Chicago ? Ben Gordon has regained his scoring touch.

Gordon scored nine of his 21 points during a 16-point third-quarter run, leading the Bulls to their most lopsided victory of the season, 117-84, over the Philadelphia 76ers.

Last season’s rookie of the year and top sixth man is averaging 24.3 points during the last seven games.

“I think I’m putting together more consistent games,” Gordon said. “That’s important for me right now. We need to continue to play like that.

“I can do it,” the second-year pro said.

After scoring 30 or more in four of the previous six games, Gordon was 8-for-13 from the field. Chicago entered the All-Star break two games behind the struggling 76ers in the race for the Eastern Conference’s eighth and final playoff spot.

Kirk Hinrich scored 18, and reserve forward Malik Allen added a season-high 16 for the Bulls. Andres No-cioni scored 16, and Tyson Chandler grabbed 11 rebounds, his 11th consecutive game in double figures. Michael Sweetney added 10 points and 12 boards.

Allen Iverson scored 18, and Chris Webber added 14 for Philadelphia, which has lost six of eight.

After rallying to beat San Antonio in overtime Wednesday, the Sixers played with little energy. They shot just 26-for-76, while the Bulls were 46-for-88. And Chicago held a 53-30 rebounding edge.

“We just got whipped, from the beginning of the game right to the end,” Iverson said. “They played really well.”

Suns 109, Rockets 75

Phoenix – Steve Nash scored 21 and had eight assists, and fellow All-Star Shawn Marion had 16 points and 12 rebounds to help Phoenix beat Houston for its fourth straight victory.

The Suns go into the All-Star break with a 35-17 record and a 41â2-game lead over the Los Angeles Clippers in the Pacific Division. Phoenix is 18 games over .500 for the first time this season, after winning seven of its last eight games.

The Rockets, who had won three straight and seven of eight, fell to 22-31 and are in last place in the Southwest Division. Prior to this game, Houston had held nine consecutive opponents under 100 points, but couldn’t withstand the fast-breaking Suns, who outshot, outhustled and wore them down through the first three periods.

In contrast, the Suns now have scored at least 100 points in a season-best 15 games. They already had 98 after three periods.