PHOENIX Suns became the first side to reach the NBA play-offs with a 111-90 win over Miami Heat.

Devin Booker had 23 points, nine assists and eight rebounds for the Western Conference leaders, who lost to Milwaukee Bucks in last year’s NBA Finals.

“The play-offs are upon us,” Booker said. “We’re looking forward to it. We don’t want to fall short again.”

Duncan Robinson replied with 22 points for Eastern Conference leaders Miami.

Los Angeles Lakers have now lost six of their past seven games after slipping to a 139-130 overtime defeat against Houston Rockets.

Jalen Green scored a season-high 32 points for Rockets including 13 consecutive points between the fourth quarter and overtime as Lakers began to fade.

LeBron James, back in the Lakers side after a one-game absence with a knee injury, scored 23 points 14 rebounds 12 assists.

Elsewhere, Malik Beasley scored 33 points with a franchise-record 11 three-pointers as Minnesota Timberwolves beat Oklahoma City Thunder 132-102 for a sixth straight win.

Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 43 points to help Milwaukee Bucks to a 124-115 victory over Atlanta Hawks, while Denver Nuggets beat Sacramento Kings 106-100 and Orlando Magic beat New Orleans Pelicans 108-102.

Fred VanVleet scored 26 points on his return after a five-game absence because of injury as Toronto Raptors eased to a 119-104 victory against San Antonio Spurs while Los Angeles Clippers recovered from 10 points down to beat Washington Wizards 115-109. Utah Jazz secured a dominant 123-85 win against Portland Trail Blazers.

Boston Celtics beat Charlotte Hornets 115-101 for their fourth successive victory.

New York Knicks led from start to finish in their 107-77 win against Dallas Mavericks, while Chicago Bulls ended a five-game losing streak by beating Detroit Pistons 114-108. (BBC Sport)