Boston ? Kobe Bryant’s problems have moved back to the basketball court.

Just 30 minutes after settling a lawsuit filed by the woman who accused him of rape, Bryant scored 17 first-quarter points against Boston. But he was scoreless in the fourth — missing a three-pointer just before the buzzer — as the Celtics beat Los Angeles, 104-101, to extend the Lakers’ losing streak to four games.

Paul Pierce had 29 points and nine rebounds, Ricky Davis scored 29 points, and Antoine Walker had 16 points.

Clippers 101, Mavericks 92

Los Angeles — Corey Maggette scored 34 points, and Los Angeles beat Dallas to increase its home winning streak to seven.

Nets 99, 76ers 93

Philadelphia — Vince Carter scored 26 of his 32 points in the second half, and Clifford Robinson added 18 points, leading New Jersey over Philadelphia.

Spurs 92, Raptors 86

San Antonio — Manu Ginobili scored 17 points, and Tony Parker added 15 to lead San Antonio over Toronto.

Jazz 96, Hawks 74

Salt Lake City — Mehmet Okur scored 19 points to help Utah beat Atlanta for its first three-game winning streak since the opening week of the season.

Hornets 94, Bobcats 85

New Orleans — Dan Dickau scored 18 points, and P.J. Brown added 12 points and 15 rebounds to lead New Orleans over Charlotte.

Wizards 101, Rockets 98

Washington — Larry Hughes made a timely return to the Wizards, scoring 31 points in his first game since breaking his thumb.

Sonics 103, Cavaliers 86

Cleveland — Ray Allen scored 31 points, Vladimir Radmanovic hit five three-pointers, and Seattle beat Cleveland to spoil Dan Gilbert’s first game as the Cavaliers’ owner.

Magic 114, Kings 111

Orlando, Fla. — Steve Francis had 29 points and 10 assists to help Orlando snap a three-game losing streak.

Warriors 99, Timberwolves 93

Minneapolis — Derek Fisher had 23 points and nine assists to lead Golden State.