Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant embraces New York Knicks guard Jamal Crawford after the Lakers' 95-90 victory. In the win Sunday in New York, Bryant became the youngest member of the 20,000-point club.

Lakers 95, Knicks 90

New York – Kobe Bryant scored 39 points, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to reach 20,000, and the Los Angeles Lakers held off the New York Knicks, 95-90, Sunday.

Bryant added 11 rebounds and eight assists in his first game at Madison Square Garden in nearly two years. His three-pointer in the opening minute of the third quarter allowed him to reach the milestone at 29 years, 122 days.

“I always like playing here, period,” Bryant said. “Last year I didn’t have an opportunity to play, and I was upset about it. This is my favorite arena to play in so I’m just happy and relieved that I was able to play tonight.”

Bryant’s last basket came in the final minute after the Knicks had trimmed a 25-point deficit to one. The victory capped a 3-1 road trip for the Lakers.

Pistons 94, Rockets 82

Auburn Hills, Mich. – Richard Hamilton scored 17 points, and Antonio McDyess and Rasheed Wallace added double-doubles, helping Detroit beat short-handed Houston.

Celtics 103, Magic 91

Boston – Paul Pierce had 24 points to lead balanced scoring, and Boston avenged its first loss of the season on Nov. 18 by beating Orlando. Rajon Rondo added 23 points and Ray Allen 22 for the Celtics (22-3), who have the best record in the NBA.

Warriors 105, Cavaliers 96

Cleveland – Stephen Jackson scored 29 points, and Baron Davis added 27 to help Golden State hand Cleveland its 10th loss in 13 games.

Nuggets 106, Kings 105

Sacramento, Calif. – Linas Kleiza hit a jumper just before the final buzzer sounded.