Ibaka, Thunder stop Spurs
Oklahoma City extends winning streak to 11 behind third-quarter run.
Serge Ibaka tied his career-best with 25 points and grabbed a seasonhigh 17 rebounds, and the host Oklahoma City Thunder beat the San Antonio Spurs 107-93 Monday night for their 11th straight win.
The Thunder took control with a string of 11 straight points during the third quarter, punctuated by Nick Collison’s putback that made it 7156 with 4:27 remaining in the period. On the next possession, Ibaka ripped away his third straight offensive rebound before heading toward midcourt and flexing his muscles.
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich kept his starters parked on the bench throughout the fourth quarter, even as San Antonio cut an 18-point lead in half with about 5½ minutes left.
Tony Parker and Nando De Colo had 14 points apiece to lead the Spurs, who could have created a virtual tie for the best record with a win.
Manu Ginobili did not play for the Spurs because he bruised his left quadriceps in Saturday’s win at Boston.
Russell Westbrook chipped in 22 points and nine assists, Kevin Martin scored 20 and Kevin Durant had 19 as Oklahoma City maintained sole possession of the best record in the NBA.
It was the teams’ first meeting in Oklahoma City since the Thunder overcame a 2-0 deficit in the Western Conference finals by winning the next four games. The Spurs drew a measure of revenge in the season opener by beating Oklahoma City on Parker’s jumper as time expired.
Rockets 109, Knicks 96: Jeremy Lin won again at Madison Square Garden — and for the first time this season, New York didn’t.
Lin had 22 points and eight assists in his return to New York as Houston ended the Knicks’ 10game home winning streak to open the season.
Cheered, then jeered, Lin added another masterpiece to the ones he put together last season during the height of Linsanity. No longer the fan favorite he was when wearing the home uniform, Lin got a mixed reception when he left the game with 2:25 remaining and the Rockets leading by 16.
James Harden had 28 points and 10 rebounds for the Rockets, who blew out the Knicks for the second time this season. They have won the last seven meetings, including a 131-103 rout Nov. 23.
Rookie Chris Copeland scored a career-high 29 points for the Knicks, who played without leading scorer Carmelo Anthony and had their four-game winning streak snapped. They fell to 18-6, matching the record they finished last season with under Mike Woodson.
The Rockets outscored the Knicks 54-29 over the middle two quarters, denying New York its first 11-0 start at home since 1991-92.
Magic 102, Timberwolves 93: Glen Davis scored 28 points and J.J. Redick had 18 points and seven assists for host Orlando.
Grizzlies 80, Bulls 71: Mike Conley had 17 points, Zach Randolph added 10 points and 15 rebounds and host Memphis overcame a poor start.
Clippers 88, Pistons 76: Jamal Crawford scored 15 points and Chris Paul added 14 to lead visiting Los Angeles to its 10th straight win.