Mavericks 111, Warriors 86

DALLAS (AP) -- Dirk Nowitzki unexpectedly returned to the starting lineup and scored 18 points after missing four games with a high ankle sprain, and the Dallas Mavericks finally beat a winning team since acquiring Jason Kidd.

Clippers 102, SuperSonics 84

SEATTLE (AP) -- Elton Brand made his long-awaited season debut and scored 13 points in the fourth quarter, Al Thornton had 21 points and the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Seattle SuperSonics 102-84 on Wednesday night.

Lakers 104, Trail Blazers 91

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Kobe Bryant scored 14 of his 36 points in the fourth quarter, Pau Gasol added 10 points in his first game in nearly three weeks and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Portland Trail Blazers 104-91 on Wednesday night.

Mariners 4, Rangers 1

SEATTLE (AP) -- The bullpen committee forced upon the Mariners by J.J. Putz's injury is apparently going to include anyone -- including a starting pitcher.

Yankees Notebook: An Aching Posada Takes the Night Off

Jorge Posada was a late scratch from the lineup Wednesday with because of stiffness in the shoulder that he injured on a throw Tuesday.

Blue Jays 5, Yankees 2: Cold Start Catches Up to Mussina and Yankees

The Yankees’ second game of the season was 20 degrees colder than their first, and the Blue Jays’ A. J. Burnett was not the kind of pitcher who makes a hitter feel warm.

N.B.A. Roundup: Surprise Return by Arenas Is Not Enough for Wizards

Gilbert Arenas made a surprise return Wednesday, but Ramon Sessions provided the dramatics with a jumper at the buzzer to give the Milwaukee Bucks a 110-109 victory against the Wizards.

Mets 13, Marlins 0: The Mets Bounce Back in a Big Way Behind Pérez

The night after losing Pedro Martínez, the Mets showed their resilience by demolishing the Florida Marlins.

Cavaliers 118, Bobcats 114

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- LeBron James scored 29 points before fouling out for the only the third time in his career, but the Cleveland Cavaliers made several big plays down the stretch and held off the Charlotte Bobcats 118-114 on Wednesday night to snap a six-game road skid.

Bucks 110, Wizards 109

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Agent Zero is back. Now the Washington Wizards have to figure out how to win with him.

Hornets 106, Heat 77

MIAMI (AP) -- Tyson Chandler was a perfect 10-for-10 from the floor, and his 20-point, 10-rebound effort helped the New Orleans Hornets remain atop the Western Conference standings with a 106-77 victory over the Miami Heat on Wednesday night.

Hawks 127, Raptors 120

ATLANTA (AP) -- Mike Bibby hit a tying 3-pointer in regulation, Josh Smith made two in overtime, and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Toronto Raptors 127-120 on Wednesday night for their fifth straight victory.

Celtics 92, Pacers 77

BOSTON (AP) -- Kevin Garnett had 20 points and 11 rebounds, and the Boston Celtics tied the NBA record for the best single-season turnaround with a 92-77 win over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night.

Jazz 117, Timberwolves 100

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Mehmet Okur made four 3-pointers and scored 22 points, leading the Utah Jazz over the Minnesota Timberwolves 117-100 on Wednesday night.

Brewers 8, Cubs 2

CHICAGO (AP) -- So much for the Chicago Cubs getting off to a fast start in their quest to win the World Series for the first time in 100 years. Jeff Suppan held Chicago to two runs and six hits in 6 1-3 innings, Rickie Weeks homered on the game's first pitch and Jason Kendall reached base five straight times to lead the Milwaukee Brewers over the Cubs 8-2 Wednesday.

Braves 10, Pirates 2

ATLANTA (AP) -- Mark Teixeira hit a two-run homer and Yunel Escobar added a three-run shot in Atlanta's seven-run eighth inning and the Braves beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 10-2 Wednesday night.

Reds 6, Diamondbacks 5

CINCINNATI (AP) -- Edwin Encarnacion hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth Wednesday night to send the Cincinnati Reds to their first win under manager Dusty Baker, 6-5 over the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Cardinals 8, Rockies 3

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- New St. Louis Cardinals center fielder Rick Ankiel had a game that would have made Jim Edmonds proud.

Nationals 1, Phillies 0

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Tim Redding took a one-hitter into the eighth inning and Ryan Zimmerman hit a solo homer to help the Washington Nationals stay unbeaten with a 1-0 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday night.

Royals 4, Tigers 0

DETROIT (AP) -- Brian Bannister and the Kansas City Royals are off to a quick start. Bannister allowed two singles in seven innings, combining on a three-hitter Wednesday in a 4-0 victory over the Detroit Tigers.