The Golden State Warriors need to win four more games in a row to set the record for the best-ever start to an NBA season after improving to 12-0 with a 115-110 success over the Toronto Raptors in one of seven Tuesday-night games.

Toronto trailed by 18 at one point, but fought back in the closing stages before Stephen Curry, who had 37 points and nine assists, helped the Warriors over the line.

It was a historic night for Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James as he passed Jerry West for 19th place on the NBA's all-time scoring list, but his side lost back-to-back games for the first time this season by going down to the Detroit Pistons.

James scored 23 of his 30 points in the first half before Detroit fought back to win 105-99 and improve to 6-5, with Andre Drummond (25 points, 18 rebounds) keeping his double-double streak alive.

The Minnesota Timberwolves had a huge fourth quarter and upset the form book by overcoming the Miami Heat 103-91 at AmericanAirlines Arena.

Andrew Wiggins led the charge with 24 points as the Wolves ended a four-game losing streak and inflicted a first defeat in four on the Heat, whose center Hassan Whiteside had a triple-double with 22 points, 14 rebounds and 10 blocks.

New York Knicks rookie Kristaps Porzingis had the best night of his fledgling career by posting 29 points and 11 rebounds in a 102-94 win over the Charlotte Hornets.

Recently-crowned Eastern Conference Player of the Week Nicolas Batum struggled with only four points as the Hornets dropped below .500 to 5-6.

A rounded performance from Danilo Gallinari powered the Denver Nuggets past the struggling New Orleans Pelicans 115-98.

The Italian forward posted 32 points, eight rebounds and eight assists as New Orleans, who lost star-man Anthony Davis to injury in the first quarter, slumped to 1-10.

It was a tough night for the Milwaukee Bucks as they were trounced 115-86 at the Washington Wizards.

The Wizards won by double digits for the first time this season as John Wall (19 points, six rebounds, nine assists) led the way at Verizon Center.

The Brooklyn Nets recorded their second win of the season by edging out the Atlanta Hawks 90-88 at Barclays Center.

Brook Lopez had 24 points and 10 rebounds, while Thaddeus Young (16 points, 11 rebounds) hit two late free throws to seal victory as Atlanta lost for the third game in a row.

Results in full: Milwaukee Bucks 86-115 Washington Wizards, Atlanta Hawks 88-90 Brooklyn Nets, Cleveland Cavaliers 99-104 Detroit Pistons, Minnesota Timberwolves 103-91 Miami Heat, Charlotte Hornets 94-102 New York Knicks, Denver Nuggets 115-98 New Orleans Pelicans, Toronto Raptors 110-115 Golden State Warriors