Lakers claim home court with victory

Pau Gasol scored 29 points with 15 rebounds as the Los Angeles Lakers - with Kobe Bryant looking on - secured home court advantage through the NBA Western Conference playoffs with a win over Minnesota on Friday.

Lamar Odom had 13 points and 12 rebounds for the defending champions, who beat the Timberwolves 97-88 and have the top seed in the West for the third straight season.

Coach Phil Jackson rested Bryant for the second night in a row.

Bryant has been bothered by an aching right index finger, which contributed to his 13-for-47 shooting in his previous two games played.

Jackson also wants Bryant's legs to be fresh for a title run in a Western Conference in which all eight playoff teams could be 50-game winners.

"Advantage goes to the people who have home court, no doubt about it," coach Phil Jackson said. "It doesn't guarantee you anything. It guarantees you an extra game."

The Lakers' Western Conference rivals continue to jockey for playoff position behind them.

Dirk Nowitzki scored 40 points to lead Dallas to an 83-77 victory over Portland that saw the Mavericks clinch the Southwest Division title.

Nowitzki added 10 rebounds and was 17 for 17 from the free throw line for Dallas, who needed both the victory over Portland and Memphis' 107-99 triumph over San Antonio to secure the division crown.

In Oklahoma City, Kevin Durant scored 35 points and rookie reserve Serge Ibaka made a key basket in the final minute as the Thunder downed Phoenix 96-91.

The Thunder limited the Suns to a season-low 34 points in the second half as Phoenix's chances of seizing the second seed in the West suffered a blow.

Utah remained within striking distance of the second seed with a 114-103 victory at New Orleans.

Deron Williams scored 27 points with 16 assists for Utah, who had 20 points from rookie Wesley Matthews and 19 from Carlos Boozer.