The national holiday to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was filled with some fantastic basketball. Here are all the scores and main headlines from last nights games:
NEW YORK KNICKS 119-113 Philadelphia 76ers – The Knicks got the win at MSG in a double-overtime thriller with the Sixers. Jahlil Okafor led the 76ers with 20 points, but the Knicks went on to win this match up, with 19 points, 7 assists and 7 rebounds from superstar Carmelo Anthony and 16 points from rookie Kristapz Porzingis; He had a double-double. Arran Afflalo led the scoring with 25. Ish Smith‘s 16 points and 16 assists wasn’t enough despite an impressive performance.
CHARLOTTE HORNETS 124-119 Utah Jazz – A franchise record 52 points from Kemba Walker guided the Hornets past the Jazz in double overtime. Rookie Frank Kaminsky had 17 points off the bench for Charlotte which helped them get the win at home. Gordon Hayward led the scoring for the Jazz with 36 points, and Trey Burke had 25 off the bench, but it wasn’t enough to get the win on the road.
Washington Wizards 98-108 PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS – Portland got the win on the road in this inter-conference match-up. C.J McCollum led the Trail Blazers with 25, and Lillard had 16. Mason Plumlee had a double-double in this one, with 10 points and 11 rebounds. John Wall had 10 assists on the night, and Garrett Temple led the scoring for the Wizards with 18 points; But this didn’t stop them from falling at home.
MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES 101-99 New Orleans Pelicans – The Grizzlies just edged this all-Western game at home. Four players were tied leading scorers for Memphis, as Marc Gasol, Courtney Lee, Jeff Green and Matt Barnes had 16 points each. Mike Conley played his first game in 7 after returning from injury, and finished with an impressive 15 points and 10 assists. Jrue Holiday had a good night for the Pelicans coming off the bench, with 23 points and 9 assists from 28 minutes of action. Anthony Davis had 17 at the half, but finished the game with 21 points. The Grizzlies take this one.
Detroit Pistons 101-111 CHICAGO BULLS – The Bulls rolled into town to take this one on the road. Pau Gasol had himself a great night with 31 points and 12 rebounds. His two 30 point games this season have both come against the Pistons. Derrick Rose had 20 and Jimmy Butler had 16 in a confident display from Chicago. Reggie Jackson and Ersan Ilyasova led the Pistons with 19 points each, and potential all-star Andre Drummond had 13 points and 16 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to defend their home court.
ATLANTA HAWKS 98-81 Orlando Magic – The Hawks cruised to an easy win over the Magic at Philips Arena last night. Al Horford led Atlanta with 15 points, and Paul Millsap got himself a double-double with 13 points and 12 boards. The Magic were led by Aaron Gordon coming off the bench to score 18, Elfred Payton had 16, and Nick Vucevic’s double-double wasn’t enough on a disappointing night for Orlando.
TORONTO RAPTORS 112-100 Brooklyn Nets – The Raptors returned from their global game in London to put on an impressive display against Brooklyn. Kyle Lowry led the Raptors with 31 points on the night, as well as 8 assists. Demar DeRozan had 30 points in what was an impressive night from the Raptors starting backcourt, both proving they should be in the all-star game next month. Brook Lopez led the Nets with 29 points and 10 rebounds, and Joe Johnson had 22 on the night, but it wasn’t enough for struggling Brooklyn, as Toronto continue their strong playoff push.
Cleveland Cavaliers 98-132 GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS – A repeat of last seasons NBA finals saw the Cleveland Cavaliers get blown out on their own court by the Warriors. The 34 point defeat was the biggest home loss in Lebron James’ career! The Warriors never looked in doubt as the MVP Steph Curry went off for 35 points, and Andre Igoudala had 20 off the bench. Draymond Green was just short of a triple-double, with 16 points, 10 assists and 7 rebounds. Lebron James was held to 16 points, and Jr Smith had 14 before being called for a technical for a deliberate barge on Harrison Barnes, he was ejected from the game. Kevin Love had 3 points and Irving had 8 in a disappointing loss at home. If these two teams meet again in the Finals this year, this may well be a big hint at the mis-match of the 2 teams.
DALLAS MAVERICKS 118-113 Boston Celtics – Dallas get the win at home in another overtime thriller with the Boston Celtics. Dirk Nowitzki proved age is just a number, as he put up 31 points as well as 11 rebounds. Deron Williams had 20 and Chandler Parsons had 16 in the win. The Celtics were led by Isiah Thomas and Marcus Smart who had 20 points each, but Boston fall in this inter-conference contest.
LA CLIPPERS 140-132 Houston Rockets – The final game of the night was a great spectacle, as the Clippers got the win at Staples Centre in overtime against the Rockets. JJ Redick scored a career high 40 points to lead the scoring for the Clippers, Chris Paul had 28 points and 12 assists, and Deandre Jordan had 16 points and 15 rebounds on the night to get the W. The Rockets were led on a HUGE game from Dwight Howard, who had 36 points and 26 rebounds! James Harden had 20 points and 8 assists, but it wasn’t enough for Houston who fall to the overtime defeat on the road.
There are all of the results from yesterday’s games. All-star voting also ended today, and the starters for the East and West teams are announced on Thursday.
