Steph Curry racked up 48 points in a dominant display to lift the Golden State Warriors to a 119-114 victory over the Dallas Mavericks.

The two-time MVP was once again the key man for the Warriors, adding six rebounds and five assists to his performance as his side took their record for the season to 29-14 to sit second in the Western Conference.

Top of that pile are the Denver Nuggets who edged a tight contest against the Portland Trail Blazers 116-113.

Nikola's Jogic's 40-point performance proved crucial for Denver, who held on in the closing stages as Damian Lillard's ambitious three-point effort was off target.

Eastern Conference leaders the Toronto Raptors were made to work hard for their victory at the Washington Wizards, eventually closing out a 140-138 win in a pulsating clash – which went to a second extra period.

Ultimately the two teams were separated by Serge Ibaka's three-pointer, taking the Raptors' record to 33-12 for the season, as Kawhi Leonard racked up 41 points.

The Milwaukee Bucks kept up their pursuit of the Raptors with a comprehensive 133-114 win over the Atlanta Hawks, Giannis Antetokounmpo's spearheading the Bucks' display with 33 points.

Australian Ben Simmons once again made a huge impression for the Philadelphia 76ers in a 108-105 victory over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Gardens.

The point guard finished with 20 points, racking up a career-high 22 rebounds, as the 76ers held off a strong finish from the Knicks to seal a crucial win after a shock loss last time out against Atlanta Hawks.

James Harden's 38 points proved in vain as the Houston Rockets slipped to a 116-109 loss at the Orlando Magic, while the Los Angeles Lakers slipped to a 101-95 loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Staples Center.

Lakers' star LeBron James sat out the clash against his former side.