LeBron James returned from a broken nose to lead the Miami Heat to a comfortable win over the New York Knicks.

The reigning MVP had to wear a protective mask, but scored 31 as the champions dominated the second half to thrash their opponents and win their sixth game in a row.

The Indiana Pacers pulled away from the Milwaukee Bucks after the break as the team with the best record in the NBA beat the worst.

The Pacers had looked to be in control in the first half, but a run from Khris Middleton just before the break helped the Bucks head in level.

However, Roy Hibbert led the hosts back into the game, while Lance Stephenson and Paul George each added 18 to ensure a win for Indiana.

The Washington Wizards needed three overtimes to seal a narrow win over the Toronto Raptors.

Marcin Gortat appeared to have wrapped the win up in the second extra spell before DeMar DeRozan got the Raptors back into the game, but Trevor Ariza was able to clinch the win with just over a minute to play in the third.

The Brooklyn Nets cruised to a win over the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center, clinching their first win in the city for over seven years.

Paul Pierce led the team with 18 points, while Joe Johnson, Marcus Thornton and Mason Plumlee all added 10.

Results in full: Milwaukee Bucks 96-101 Indiana Pacers, Washington Wizards 134-129 Toronto Raptors, New York Knicks 82-108 Miami Heat, Brooklyn Nets 112-89 Denver Nuggets