Scores and performances from around the NBA.
On an NBA night with seven playoff teams in action, six of them flexed their muscles against lesser opponents. The Rockets and their superstar were on fire as they put 129 points up on the board in Sacramento. The Timberwolves picked up a big win against a tough Suns team because of their superstar that has been putting up MVP numbers all season.
Here is our NBA Tuesday recap.
Rockets 129, Kings 103
The Rockets routed the Kings in Sacramento last night and James Harden led the way with a scoring assault. After scoring 22 points in the first quarter, Harden kept it going and finished the 2nd half with 30. The Kings were down 50-19 at one point in the game, and it’s been that type of season for Sacramento.
Harden finished the game with 43 points and eight assists in only three quarters. Rudy Gay led the Kings with 25 points and six assists.
The Rockets improve to 39-18 and the Kings fall to 20-37.
Timberwolves 110, Suns 101
Six straight 30 point & 10 rebound games. Averaging 34 & 13 in the month of February. To sum up Kevin Love’s season in one word: Dominant.
The Timberwolves big man led his squad to a much needed victory in Phoenix. Minnesota has had a hard time finishing strong late in games, but they did so last night against a worthy opponent. These road wins aren’t easy, but if the Timberwolves continue to pick them up they have an outside shot of making the playoffs.
Love finished the game with 33 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists. Markieff Morris led the Suns with 24 points.
The Timberwolves improve to 28-29 and the Suns fall to 33-23.
Pacers 118, Lakers 108
Evan Turner made his debut for the Pacers last night in Indiana after the trade that sent Danny Granger to Philly. Kent Bazemore, a new addition to the struggling Lakers roster, has been a bright spot for the Los Angeles squad as he finished with another career-high in points.
The Pacers currently sit on top of the East standings with a 2 game lead over Miami. Indiana will have to keep up the momentum as the Heat are right on their heels and hungry for the top seed with 20 games remaining in the season.
Paul George led the Pacers with 20 points and seven rebounds. Bazemore finished with 23 points for the Lakers.
The Pacers improve to 43-13 and the Lakers drop to 19-38.
Blazers 100, Nuggets 95
The Nuggets put up a good fight in this one, but Damian Lillard and the Blazers were too much to handle last night in Denver. Sitting at the five spot out West, the Blazers know that they cannot afford any more slip ups and it will be interesting to see where they finish.
Lillard dominated this game with 31 points, nine assists and seven rebounds. JJ Hickson led the Nuggets with 16 points and a monster 25 rebounds.
The Blazers improve to 39-18 and the Nuggets fall to 25-31.
Raptors 99, Cavaliers 93
The Cavs almost picked up a victory over the Raptors at home, but DeMar DeRozan lifted the Toronto squad to a victory down the stretch. The Raptors have won three straight and sit comfortably at the 3 spot in the East playoff picture.
DeRozan finished the game with 33 points and six assists for the Raptors. Kyrie Irving entertained the home crowd with 25 points and nine assists.
The Raptors improve to 32-25 and the Cavaliers fall to 22-36.
Bulls 107, Hawks 103
The Bulls continue their campaign as the NBA’s best surprise team. Between them and the Phoenix Suns out West, these two teams are legit and will be a nightmare for whoever has to match up with them in the playoffs. They picked up a big road win against a struggling but fighting Atlanta Hawks squad.
Joakim Noah led the Bulls with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Jeff Teague led the Hawks with 26 points and seven assists.
The Bulls improve to 30-26 and the Hawks drop to 26-30.
Wizards 115, Magic 106
The Wizards continue to prepare for the playoffs in this years weak Eastern Conference. John Wall put on a show last night in DC and led the Wizards to a victory over an awful Magic roster.
Wall finished the game with 27 points and seven assists. Maurice Harkless led the Magic with 22 points.
The Wizards improve to 29-28 and the Magic fall to 17-42.
-Patrick Hazel (@pattywack25)
