A masked Kobe Bryant takes on the Timberwolves

A masked Kobe Bryant helped guide the Los Angeles Lakers to a 104-85 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Bryant was cleared to play with added protection after suffering a broken nose in the All-Star game.

And he weighed in with 31 points for Lakers, in what was their 17th straight victory over the Timberwolves.

Michael Beasley and Martell Webster each scored 14 points for Minnesota.

All-Star MVP Kevin Durant scored 23 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Philadelphia 76ers 92-88 to extend their winning streak to six games.

Durant was far from his best but still top scored for the Thunder, with Russell Westbrook adding 22 points and 13 rebounds.

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The Chicago Bulls moved half-a-game clear of the Miami Heat by beating the San Antonio Spurs 96-89.

Derrick Rose recovered from a clash with Tony Parker to score 23 points, giving the Bulls their 11th win in 13, and spoiling the day for the Spurs who lost their first home game after winning eight out of nine on their recent road trip.

Kevin Garnett’s 25 points helped the Boston Celtics to a 102-96 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.

Rajon Rondo also impressed with 15 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists for a triple double.

The New York Knicks overcame a 17-point deficit to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 120-103, Carmelo Anthony leading the scoring with 22 points.

The Utah Jazz snapped a four-game losing streak with a 104-83 victory over the Houston Rockets, who themselves saw their four-game winning run ended.

David Lee scored 22 in the Golden State Warriors’ 85-82 win over the Atlanta Hawks, while the Memphis Grizzlies were 96-85 winners over the Dallas Mavericks and the Denver Nuggets saw off the Portland Trail Blazers 104-95.

Rodney Stuckey scored 29 points to lead the Detroit Pistons to a 109-94 win over the Charlotte Bobcats, the Orlando Magic were 102-85 winners against the Washington Wizards, who fell to their sixth straight defeat, and the Toronto Raptors beat the New Orleans Hornets 95-84.