Last night saw some great matchups in the NBA with wins coming from the Warriors, Cavaliers, Hawks, Mavericks, Pacers and Timberwolves, as well as remarkable play by Raptors’ guard DeMar DeRozan, whose final-seconds marksmanship gave his team victory over the Knicks.
Raptors stomp Knicks
Some great shooting in the final seconds of the game from DeMar DeRozan helped the Toronto Raptors clinch a 92-91 victory over the New York Knicks. He had 37 points and eight rebounds, Serge Ibaka had 15 points and four rebounds, and Jonas Valanciunas had 10 points and five rebounds.
The Knicks were led by Carmelo Anthony with 24 points and four rebounds, Derrick Rose had 16 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Courtney Lee finished with 16 points and five steals.
Warriors down Sixers
The Golden State Warriors beat the Philadelphia 76ers 119-108. Kevin Durant had 27 points, eight rebounds and four assists, Klay Thompson had 21 points and Stephen Curry had 19 points, four rebounds and six assists.
Dario Saric led Philly with 21 pints, seven rebounds and seven assists, Gerald Henderson had 16 points and Robert Covington had 15 points, eight rebounds and four steals.
Cavs slay Bucks
The defending champions Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 102-95. Kyrie Irving had 25 points, four rebounds and nine assists, LeBron James had a 24-point, 10-rebound double-double, and Derrick Williams finished with 14 points and seven rebounds.
The Bucks were led by Malcolm Brogdon with 20 points and five assists, Greg Monroe had 13 points and four assists, Michael Beasley had 11 points and Nigerian-Greek forward Giannis Antetokounmpo had nine points, seven rebounds and eight assists.
Hawks claw Celtics
The Atlanta Hawks beat the Boston Celtics 114-98 on the back of Gambian-German guard Dennis Schroder’s 21 points, four rebounds and five assists. Dwight Howard had a 17-point, 12-rebound double-double and Paul Millsap also finished with a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
Isaiah Thomas led the Celtics with 19 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, Marcus Smart had 16 points and four rebounds, while Jaylen Brown ended the game with 15 points and five rebounds.
Mavs cool Heat
Hot hands from Seth Curry helped the Dallas Mavericks give the Miami Heat a 96-89 beating. He finished with 29 points, Harrison Barnes had 24 points and four rebounds and Dirk Nowitzki had eight points and 12 rebounds.
The Heat were led by Goran Dragic with 24 points, five rebounds and six assists, Hassan Whiteside had a 19-point, 19-rebound double-double and Dion Waiters had 12 points and six assists.
Pacers drop Rockets
The Indiana Pacers beat the Houston Rockets 117-108 on the back of Jeff Teague’s 25 points, eight rebounds and six assists, Rodney Stuckey had 17 points and six rebounds, while Paul George had 15 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
Lou Williams led Houston with 28 points, James Harden had a 25-point, 12-assist double-double, and Nene had 15 points and seven rebounds.
Wolves bite Kings
The Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Sacramento Kings 102-88. Karl-Anthony Towns had a 29-point, 17-rebound double-double, Andrew Wiggins had 27 points, four rebounds and four steals, and Senegalese center Gorgui Dieng finished with two pints and 10 rebounds.
The Kings were led by Kosta Koufos with a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double, Willy Cauley-Stein had 14 points, six rebounds and five assists, and Ben McLemore ended the game with 14 points and four rebounds.
By Kaunda Chama
