NBA SCOREBOARD…
Denver 118 – WASHINGTON 104… The Nuggets bombed the Wizards 39-16 in the third quarter and coasted to the win. Nikola Jokic had game-highs with 31 points and 12 rebounds. Michael Porter Jr. added 21 points.
MIAMI 127 – New York 120… Jimmy Butler led all scorers with 35 points as the Heat fought off the Knicks. Tyler Herro made four 3-pointers in the fourth quarter and finished with 22 points. Miami coach Erik Spoelstra recorded his 700th career victory.
Indiana 118 – TORONTO 114… The Pacers eased past the Raptors to stop their home winning streak at seven games. Andrew Nembhard scored 25 points and dished off 10 assists. Five other players scored in double figures for Indiana.
Golden State 127 – DALLAS 125… The Warriors came on strong down the stretch to top the Mavericks. Jonathan Kuminga came off the bench to lead a balanced scoring attack with 22 points. Stephen Curry had 20 points and 13 assists.
Philadelphia 116 – CHICAGO 91… The 76ers built a 25-point lead and never looked back in their pounding of the Bulls. De’Anthony Melton led the way with 26 points. Tyrese Maxey scored 21 points and Tobias Harris added 20.
MEMPHIS 130 – Houston 125… The Grizzlies celebrated Ja Morant’s return from a suspension by downing the Rockets. Jaren Jackson scored 37 points and grabbed 10 boards. Desmond Bane tossed in 20 points.
MILWAUKEE 130 – San Antonio 94… Giannis Antetokounmpo piled up 31 points and 14 rebounds in just 24 minutes of play and the Bucks dismantled the Spurs. Kris Middleton and Bobby Portis added 19 points apiece. Middleton also had 10 assists.
MINNESOTA 125 – Atlanta 124… Karl-Anthony Towns made two free throws with 3.1 seconds remaining to cap a 22-point effort and send the Timberwolves past the Hawks. Jaden McDaniels led Minnesota with 25 points. Rudy Gobert had 12 points and as many rebounds.
Portland 127 – UTAH 115… The Trail Blazers were too much in the fourth quarter and put away the Jazz. They got 30 points from Damian Lillard and 24 from Shaedon Sharpe. Jusuf Nurkic tossed in 20 points.
L.A. LAKERS 122 – Phoenix 111… The Lakers got 27 points from Anthony Davis and 26 from De’Angelo Russell in easing past the Suns. Austin Reeves had 25 points and 11 assists. Devin Booker’s 33 points weren’t enough for Phoenix.