Tony Parker was the saviour as the San Antonio Spurs scraped past the Toronto Raptors 111-106 in double-overtime.
The influential Frenchman scored six of his 32 points in the second overtime period after both sides ended the regulation four periods tied on 88 apiece at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto.
Parker was aided by the performance of two-time NBA MVP Tim Duncan who scored 26 points and had six assists in the win that consolidates Spurs' position on top of the Southwest division with a record of 11-3.
The Boston Celtics also required overtime as they edged out a determined Orlando Magic 116-110 in Florida.
Celtics guard Rajon Rondo was one rebound shy of a triple-double with 15 points and 16 assists while Kevin Garnett had 24 points and 10 rebounds in the victory.
Orlando found themselves ahead by as many as seven points in the final quarter but their 19 turnovers proved costly as they allowed the Celtics back into the game before eventually losing.
The New York Knicks continued their perfect home record after dispatching the Detroit Pistons 121-100 at Madison Square Garden.
Carmelo Anthony was once again the star scoring 29 points in just 32 minutes to end the Knicks' two-game losing streak as they improved their season record to 9-3 to cement top place in the Atlantic division.
A career-high 33 points from guard Jrue Holiday ensured the Philadelphia 76ers overcame the Phoenix Suns 104-101 at the Wells Fargo Center.
The 22-year-old also dished out 13 assists in the win as he bounced back in the best possible way after a poor display against Oklahoma on Saturday night.
The 76ers are now 8-6 for the year while Phoenix, who were kept in the game by Michael Beasley (21 points) and Marcin Gortat (18 points, 7 rebounds), are now 6-8.
In the day's other games the Denver Nuggets easily defeated the New Orleans Hornets 102-84 at home while Deron Williams once again led the Brooklyn Nets to victory, registering a double-double as his side beat the Portland Trail Blazers 98-85 at the Barclays Center.