by eight points with four minutes left before the Spurs began their three-point run.

NBA results for Tuesday (US)
Denver 106 New Orleans 91
Dallas 102 New Jersey 89
Minnesota 117 LA Lakers 107 (F-2OT)
Seattle 100 New York 99
Washington 129 Toronto 109
Sacramento 102 Indiana 98
San Antonio 99 Portland 94