Basketball: Raptors stay hot in the NBA

Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors handles the ball against the Phoenix Suns. Photo / Getty Images

Star guard Kyle Lowry powered the Toronto Raptors to a 104-97 win over the struggling Phoenix Suns in NBA action Wednesday.

The Raptors, who won for the ninth time in 10 games, stay just three games behind the Cleveland Cavaliers at the top of the Eastern Conference standings.

Lowry scored 26 points with three rebounds, four assists and two steals while fellow guard DeMar DeRozan chipped in 22 points to power the Raptors.

The Boston Celtics moved up to a share of third in the East with a 97-89 win over the New York Knicks on the back of Isaiah Thomas' 20 points, five rebounds and eight assists.

Allstar guard James Harden led the Houston Rockets to a 115-102 win over the Miami Heat. Harden collected 26 points while dishing out 14 assists in the win.

The Portland Trailblazers continued their five-game winning streak with a 107-95 win over the Milwaukee Bucks thanks largely to shooting guard CJ McCollum's 30 points, four rebounds and six dimes.

Veteran guard Kobe Bryant reeled back the years to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 119-115 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Bryant contributed a game-high 38 points, five rebounds and five assists in the win.