Category: NBA

Embiid Scores 34, 76ers Beat Nets 110–102 in Durant’s Return

NEW YORK—Kevin Durant came back and Joel Embiid waved him off the floor. Durant used the same dismissive motion toward the Philadelphia 76ers when they were in Brooklyn two weeks ago, but this time the final word—and more importantly the victory—went to Embiid. Embiid scored 34 points and the 76ers spoiled Durant’s return to the…


Nuggets-Warriors Off; Rivers, Malone Enter NBA Protocols

The NBA postponed another game for virus-related reasons Thursday, raising the total to 11 pushed back so far this season while two more head coaches entered the league’s health and safety protocols. Golden State’s game at Denver was postponed because the Nuggets—through a combination of injuries and a newly discovered outbreak of the virus—did not…


NBA Roundup: Devin Booker Hits Milestone in Suns’ Win

Devin Booker matched his season-high of 38 points while reaching a milestone as the Phoenix Suns earned a 115–97 victory over the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night. JaVale McGee contributed 16 points and eight rebounds and Cameron Payne added 16 points and seven assists for Phoenix, which snapped a two-game slide. In the…


Los Angeles Clippers Hold Off Boston Celtics

BOSTON—Eric Bledsoe scored 10 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter, hitting a key 3-pointer down the stretch, to help the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Boston Celtics 91-82 on Dec. 29. Marcus Morris had 23 points and 10 rebounds, and Terance Mann and Luke Kennard each added 17 points for the Clippers. Los…


Memphis Grizzlies Beat Slumping Los Angeles Lakers

MEMPHIS, Tenn.—Ja Morant scored 41 points, Desmond Bane added 20, and the Memphis Grizzlies overcame a 14-point second-half deficit to beat the Los Angeles Lakers 104-99 on Dec. 29. LeBron James led Los Angeles with 37 points—a day short of his 37th birthday—and 13 rebounds, and a season-high eight 3-pointers. Russell Westbrook added a triple-double…


Chimezie Metu Hits 3 at Buzzer, Kings Beat Mavs 95–94

SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Chimezie Metu made a corner 3-pointer at the buzzer to give the Sacramento Kings a 95–94 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night in the opener of a two-game set between the teams. Dallas led 94–92 with 33.2 seconds remaining after Jalen Brunson’s short jumper and two free throws from Kristaps Porzingis. After…


James, Westbrook Lead Lakers 132–123 Over Houston Rockets

HOUSTON—LeBron James and Russell Westbrook both had triple-doubles and the Los Angeles Lakers snapped a season-high, five-game skid with a 132-123 victory over the Houston Rockets on Dec. 28. “The hardest thing to do in this league is win,” James said. “So when you win you never take it for granted.” James had 32 points,…


COVID-19 Swap: Cavaliers Lose Darius Garland, Get Evan Mobley Back

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland entered the NBA’s health and safety protocol on Tuesday as rookie Evan Mobley was cleared to return to the team. Garland, the team’s leading scorer averaging 19.5 points and 7.3 assists per game, missed Tuesday’s game with the New Orleans Pelicans along with Jarrett Allen, Ed Davis, RJ Nembhard, Lamar…


Nets’ Irving Clears NBA Protocols, Hawks Add to COVID List

Kyrie Irving is a step closer to making his season debut. The Eastern Conference-leading Brooklyn Nets announced Tuesday that Irving, along with Kevin Durant and LaMarcus Aldridge, have cleared the NBA’s health and safety protocols—a major step toward getting them back on the court. Irving has not played this season, largely because of his decision…


Harden Scores 39, Nets Beat Clippers 124–108 for LA Sweep

LOS ANGELES—So much for feeling his way back after being out two weeks in the NBA’s health and safety protocols. James Harden sure looks all the way back. Harden tied his season high with 39 points and had a season-best 15 assists in the second game of his return, and the Brooklyn Nets beat the…