This week continues to be one of record setting and breaking in the NBA. In the West, the Golden State Warriors became the only team in NBA history to win 65-plus games in three straight seasons, while in the East, Hassan Whiteside set the record for most double-doubles in Miami Heat franchise history.
Warriors take Phoenix
Stephen Curry’s fifth 40-point game of the season (42 points, five rebounds, 11 assists) helped the Golden State Warriors beat the Phoenix Suns 120-111. Klay Thompson had 22 points and seven rebounds, and Patrick McCow finished with nine points, five rebounds and four assists.
The Suns were led by Devin Booker with 21 points and five rebounds, Tyler Ulis had 20 points, five rebounds and six assists, and Jared Dudley had 19 points, seven rebounds and six assists.
Heat scorch Hornets
The Miami Heat defeated the Charlotte Hornets 112-99 on the back of Goran Dragic’s 33 points. James Johnson had 26 points and four rebounds, Josh Richardson 19 points, six rebounds and five assists, and Hassan Whiteside a 13-point, 20-rebound double-double.
Cameroonian-French guard Nicolas Batum led the Hornets with 24 points and seven assists, Kemba Walker had 18 points and five assists, and Marvin Williams ended the game with a 15-point, 12-rebound double-double.
Clippers down Mavericks
The LA Clippers beat the Dallas Mavericks 112-101. Blake Griffin had 32 points, four rebounds and six assists, JJ Redick 25 points and Chris Paul a double-double with 22 points and 11 assists.
Harrison Barnes led the Mavs with 15 points and four rebounds, Yogi Ferrell had 14 points and six assists, JJ Barea 14 points, and Tunisian center Salah Mejri finished with 10 points and nine rebounds.
Lakers stun Spurs
The Lakers surprised the San Antonio Spurs, beating them 102-95 with an incomplete squad. Tyler Ennis had 19 points and six assists, Jordan Clarkson 17 points and six rebounds, and Larry Nance Jr had points and nine rebounds.
The Spurs were led by Tony Parker with 14 points and four assists, Davis Bartens also had 14 points, while Kawhi Leonard and Kyle Anderson combined for 22 with 11 points apiece.
Cavaliers beat Celtics
The Cleveland Cavaliers are once again top of the Eastern Conference after beating the Celtics 114-91 in Boston. LeBron James had a 36-point, 10-rebound double-double, Kevin Love also had a double-double with 15 points and 16 rebounds, while Kyrie Irving finished with 19 points and five assists.
Isaiah Thomas led the Celtics with 26 points, four rebounds and six assists, Jae Crowder had 13 points and four rebounds, while Al Horford and Kelly Olynyc combined for 24 with 12 points each.
The Rest
The Houston Rockets beat the Denver Nuggets 110-104 on James Harden’s 31-point, 10-assist double-double, Russell Westbrook came a rebound shy of beating the NBA’s all-time record for most triple-doubles in a season, but OKC still defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 103-100, and Kyle Lowry returned from injury with a 27-point, 10 assist double-double to see the Toronto Raptors beat the Detroit Pistons 105-102.
By Kaunda Chama
