Houston's James Harden has tied a career-high with 14 assists to help the Rockets beat Miami 115-102 and drop the Heat out of the lead in the NBA's Southeast Division.
Harden scored 26 points for the Rockets, who held a double-digit lead for most of Tuesday's second half in a comfortable win.
In the Atlantic Division, Toronto held on against a fast-finishing Phoenix to stay 5-1/2 games ahead of Boston, who wore down New York.
Houston started forward Josh Smith at center with Dwight Howard serving a one-game suspension for making contact with an official and Clint Capela nursing a thigh injury.
Smith scored a season-high 19 points in his second start this season and first since returning to Houston in a trade from the Los Angeles Clippers on January 22.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Luol Deng had 17 points for the Heat, which slipped half a game behind Atlanta for the Southeast lead.
Boston dominated the final 15 minutes to overrun New York and beat the Knicks 97-89.
Isaiah Thomas had 20 points while Jae Crowder and Tyler Zeller each added 16 points for the Celtics, who have won five of six.
Carmelo Anthony had 16 points and 14 rebounds but shot just 4 for 16 in the Knicks' sixth loss in seven games.
Toronto's Kyle Lowry scored 26 points, including five 3-pointers, to lead the Raptors past Phoenix 102-97.
DeMar DeRozan added 22 points for Toronto which returned to winning ways a day after its franchise-record 11-game streak was ended at Denver.
Markieff Morris had 30 points and 11 rebounds, both season highs, for the Suns, who were playing for the first time under interim coach Earl Watson following the firing of Jeff Hornacek.
Portland notch a season-best fifth straight win by defeating Milwaukee 107-95, led by 30 points from C.J. McCollum.
Los Angeles veteran Kobe Bryant hit seven 3-pointers while scoring a season-high 38 points, as the Lakers snapped their 10-game losing sequence with a 119-115 victory over Minnesota.
