The Sacramento Kings have completed their transformation.
The offensive-minded Kings relied on defense to erase a 24-point deficit against the Miami Heat on Sunday night and moved to erase the memories of their past futility with a record-setting victory.
Chris Webber led a balanced attack that included scoring in double-figures by seven players as Sacramento beat the Heat 101-97.
The Kings, who struggled through 15 losing seasons before consecutive postseason appearances, improved to 14-4, the best start in team history. Sacramento's 10-1 home record is the best home start since the franchise won its first 23 games as the Rochester Royals during the 1949-50 season.
Some of the credit for the Kings' record-setting win goes to the Heat, who squandered a lead of 20 points or more for the second time in two weeks. Miami blew a 22-point fourth-quarter lead against Milwaukee on Nov. 28 and dropped a 102-101 decision.
"For whatever reason, a lack of effort on our part allowed them to come back into the game," said Miami's Brian Grant, who scored 19 points and grabbed 16 rebounds. "It got ridiculous there for a minute, but you've got to expect that on the road."
LAKERS 112, PISTONS 88: In Los Angeles, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal each scored 26 points as Los Angeles snapped a two-game losing streak.
Bryant shot 11-for-21 from the field and had nine assists.
O'Neal shot 12-for-18 from the field and grabbed 12 rebounds in three quarters.
Jerry Stackhouse led Detroit with 30 points. Joe Smith finished with 23 points and seven rebounds.
MAVERICKS 99, NETS 73: Dirk Nowitzki scored 31 points and visiting Dallas delivered a victory to Del Harris in his first game since taking over as the Mavericks' interim coach for the cancer-stricken Don Nelson.
The Mavericks won their third straight. The injury-plagued Nets lost their 10th in 11 games, and the 26-point loss was the worst of the season for host New Jersey. Michael Finley added 21 points, and the Mavericks shot 53 percent from the field.
Rookie Kenyon Martin had 18 points for the Nets.
CELTICS 104, NUGGETS 102 (OT): Paul Pierce scored 28 points, including the game-winning jumper from the top of the key as time expired in overtime.
Antoine Walker had 26 points and 11 rebounds, and Kenny Anderson added 13 points for the Celtics.
Antonio McDyess led the Nuggets with 37 points and 18 rebounds.
SUNS 95, RAPTORS 87: Jason Kidd made five free throws in the final minute and finished with 24 points as Phoenix won for the third time in four games. Phoenix's Clifford Robinson scored 22 points.
Vince Carter scored 35 points and grabbed a season-high 12 rebounds for host Toronto.