• Mr. Sun. Grant Hill scored a season-high 28 points, including nine big ones in the fourth that broke open a close game, to lead the Suns past the Knicks 115-104. The 35-year-old Hill shot 13-of-17, grabbed eight boards and handed out seven Nashes. It was his highest scoring game since early '05.

And in terribly sad news: Stephon Marbury's father, Don, died during the game last night. Don Marbury Sr. was rushed by ambulance from MSG to a local hospital with chest pains. He died a short time later.

• God Bless Him, Every One! In an effort to create a more life-like A Christmas Carol, Tim Duncan intentionally got caught up in some Portland limbs and fell to the floor clutching his knee. He never returned and will undergo an MRI exam later today. "It looked bad at first," said Tony Parker, who scored 27 points and handed out eight assists in the Spurs 100-79 win. "But man, he's going to nail that Tiny Tim role with real crutches this year."

• In The Beginning Was The Baby, And It Was Delicious. Jason Maxiell, eater of babies, had 18 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Pistons over the Nets 118-95. Maxiell was 6-for-10 from the earth and blocked three shots. Vince Carter, back in the starting lineup, led New Jersey with 22 points. Apparently his whisker box has healed.

• That's Hawt. Captain Stephen Jackson and first mate Al Harrington scored 20 points apiece as the Warriors cruised past the Sonics 109-96 for their sixth straight win. The game was delayed about 15 minutes in the first quarter when arena officials noticed a small fire coming from the bottom of the scoreboard. Thankfully, Sonics center (and part-time firefighter) Johan Petro was finally put to use, extinguishing the flames from the floor with his 7-foot-plus wingspan. He also saved a lost kitten in the 300-level.

The Orlando Magic's team doctors are about to find themselves with a lot of free time. Grant Hill's contemplating retirement in the wake of Detroit's 97-93 win yesterday. The Magic led by 5 with about 3 minutes play, but things reverted back to the norm over those last three minutes. But Detroit scored 17 points over those last three minutes, and the Magic is gone.

In the late game, Utah beat Houston 98-85 in a game that wasn't nearly that close. Mehmet Okur made an appearance, and was finally up to the daunting task of outscoring Chuck Hayes. Okur had 16 and frustrated Yao (who still had 20) at the defensive end. Andrei Kirilenko, meanwhile ... still starting, and still resembling a D-Leaguer. Three points in 29 minutes.

The Spurs took back control of their series against Denver, winning their second straight after dropping Game One. Duncan, Ginobili, and Parker combined for 60, while Robert Horry — and I think I have to call him "Big Shot Bob" or lightning will strike me — made some plays at the end. As if he makes plays at any other time.

And Cleveland took one more step towards eliminating the Wizards. You have one game left to enjoy the Wizards.

Potentially going home today are the Miami Heat, who are tipping off right about now against the Bulls, and Superstar Kwame Brown looks to even the Lakers series against the Suns at 3:30.