Memphis, Tenn. ? Mike Fratello’s opening night as the Memphis Grizzlies coach was a crowd-pleaser.

Pau Gasol had a season-high 34 points and 15 rebounds, leading Memphis to a 94-86 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night in the Grizzlies’ first game under Fratello.

“It really felt great being out there and trying to get the rust off of me,” Fratello said. “These guys made big plays tonight, and I am just glad that I had the opportunity to listen to all the coaches and the players and got to make the proper adjustments when needed.”

Gasol hit 12 of 19 shots from the field as Memphis ended a week of coaching disarray and a five-game losing streak.

Philadelphia lost its third straight.

Fratello was hired Thursday to replace Hubie Brown, who retired Nov. 27 for unspecified health problems. Assistant Lionel Hollins was the interim coach.

Fratello was coaching for the first time in more that five years, and Memphis responded well with an aggressive game and fierce board work.

For most of the game Fratello was calm, calling plays and sitting during most possessions. In the final minutes, he was up, screaming, bouncing around and getting back in game shape. By that time, the Memphis crowd was on its feet enjoying a change in direction at least for one night.

“I think (Fratello) did a heckuva job,” Memphis guard Mike Miller said.

New Memphis Grizzlies coach Mike Fratello shouts to his team. The Grizzlies defeated Philadelphia, 94-86, Friday night in Memphis, Tenn.

T’wolves 97, Suns 93

Phoenix — Kevin Garnett had 23 points, 19 rebounds and eight assists, and Minnesota used a tough defense to snap Phoenix’s nine-game winning streak. Sam Cassell scored 11 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter, helping the Timberwolves win their fourth in a row.

Celtics 91, Raptors 89

Boston — Gary Payton saved his biggest contribution for last, going scoreless for the first time in Boston but stealing the ball in the final seconds to help the Celtics hold off Toronto.

Wizards 114, Hawks 90

Atlanta — Larry Hughes scored 19 points, and Juan Dixon added 17, leading Washington over Atlanta and moving the Wizards four games over .500 for the first time in almost three years. The Hawks lost their eighth straight game.

Spurs 80, Pistons 77

San Antonio — Ben Wallace’s return from a six-game suspension couldn’t help Detroit overcome San Antonio, with Tony Parker scoring 20 points and Brent Barry hitting two critical free throws in the final seconds.

Heat 105, Bulls 81

Chicago — Reserve Christian Laettner scored 23 points — making 10 of 13 shots — Eddie Jones added 21, and Shaquille O’Neal potted 18 as Miami shot 50.6 percent and beat Chicago. When O’Neal went to the bench because of his fourth foul at the 3:29 mark of the third quarter, the Heat had a 72-64 lead. Instead of struggling, they went on a 14-4 run — including 10 straight — to pull away. Kirk Hinrich scored 17 points for the Bulls but was scoreless in the second half.

Kings 113, Pacers 87

Sacramento, Calif. — Chris Webber made his first eight shots and scored 29 points, leading Sacramento to its 10th victory in 11 games. Brad Miller had 17 points and 13 rebounds against his former Indiana teammates as the Kings’ big men dominated the Pacers’ depleted frontcourt.

Lakers 97, Warriors 88

Los Angeles — Kobe Bryant, hardly a factor for the first three quarters, had 10 points, 10 assists and a season-high 12 rebounds for his second triple-double of the season, and Los Angeles beat Golden State.

Magic 104, Knicks 98

New York — Cuttino Mobley scored 34 points in his second game back from a groin injury and made two key plays down the stretch to lead Orlando.